{"id":1737,"date":"2022-05-06T17:44:18","date_gmt":"2022-05-06T23:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=1737"},"modified":"2022-05-17T09:08:48","modified_gmt":"2022-05-17T15:08:48","slug":"chapter-23-chip","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-i-past-and-present\/chapter-23-chip\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 23 – Chip"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip crept along the side of the road, his senses tingling with excitement. The sky was blue and clear, the air filled with the scent of conifers freshly washed by rain. The ground smelled rich and fertile. Everything smelled good. And there was game about. So much game. He could barely contain himself.<\/p>\n

Hircine hasn\u2019t had many animal souls or pelt offerings from me of late, and it\u2019s about time I remedied that. <\/em><\/p>\n

He grinned as he heard, and then scented, and then saw a pair of fat elk snuffling about in the undergrowth, far enough ahead that they wouldn\u2019t spook at his presence and yet would present a fitting challenge. He turned to look at Qara, holding one finger up before his mouth to silence her. She nodded, and he smiled again. Qara couldn\u2019t see, hear, or smell as far as he could, but she was no fool and she knew about silence even better than he did.<\/p>\n

His arrow flew straight and strong, burying itself in the first elk\u2019s side and dropping it like a stone. Even better, the second elk didn\u2019t even seem to notice. Chip fired again, killing the elk before it had a chance to spot them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip straightened and held his arms up to the sky in a moment of silent celebration and thanks to Hircine. He hadn\u2019t lost his touch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re getting to be a regular wizard with that bow, Chip,\u201d Qara said as she reached his side. \u201cBut we can\u2019t linger. I\u2019m not so sure why this is so important, really. Kalevi said Pinevale was all burned out. And we need to get back to talk to Daddy. I swear, if something happens to our grandparents before we get him back here to see them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip stowed his bow and sighed in resignation. \u201cYeah, I know. But as to why we want to see Pinevale all I can say is that I have this dim recollection of Da talking about a town that sounds like it might have been the same place. Maybe if we can tell him what it\u2019s like now he\u2019ll have even more reason to come back. Besides, we promised Kalevi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara snorted, glaring at her brother. \u201cAnd he is more important than our family because\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip made a sour face. He knew better than to argue with her at a moment like this. But he\u2019d lost count of how many times she had reminded him of Brynjolf\u2019s teachings. If you gave your word, you kept it. She\u2019d see the error of her ways quickly enough; she always did. And just as he\u2019d expected, her glare faded and she shrugged her shoulders, sighing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, ok. You\u2019re right. But let\u2019s save the hunting for later, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip nodded. \u201cJust let me skin these boys and we\u2019ll be on our way.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he knelt over the gorgeous elk, Kalevi\u2019s words ran through his mind again. They\u2019d been in the Amber Mead Inn, awash in people\u2019s congratulations for defeating Yngvarr, when the young Bosmer had beckoned to him. Grateful for an excuse to step away from the crowd, he\u2019d approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi there. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi. I\u2019m Kalevi, and I overheard you calling Brunulvr \u2018Grandda\u2019 so I figured maybe since you have family here, you\u2019d understand my problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, um\u2026\u201d The young Bosmer seemed very uncomfortable. \u201cI recently obtained some information about where I was born. You see, I don\u2019t think Kunnari is my real father. We\u2019re both Bosmer, but I think I was born in another village and brought here when it was burned down. Please \u2013 go to Pinevale. Try to find some evidence that I was born there. Just don\u2019t bring this up with Kunnari. I\u2019d go myself, but if I do he\u2019ll be suspicious right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

No problem there. I\u2019m not even sure I know who Kunnari is, truthfully. We\u2019ve been pretty busy with Yngvarr.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would just crush him if he knew I was looking into this,\u201d Kalevi continued. \u201cI still care for him very much as my father, but I just have to know. I know it\u2019s a simple request but it\u2019s very important, and it would mean a lot to me if you could help. The two of you,\u201d he said, looking across the room at Qaralana, \u201cyou\u2019re family. And you\u2019ve done big things. I know you can do this too.\u201d<\/p>\n

He and Qara had been raised hearing about the importance of family, just as if theirs \u2013 blood family and extended family alike \u2013 was any more than a rough amalgam of half-relatives, close friends, and business associates of one kind or another. He could just hear Brynjolf saying \u201cwe take care of our own.\u201d Chip looked at the anxious face before him and smiled. Just that, all by itself, was enough reason to help the poor boy out. Even if, being Bosmer, Kalevi could easily be twice his age, he looked like a wistful teenager.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we can do that for you. I really want to look around Falskaar some more anyway, now that the battles are over. But tell me, what makes you think Kunnari isn\u2019t your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kalevi grimaced. \u201cWell, for starters, when I ask anyone about my mom, they either avoid answering or change the subject. I figure if my mom died when I was young they would at least ramble on fondly about her or something. Recently I found a book that talked about the attack on Pinevale. It says that the merchant who found the town in ruins was given an infant. He brought that infant here, to Amber Creek. I think I was that child. The dates line up, more or less, and it would explain a lot. I just want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip rubbed his chin. He\u2019d already made up his mind, but something about Kalevi\u2019s tone bothered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what will you do if you find out he isn\u2019t really your father? I mean\u2026\u201d he sighed. \u201cI didn\u2019t meet my father until I was more than two winters old, according to everyone else. There\u2019s no question that I\u2019m his son, because I look just like him; but even if I didn\u2019t he raised me. Don\u2019t get me wrong. I\u2019d want to know too. But it\u2019s worth thinking about, ahead of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kalevi nodded. \u201cI know. And like I said, he\u2019s my father whether he\u2019s my real father or not. I\u2019m not really sure what I\u2019ll do. He\u2019s lied to me about this all my life. But he\u2019s also done so much for me. I\u2019ll confront him, and finally get the truth; but then? I just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was obvious that this problem was eating away at the Bosmer. Chip could see that as clearly as if the young mer had been wearing a hand-painted sign reading \u201cI don\u2019t know who I am.\u201d And that, Chip thought, is something I can definitely appreciate. I may know who my kin are but I\u2019ve still got no idea why or how I became a werewolf and it\u2019s just bothering me to no end.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, let me go get Qara and we\u2019ll head out. But maybe,\u201d he paused, trying to imagine what Kodlak might have said in a similar situation, \u201cmaybe you should think about it as him trying to protect you, not to lie to you. Maybe the truth would have been painful to hear.\u201d Gods know Da didn\u2019t want me to know that he\u2019d been a vampire until I was old enough to hear it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much,\u201d Kalevi said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll think about what you said. I hadn\u2019t looked at it that way before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip had grabbed his sister, whispering \u201clet\u2019s get out of this noise\u201d in her ear. She\u2019d seemed happy to follow him out into the beautiful, quiet day. She\u2019d listened to Chip and agreed that they should do something to help Kalevi.<\/p>\n

Chip cut the last strip of juicy meat from the elk, in response to his inner wolf\u2019s clamoring for it. He finished rolling the pelts up into a package he could carry easily and rose to his feet, grinning at Qara.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t judge me for this,\u201d he said. \u201cSomeone is hungry.\u201d He set to on the raw elk meat, groaning in happy satisfaction at its fresh, gamey flavor. \u201cMan, that\u2019s good,\u201d he mumbled around a mouthful of meat.<\/p>\n

Qara wrinkled up her nose. \u201cThat is disgusting<\/em>. You know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded, snickering. \u201cYup. I do. But it\u2019s what my body wants, so\u2026 Oh!\u201d he exclaimed, holding out another piece. \u201cYou want some?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEww, no. Come on, Chip. Finish gnawing on the elk and let\u2019s go. I know this is important, but so is getting back to Mama and Daddy. And I really want to\u2026\u201d She trailed off, and Chip thought he saw the hint of a blush on her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to what? See Harald?\u201d<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t help it. It\u2019s so funny to see the two of them try to deny it when everyone knows they\u2019re meant for each other.<\/em><\/p>\n

She stomped her foot on the forest floor. It didn\u2019t have nearly the same effect as a boot on a hard surface. Chip snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, damn it all, Chip, I want to see Harald. I haven\u2019t seen him in forever and I want to tell him about the Dwemer ruin I came through on my way here! He\u2019d be excited to come look at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip nodded sagely, just as though he wasn\u2019t still teasing her. \u201cMmm-hmm. Makes sense. I\u2019m sure that\u2019s why you want to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara smacked his arm and stomped away. \u201cWe have a long run still. Let\u2019s go, already.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip laughed, wiped his hands on some leaves, and followed her. It didn\u2019t matter where they were headed, he thought. This was one of the most beautiful places he\u2019d ever seen. Something about it made him feel more alive than he\u2019d felt in a long while. But she was right; they needed to get back to their father, and he personally needed to get back to Jorrvaskr.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d truthfully been dreading that. Being Harbinger hung over him like a dark cloud. His home was the forest, in the Rift, not in the city. Now that Vilkas and Farkas were no longer werewolves, all that was left for him in Whiterun was the memory of Skjor and Kodlak, and the presence of Aela. And that made him shake his head. Aela was beautiful, no question about it. She was fierce, and strong, and he would love to run and hunt with her: but he couldn\u2019t envision any kind of future with her.<\/p>\n

And that leaves me alone, still, and confused still, and stifled in a place I don\u2019t want to be. Still. I don\u2019t have someone waiting for me the way Harald is waiting for Qara. I can\u2019t do it anymore. But I don\u2019t know how to get out of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

He had worried at the problem as they ran along, crossing the river and beginning the trek down the switchbacks. Vilkas should be the Harbinger, he thought. He\u2019d be much better at it than I am. I should go and tell him that. I wonder if he\u2019d listen to me. I\u2019m just not right for the job, and I feel as though he would have been named Harbinger if I hadn\u2019t been there.<\/p>\n

But the farther they ran the more Falskaar\u2019s exceptional beauty distracted him from his worries. By the time they had reached the pine forest at the base of the mountains, Chip was completely involved in observing the wildlife, watching for game, and enjoying being a hunter once more.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

They passed a road sign; one of the arrows pointed to Pinevale. Chip pointed at it and nodded to Qara.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally,\u201d Qara snickered. They ran on for a bit longer before she spoke again. \u201cSo we\u2019re facing a ruin, mostly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we know that Yngvarr was hiring bandits. And we both know where bandits like to make themselves at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. That\u2019s what I\u2019m listening for. Not all of Yngvarr\u2019s people were in that last couple of battles. I\u2019m betting this out-of-the-way spot has some of the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not long afterward, they neared the foot of the sheer mountain range. The cobbles on the road they\u2019d been following were increasingly full of needles and dirt, but not overgrown with grass and shrubs. That meant there was still foot traffic in the area. Chip saw the rooflines before he heard the rhythmic clanking of hammer on anvil. He dropped off the side of the road and turned to whisper to Qara.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis must be it. Looks like they\u2019ve done some work on the roof of at least one building, but the rest are all ruined.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s likely a mine up there, too, this close to the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be surprised. I can hear someone smithing. Can\u2019t smell anything yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, lead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Movement caught his attention just as he was ducking behind a moss-covered tree. He grabbed for his bow and readied an arrow, only to realize that it hadn\u2019t been a person he\u2019d seen moving, but another beautiful elk, standing between them and the first of several burned-out buildings. He grinned and let the arrow fly. No sense in wasting an opportunity. The elk fell where it stood, not even a squeal of surprise marring the quiet of the day.<\/p>\n

By the gods I love this place.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Behind him, Qara sighed. He looked back to see her shaking her head in mock disapproval before a smile took her face in spite of her attempts to look stern. Chip dropped back into a crouch and beckoned for her to follow, using the shadows and the massive trees themselves as cover as he made a path into Pinevale itself. He intended to move behind one of the ruined homes to take stock of the place.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a very large town. Perhaps there had been more to it when their father had been born, but now it consisted of three or four ruined buildings and one with a partially-repaired roof and incomplete walls. It was just enough shelter for a small group of men. Slipping behind the nearest structure, Chip took note of the still-solid foundation and chimney.<\/p>\n

It could be rebuilt, with a little time and effort. I wonder why nobody has.<\/em><\/p>\n

He saw the entrance to the mine once they\u2019d moved past the building and some of the larger trees behind it. So that\u2019s it, he thought. The bandits are working the mine and nobody else has wanted to take them on, this close to Staalgarde.<\/p>\n

A cough caught his attention. The man standing on the ruined porch was wearing dark clothing just as Chip was, and blended into the background so perfectly that only his own noise gave away his position. Chip took aim on him and fired.<\/p>\n

The shot caught the bandit in the shoulder; he staggered backward, grunting, but didn\u2019t fall. Instead, he reached for a pole weapon and attacked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFUS- RO DAH!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip cringed as Qara\u2019s Voice shattered the quiet. Not only would that Shout bring out every foe in the area, but the force of it seemed to have completely missed its mark. Dust flew, grass bent over and then sprang back up, but the man kept coming for Chip. Chip loosed another arrow, striking the man\u2019s other shoulder; but he was stubborn and refused to die. Qara dashed forward shooting flames. That, and a third arrow, finally took their opponent down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As expected, the Shout had alerted the rest of the bandits. Qara darted back across the road toward the lone mostly-intact house, yelling \u201cNow you\u2019ll pay!\u201d Chip tsk\u2019d and started that way himself, but an arrow buried itself into an ore cart just in front of him, stopping him cold. He looked for the archer, but was interrupted by another swordsman dashing toward him.<\/p>\n

Chip managed to fire one arrow but barely slowed him down. There was no time for another bowshot; so he pulled out his blades instead. Even so, he wasn\u2019t able to avoid the bandit\u2019s strike. While his armor deflected the worst of the damage the blade penetrated deep enough to slice across his belly. Chip gasped in pain, but forced himself forward to attack.<\/p>\n

It took him two or three sets of strikes to kill the man. In between each he staggered away, panting, wishing he could attend to his wound; but there was no time. Finally, his last attack caught the man\u2019s throat, taking him down. Chip took a deep breath, prepared his healing spell, and had just cast it when a shout had him swiveling back to his left.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your best shot!\u201d The man was barreling toward him with an enormous maul, its head nearly as broad as the man\u2019s shoulders, readied for a blow. One hit from that \u2013 just one \u2013 would be all it would take to end Chip. He turned and fled toward the trees that had hidden their approach to the town.<\/p>\n

Damn! Qara, where are you?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHey! HEY!\u201d Chip heard Qara yelling, running through the tall grass as she tried to get the bandit\u2019s attention. But the man\u2019s maul was already in its downward arc. Chip summoned all the strength he had and jumped forward as the massive weapon struck the ground behind him, just clipping his cape and tugging him backward, almost off his feet. It had been a near thing.<\/p>\n

He had a few of Hircine\u2019s arrows left in his quiver. Grabbing for one as he pulled his cape free and struggled forward, he fitted it to the string sloppily and turned back, firing in the general direction of his foe. It didn\u2019t matter that he couldn\u2019t aim; the fierce wolf that emerged from the ball of conjuration magic attacked the bandit instantly. And a good thing it did, too: his wound wasn\u2019t properly healed and another arrow zipped by perilously close, from the direction of the partially-restored house. This time he was able to see the archer.<\/p>\n

Now you, I can handle. Bring it on.<\/em><\/p>\n

He lobbed an arrow into the other archer\u2019s right shoulder and then cast healing on himself once more. As he did so he heard a huge metallic sound. Qara was Shouting. He didn\u2019t recognize the words, but he saw the archer\u2019s bow fly out of his hands and land on the ground a number of paces away.<\/p>\n

Holy smokes. She disarmed him! <\/em><\/p>\n

By the time Chip reached her side, Qara and the conjured wolf had finished the man off. The wolf howled, and dissipated. They checked the building, but found only food and firewood and evidence that the bandits had been working on repairing the place bit by bit. Chip sighed. He could smell the bodies scattered around near the mine entrance, and was beginning to get a bit agitated. He either needed to leave the area, or transform and consume them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think if we\u2019re going to find anything from years ago it\u2019s going to be stored in the mine. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded. \u201cThat makes sense to me. Lead on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mine wasn\u2019t anything unusual, inside; but the sounds of pickaxes striking stone told Chip that it was indeed a working mine. They eased into the first intersection, Chip drawing back his bowstring to take aim on the miner standing next to a wall-mounted torch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a bad feeling about this,\u201d Qara whispered behind him, startling him.<\/p>\n

Chip flinched as he released the arrow, just enough for it to fly wide of the mark. But before he could even growl at himself for missing, Qara dashed past him, casting flames at the bandit. As the man raised his weapon, she calmly drove one of her blades into his chest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d he groaned as he sank to the floor. Chip shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice work,\u201d he told his sister as she returned to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. I saw that arrow go wide and figured you wouldn\u2019t have time to take a second shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Down the sloping tunnel and around the corner to the left, someone had set up a table and single chair, where one of the mine\u2019s occupants was relaxing. Chip had no trouble this time, ending the man with a single shot. They took their time searching the barrels and crates near the table for any kind of information. All they found was a thin coin purse and a dwarven knife.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Further into the mine, Chip picked off another man with two quick shots. The miner had been working what looked like a vein of silver.<\/p>\n

Good to know. Amber Hold ought to be getting that wealth.<\/em><\/p>\n

The bottom of the mineshaft was just around the next corner. The bandits had set up bedding and chests there, and a couple of them were working on something near the lights. The remnants of platforms midway down the shaft still looked fairly solidly fastened to the walls. Chip motioned to Qara and then jumped quietly across the small gap to the nearest of them, swinging his bow up in front of him as he went.<\/p>\n

His first arrow struck solidly; but unfortunately, the man in question had spotted Qara and turned just as Chip had loosed, and the solid hit was on his arm, not in his chest. The bandit ran for Qara; but she was ready for him, disarming him with a Shout just as Chip\u2019s second arrow struck home. Qara finished the job with a blade.<\/p>\n

Chip heard the second bandit just beneath him. He tried to line up a shot, but the angle was too sharp; as Qara rushed across the room casting flames, Chip tsk\u2019d, readied his blades, and dropped down from the ledge practically onto the man\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry to hit me, I dare you!\u201d the man blustered.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Chip said, slicing the bandit\u2019s neck open. The entire battle had lasted only a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell there,\u201d Qara said as he wiped off his blades and sheathed them. \u201cWhat are we looking for, again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything that would prove Kalevi was born here,\u201d he said, opening the chest to rustle around inside it. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Papers? A letter? A family locket or something with his name on it? I\u2019m not sure.\u201d He grimaced in frustration as all of the books scattered about turned out to be largely moldy or burned. There were a few valuables in the chest, but nothing with any kind of personal markings on them. He was sighing at the similarly useless things in the end table next to the chest when Qara spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about this?\u201d He glanced over at her to see a journal in her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOooh. Maybe that! What does it say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara started reading and then made a sort of choked noise. \u201cIt\u2026 it\u2019s him, alright. His mother was very ill and his father was wounded. They gave Kalevi to a merchant headed for Amber Creek, thinking that they\u2019d follow and reclaim him as soon as they were recovered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip frowned. \u201cAnd they never did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. So it would seem.\u201d She looked up at him and sighed. \u201cThat\u2019s really sad, Chip. Are you sure we want to tell him about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh absolutely. If one of our parents had just up and disappeared, wouldn\u2019t you want to know what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded. \u201cI suppose I would. Ok, let\u2019s get going then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip was happy when they stepped out of the raging thunderstorm to find Kalevi again in the inn. He approached the Bosmer, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found something from your parents, left in the mine,\u201d he said, handing Kalevi the old journal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did? Let me see!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip watched as the young mer scanned down the pages, the expression on his face going from excitement and anticipation to sadness. Once or twice Kalevi sighed, as if to speak, but then stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t abandon you. They expected to be coming here to retrieve you,\u201d Chip said gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2026 they gave me up after the attack, to save me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey knew it was the only way you\u2019d survive,\u201d Qara told him. \u201cAnd they knew Kunnari would take good care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kalevi looked back and forth between the siblings. \u201cAt least now I can be at peace. Thank you for finding this for me. I hope this helps make it worth your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Chip could protest, Kalevi pressed a fat coin purse into his palm and darted for the door. He moved to follow, but Qara stopped him with a hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Chip,\u201d she said. \u201cLet him go. He needs to work through this on his own time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so.\u201d Gods know I\u2019ve had enough things of my own to work through.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, let\u2019s go get Granddaddy. He wanted to come with us on our way down to the docks. I think Grandmama is worried we won\u2019t make it all in one piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d Chip wasn\u2019t sure why the idea made him uncomfortable, but it did. On the other hand, he did have some questions that he wanted to ask his grandfather. He just wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to ask them with Qara present.<\/p>\n

As it happened, Qara asked the first of the questions before he had a chance to.<\/p>\n

\u201cGranddaddy, I have a question,\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo ye, now? Ask it then, lassie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about Pinevale? We cleared out a bunch of bandits from the place. It\u2019s mostly burned out, but the mine is still good, and they\u2019d been working on the roof of one house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooked like they were splitting logs to repair the walls, too,\u201d Chip added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, Pinevale.\u201d The old man nodded, frowning. \u201cWe lived there back whin yer da was born. After th’ fire yer grandma didnae hae th’ heart tae go back. An\u2019 us with a wee bairn an\u2019 all. We moved tae Amber Creek and hae lived there a’ these years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy will be glad to know he wasn\u2019t imagining things, then,\u201d Qara said. \u201cHe\u2019s mentioned the little town and fire often enough, but wasn\u2019t sure whether it was a real memory or just something he dreamed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he, now. I always knew th’ laddie was clever bit tae mind something from when he was so wee is impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fire and a little town. It\u2019s a real shame it\u2019s in such a shape. It wouldn\u2019t take that much to make it a place people could live again.<\/em><\/p>\n

A person could live out there and not be bothering a soul. Nobody asking for your time, or your arm to do stupid jobs anyone else could do. All that quiet, all that peace.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAll that game,\u201d he murmured, not quite realizing he\u2019d spoken aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cEh?\u201d Brunulvr asked.<\/p>\n

Chip startled, and then felt himself blushing in embarrassment. \u201cUh, I was thinking about all the hunting a person could do up there. It\u2019s just beautiful and there are so many beasts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr gave him a sharp look. \u201cAye, that there are. \u2018Tis braw hunting in th’ forest. But I need ye two bairns te fetch yer Da back. Yer Ma too, if she\u2019s a mind to come, but mostly yer Da. It\u2019ll mean so much te my Misty.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019d nearly reached the docks. Qara grinned at Brunulvr.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait for him to see this place. I promise I\u2019ll get him here.\u201d She gave him a quick hug, and then bounded down the stairs toward Wulf\u2019s ship.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip was standing next to his grandfather, close enough to hear the embarrassed snort that followed Qara\u2019s hug. He laughed. And then he came to a decision.<\/p>\n

I think I actually decided this a good while ago. Qara won\u2019t be happy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Qara turned to stare back at Chip. \u201cAre you coming, or are you going to stand there all day like a dope?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip grinned. \u201cI\u2019m not coming, Qara. I\u2019m going to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr stared at him. \u201cWhat ere ye on about, laddie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to stay here. I need to work some things out, and I can\u2019t picture a better place to do it than right here. There\u2019s half an island I haven\u2019t seen yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara stomped her foot on the solid boards of the dock, making a satisfying noise. \u201cYou have<\/em> to come with me! Daddy will never listen to just me, and besides, what about the Companions?\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t look at Brunulvr, but heard the sharp intake of breath. \u201cWhat about<\/em> the Companions, laddie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip snorted. \u201cYou know of them, eh? I\u2019m the Harbinger, Grandda. And I\u2019m not sure I want to be. I just don\u2019t fit in with them. I\u2019m glad they trust me and all, but I need\u2026 something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr grunted, and crossed his arms, but said nothing further.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d Chip continued, \u201cPinevale could be a really nice place to live again if someone just put some elbow grease to it. And I might as well do that while I\u2019m sorting through things.\u201d He smiled down at Qara, willing her to understand.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Sis,\u201d he said earnestly. \u201cI need this. I really do. Da will understand. Just tell him I\u2019m working on a surprise for him. Tell him to get word to Vilkas that I\u2019ll be gone for awhile and he\u2019s in charge. Da knows how to do that. Then bring him home. He needs to see this place again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChip\u2026\u201d Qara\u2019s expression as she looked up at them was desperate for a moment, then slowly relaxed. \u201cOK. I guess if I could come here on my own you can stay here on your own. But don\u2019t get yourself hurt in the meantime. I\u2019ll bring him back.\u201d<\/p>\n

She darted up the stairs to give Chip a hug, and then ran down the dock, not looking back before she disappeared below deck on Wulf\u2019s ship. Wulf gave them a wave and cast off.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, laddie,\u201d Brunulvr said without turning, as they watched the ship head out into the ocean. \u201cIt seems we hae a lot tae talk about on our way back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip grinned at his grandfather, happy that they\u2019d have a chance to do just that. \u201cAye,\u201d he said in his best imitation of his father. \u201cThat we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   Chip crept along the side of the road, his senses tingling with excitement. The sky was blue and clear, the air filled with the scent of conifers freshly washed by rain. The ground smelled rich and fertile. Everything smelled good. And there was game about. So much game. He could … <\/p>\n

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