Shannah Jay TENEBRAK106
She nodded and clung to him for a moment more, then pulled herself together. ‘I think tonight I’d like to go down to the inn and drink some of Loral’s glowberry wine. I have such a longing for it.’
‘You do? Or is it little Herranna who wants some?’
Laughing, they went to tell the others where they were going and then strolled down a peaceful street, greeting their friends and looking forward to the happy warmth and light of the inn.
We have done well, Karialla said to herself, breathing in the scents of the night flowers. Deverith is right about that.
Her expression tightened for a moment. Nonetheless, I’m going to keep an eye on Rojan. He’s as stubborn as a meat nerid and as greedy.
Then they entered the open door of the inn and Evril came bustling forward to greet them with a beaming smile.
Friends waved from various tables, calling out invitations to join them.
Happiness welled in her again and she pushed aside the thought of Rojan. As Deverith had said, time enough to deal with him later. And they’d made an excellent start on planning for their temple. You couldn’t do everything at once.
She saw Balas sitting in a corner chatting to Niam, Sarann in earnest conversation with young Benneth, Loral beaming at her from the kitchen door, and she felt a great tide of happiness flood through her.
Tenebrak, she said to herself. It’s my home now. Deverith is right. I shall settle down and enjoy the next few years.
Beyond that she wouldn’t think for the moment. Tonight was for joy, and since the babe wasn’t slowing her down yet, there was nothing to stop her joining in any singing and dancing.
When they sat down, Loral plonked a glass in front of her. ‘Glowberry juice. Good for expectant mothers.’
Karialla flushed. ‘How did you know? We’ve told no one yet.’
‘It takes one to recognise one.’ Loral patted her own belly. ‘We’re to be blessed with another child as well.’
Karialla raised her glass in the traditional Tenebrani toast to pregnant women. ‘May your child be healthy and happy!
And long life to the lucky mother.’
Loral repeated the toast and ambled back to the kitchen.
‘I wonder what Herranna will be like,’ Karialla said dreamily, her thoughts still on her child.
‘Like her mother, I hope,’ Deverith murmured, and could almost see the child now, a sturdy little girl with Karialla’s russet hair.
Then he smiled and focused on his wife. Tonight they were just a man and woman out to enjoy themselves. The temple could wait until another time.
About the Author:
Shannah Jay, who also writes as Anna Jacobs was born in Lancashire and now lives in Australia and Wiltshire.
Discover other titles by Shannah Jay at Smashwords.com
The Chronicles of Tenebrak
1. Quest http://www.annajacobs.com/book.asp?pageID=18
2. Lands of Nowhere http://www.annajacobs.com/book.asp?pageID=19
4. The Price of Wisdom http://www.annajacobs.com/book.asp?pageID=21
Also
Envoy http://www.annajacobs.com/book.asp?pageID=22
Connect with me online at http://www.annajacobs.com
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 3 Deverith the Healer
CHAPTER 4 Sarann
CHAPTER 6 Deverith
CHAPTER 7 Tenebrak
CHAPTER 9 Balas
CHAPTER 12 Hope Reborn
CHAPTER 13 Balas
CHAPTER 14 Sarann
CHAPTER 15 Niam
CHAPTER 17 The Wildwoods
CHAPTER 18 The Spaceship
CHAPTER 19 The Cave
CHAPTER 20 Pair Bonding
CHAPTER 21 The Wedding
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23 Strangers
CHAPTER 26