"Wolf Warrior - 02 - The Solarian Raven" - читать интересную книгу автора (Monet Rae)

Richard ran his hand through his long, dark hair in frustration and sighed in longing as he watched the couple. He knew he should leave them to their peace, but alas, what he needed to confide would not wait for the right time.

He would leave immediately following their conversation.

Richard hesitated, uncertain if he should turn and grant them their privacy. He began to pivot when Serena's command stopped him.

"Richard?"

He hated to spoil their moment.

He approached Serena, who lay upon the bed, and knelt beside a smiling Roan.

"She carries my child.” There was a sense of wonderment in Roan's voice.

Richard laid his hand on Serena's stomach; taking deep breaths, he nodded.

"Indeed she does. A strong man lies within her womb. The child is well. Serena, you must commit to eat more and rest well in the coming months. Angus, my apprentice, will be here to help you with the birth and all will go well. Do not worry.” Richard moved back several paces, distancing himself from his sister's emotions.

Roan rose off his knees to drop down next to Serena on their bed.

Richard was not outfitted in his traditional healer garb. He was dressed as a warrior, his great claymore strapped to his back, and his leather armor wrapped around his body. His leather gauntlet, courtesy of Robert the Bruce, adorned his arm. The gauntlet would assure his safety anywhere inScotland .

Roan voiced the words. “I can sense the finality in this visit. You are leaving, Richard. Am I right?"

Richard was immediately grateful that he had not been required to say them himself.

Serena gasped.

"Yes.” Richard sighed as Serena swiftly rose to her feet. He could sense the protest coming from her.

Roan followed and wrapped his arms around her from behind, restraining her.

"My path leads me to the Bruce's men where I will lend my sword to his cause. I have made a difficult decision in light of my feelings toward my profession. I am unsure how long I will be gone."

Roan held out his arm for a final farewell. “ A'Don ar Cuideachd-ne."Roan spoke the Solarian vow. We protect our own.

Richard clasped his arm back. “ A'Don ar Cuideachd-ne. Take care of my sister and nephew."

Serena surrounded him with her arms. “I sensed your displeasure. I had hoped it was a fleeting emotion. I was denying what I knew to be true. I should have helped you more.” She shed more tears.

Richard shook his head at her guilt.

"Serena, I cannot even control my reaction to absorbing others; pain, the most essential element to my craft. I am disgusted at myself and the means that led me here.” Serena opened her mouth to argue, but Richard stopped her. “No, I must do this. If I ever hope to survive this profession, I must do this."

"Take care, and return to us when you are ready. Take Caine and Greystar. Please.” She lent him her support as she always had.

"I will, Serena, I will.” Richard stepped back with determination and raised his hand.

He turned slowly and walked out of the protected Realm.