David Dalglish: Dawn of Swords

“Bardiya is fine. It is my name, after all.”

The giant laughed at that, looking off in the distance as if remembering a long-lost friend.

Aully finally found her voice, and she asked, “Where is Bessus? I asked to see him but was brought to you instead.”

The giant’s grin faded away.

“Unfortunately, my parents are no more. They were murdered a month or more ago.” He tilted his head. “By elves from Stonewood, as a matter of fact.”

Aully frowned. That explained the chilly reception, at least.

“I apologize,” she said, bowing her head. “There has been an…uprising. My father was murdered as well, before my very eyes.” She felt the tears begin to well. “We were imprisoned…executed one by one…by the Neyvar of the Quellan…and…and.…”

She never finished the thought. The giant Bardiya grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his ample lap, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close, rocking her. Beneath her sobs she heard her mother shriek, as if she were afraid the man meant her harm. But Bardiya had no such thing in mind. His embrace was warm and comforting. She felt like she had when she was a tiny little thing and her father had used to hold her in his lap while she drifted off to sleep. The memory made her all the sadder, and her tears turned the giant’s knitted tunic into a wet, salty mess.

“Calm, child,” his soothing voice said. “You are safe now.”

“Does that mean.…” began Kindren.

The giant let go of Aully and set her back to standing. He nodded at Kindren and then rose, turning to face the remaining Stonewood elves, who gathered on the ridge above, surrounded by the spear-bearing men who had brought them there.

“These are our friends,” Bardiya announced, his voice carrying on the wind, loud as a thunderclap. “The child of Cleotis Meln has begged sanctuary, and we shall grant it. Ki-Nan, get them food and water. Maliya, have your sons gather lumber so we can assist them in building shelters. Hear me now. All life is precious, and it is our duty as inhabitants of this world to protect those in danger. The restless and the weary are ours to protect. Stonewood elves, welcome to Ang. It is with joy in my heart that I tell you this is your home now for as long as you wish to stay.”

The expressions softened on the faces of the armed men. They still seemed slightly apprehensive, but they lowered their weapons and departed, leaving her people alone on the ridge. Still crying, Aully grabbed the giant’s hand, placing a kiss on fingers that were nearly as wide as her arm.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

“Yes,” said Kindren. “It is very honorable what you did.”

Bardiya shrugged. “Who am I to turn you away?” he asked.

“So we are safe?” Aully said, her voice pleading. “Are we really, truly safe?”

The giant’s eyes gazed to the east, where it looked as if roiling thunderclouds had formed in the distance. He looked back down at her, and though his eyes were kind, there was a dark uncertainty there that sent chills running down her spine.

“You are for now,” he said. “But I fear this world is breaking, and I know not how long that safety shall last.”

Aully followed his gaze, staring up at those gathering storm clouds along with him. Despite the warmth of the day, despite the reassuring presence of the giant beside her, she shivered.