? The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) ?

Chapter 17: Family Affairs

"I'll answer. I am Wilam, your father's brother."

Sabin flinched. The man's brown face gave him pause. He looked familiar and not because he was the first man he'd ever seen with similarly colored skin to his own.

Alaina shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, male aunt. How is my father? Does he look like you?"

Wilam glanced sidelong at Lila. "Yes, my dear. He looks like me, but a bit shorter. Your mom visits him in Echu on occasion, because he is in no condition to travel. I have not made this trip for ages, but he asked me to deliver a message of congratulations to Lila on his behalf."

Kianna folded her arms. "Congratulations? For what?"

"For her formal ascension to High Elder Rina. He hope that they can work together to end this foolish separation."

Kianna raised an eyebrow. "You've been working with our father to end the separation, yet you told me to stop studying under Elder Rea?"

"Daughter Rea."

"That's because you voted to expel her from Feral!"

Wilam cleared his throat. "Please don't be upset with your mother, Kianna. She only wants what's best for you. And Rea was always a bit of a firebrand."

"How would you know, man?"

"Hey!" Sabin said.

"Not now love."

"Love?" Lila asked.

Kianna flinched.

"It looks like maybe you should pull back your righteous anger for a moment." Lila shook her head. "Engaging in an unsanctioned union, Kianna? I thought I raised you better."

"I am allowed to make my own choice in husband."

Husband?

"As long as they are from Echu. You know this."

Wilam coughed.

"Later, H.E.R.," Kianna said.

Wilam picked up his tea and took a sip. "We do not hold the same hostility as the women of Feral. Women are welcome in Echu, our village. Even though very few stay, like Rea." He sighed. If the separation has taught us anything, it is the value of family. I would not want my presence to cause such hostility."

"Do not go," Lila said. "Please stay and tell them of their father."

I'm definitely out of place here.

Sabin bowed. "I did not mean to intrude. I will bring my worries to you tomorrow, H.E.R."

"Sabin is it?" Wilam said. "Lila's told me a lot about you. It is nice to see the Serien that protects my family."

He bowed again. "It is my honor. Though I would say they protect me just as much. If you would excuse me."

Wilam pulled a chair from the table. "Please stay and tell us of your travels. I would like to know how Aegis's son fares in his duty."

Sabin narrowed his eyes. "How do you know my father?"

Wilam smirked. "We've crossed paths a few times."

That tone scratched at the back of Sabin's mind. He smiled and nodded, reaching for the answer.

Valice!

He flinched and Wilam winked.

He knows I know.

Their enemy sat three feet in front of him and they weren't preparing to fight him. They were preparing to serve him tea.