Copyright \u00a9 2026 Sylvia Lowik. All rights reserved<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher. Dedication<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you to my husband, Nick, who supported me through it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without all the encouragement of my Twitter friends, who know me as Nettie Sars, I would never have made it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I owe a big thank you to my neurosurgeon,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prof. J.J. Van Overbeeke, who saved my sight nearly 20 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HARDOUR CITIES MIDLAND<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The choices we make define our lives. 1034 AE (After Exodus)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n On a sunny day in April, an unnamed young man watches a beautiful girl dive into the sea. She has sneaked out for an illicit trip to the beach below the mighty towers of Harrington House. This visit sets off a whole train of events, leaving her far from home and damaged beyond repair.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n On her flight through Midland, she finds new friends. One is a young man who will sacrifice everything because he feels responsible for her predicament. The other is a wise ex-warrior monk who guides them through this cruel land.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While being persecuted by Midland’s vicious ruler, they travel through the Badlands, cross the Dark Towers and find help in Sinatown.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arriving at their final destination, they have to make difficult choices.<\/em> CHAPTER 1 – Beautiful Day. 8<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 2 – On the Cliff 10<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 3 – Back in the Castle. 13<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 4 – The stable. 17<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 5 – Henry. 19<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 6 – Mother Redwood. 21<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 7 – Jatar. 25<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 8 – Contraband. 27<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 9 – Mama Wawa. 29<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 10 – Going back. 33<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 11 – Evening Dinner. 35<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 12 – The attack. 37<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 13 – The aftermath. 39<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 14 – Digger\u2019s Peninsula. 42<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 15 – Selby\u2019s House. 45<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 16 – West Drayton. 47<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 17 – Henry and Nicholas. 50<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 18 – Finn the coastline. 55<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 19 – Trip to White Fort 58<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 20 – The Train Ride. 63<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 21 – Marion and John. 65<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 22 – Astrid meets Damien. 68<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 23 – Damien in Solo. 70<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 24 – Mallory, the medic. 72<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 25 – The Prior. 75<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 26 – Meeting Mattie. 77<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 27 – Saving Astrid. 80<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 28 – The Waggon Inn. 83<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 29 – Airships. 86<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 30 – Brother Jeb. 89<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 31 – The Escape Plan. 91<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 32 – The Party. 95<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 33 – The Angels. 97<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 34 – The Escape. 100<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 35 – Damien\u2019s Fury. 104<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 36 – Monks to the Fort 107<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 37 – The Hunt 111<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 38 – Luton Monastery. 114<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 39 – Father Macron. 118<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 40 – The Commander. 121<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 41 – The Forests. 125<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 42 – Badlands. 126<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 43 – A Colourful Map. 129<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 44 – Family Reunion. 132<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 45 – Family Dinner. 137<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 46 – The Dinali 139<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 47 – Solo and Yaya. 141<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 48 – The Decision. 144<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 49 – Robert 147<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 50 – Getting to Know Jonah. 150<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 51 – Gets Terrible News. 154<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 52 – Healing Solo. 158<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 53 – Astrid\u2019s flight 161<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 54 – Following Astrid. 164<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 55 – The Cascades. 168<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 56 – The Ravines. 171<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 57 – The brothers. 174<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 58 – Sinatown. 179<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 59 – The caravan. 184<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 60 – Darkwater Oasis. 189<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 61 – The Raiders. 191<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 62 – The Revelation. 194<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 63 – The Bunyip. 198<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 64 – Upavon. 204<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 65 – Yay and Wulf 208<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 66 – Penn Station. 213<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 67 – Wulf and Yaya travel 217<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 68 – Day in Upavon. 219<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 69 – Make a decision. 221<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 70 – Saying goodbye. 224<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n CHAPTER 71 – Epilogue. 226<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n THE END.. 227<\/a> The Book of Light<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. Widespread and rapid changes have occurred in the atmosphere, the ocean, the cryosphere, and the biosphere. The scale of recent changes across the climate system as a whole and the present state of many aspects of the climate system are unprecedented over the past several centuries to thousands of years. Human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes worldwide. There is evidence of observed changes in extremes, such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones, and of their attribution to human influence.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ISPCC Sixth Assessment<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eugenics is the practice or advocacy of improving the human species by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits. It aims to reduce human suffering by \u201cbreeding out\u201d disease, disabilities and so-called undesirable characteristics from the human population.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n First Law of the Church of Light, Prior Galton the First<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Survival of the fittest or natural selection: The natural process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are most successful in surviving and reproducing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Father Spencer 1264 AE<\/em> No one could have guessed how this beautiful, sun-soaked morning would end. It was one of those rare April days that could fool you into believing summer had already arrived. Gulls wheeled overhead, shrieking like quarrelling fishwives, swooping around the cliffs before plunging into the glittering sea in search of breakfast. Two small figures\u2014more tumbling than running\u2014pelted down the high dunes, racing each other across the vast, deserted beach. One glance out of their bedroom window had been enough that morning: tasks could wait. They would sneak down to the shore through the hidden passage they\u2019d found while exploring the castle cellars. Easy choice.\u201cWait for me, Astrid!\u201d Marion gasped, her short legs scrambling to keep up with her friend\u2019s effortless stride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid didn\u2019t slow. She tore off her headdress in one impatient motion, shaking loose a wild mass of auburn curls. Her cloak landed in the sand. Then her nightgown. The girl was a whirlwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going in?\u201d Marion squeaked. \u201cAstrid, you\u2019ll freeze to death! Just because it\u2019s warm doesn\u2019t mean the water isn\u2019t icy! And your mother will\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019re far too busy with wedding preparations to notice I\u2019ve left the house,\u201d Astrid said, furious and breathless all at once. \u201cIf I see another embroidered lily or endure one more of Father Sirio\u2019s sermons, I swear I\u2019ll throw myself off the highest tower. I\u2019ve been locked all winter indoors\u2014and now, because I\u2019ve turned fifteen and become a \u2018woman\u2019<\/em>\u2014\u201d she spat the word, \u201c\u2014I\u2019m banned from hunting with the men!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion barely had time to roll her eyes before Astrid bolted into the sea with a whoop. The cold shocked her lungs, but she pushed through, swimming in long, clean strokes toward the steeple\u2014one of the few things still visible from the drowned village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John teaching her to swim had been a gift. Without that freedom to slip away, to wash off smoke and rules and expectations, she would have gone mad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She reached the steeple and draped an arm over its railing, floating on her back as the sun warmed her face. Hard to imagine that beneath her, an entire community slept under the waves. Before the Exodus, Billy\u2014Marion\u2019s earnest little brother had told them storms, rising seas, and ancient wars had swallowed whole cities. When the Life Ships launched, many had fled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Billy wasn\u2019t meant to share his monastery lessons, but pride had always loosened his tongue. Astrid adored him for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Automobiles. Instant messages. Libraries of knowledge lived in glass tablets. If everyone had been so educated, how would everything have fallen apart?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Father Sirio insisted technology had doomed humanity, that the Tree of Life was the only safe path now. A path that meant obedience. Marriage. Babies. No maps. No sciences. Nothing that made Astrid feel like Astrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She eyed the horizon. If I could run away\u2026 maybe Nicholas would come with me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back on the dunes, Marion had given up protesting and was sprawled in the sun, peaceful and warm\u2014more sister than friend. When Marion\u2019s mother had died during a raid, Ingrid Harrington had taken her in. Astrid remembered the shy, tearful eight-year-old who had, in no time, grown into her cheerful, loyal shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They couldn\u2019t have been more different. Astrid tall, golden-skinned, athletic; Marion tiny and pale, her silver curls shining in the sunlight. Astrid lived for mischief and movement. Marion preferred gossip by the hearth and was forever trying (and failing) to keep Astrid out of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tomorrow would change everything, though. Weddings. Matches chosen by the Tree and the elders. Futures decided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If only I\u2019d been chosen for Nicholas. Why him for Marion and not me? What\u2019s wrong with his bloodline? He\u2019s strong. Handsome. She flushed, remembering the night she begged him to run away with her. He\u2019d been shocked. Gentle. Firm. Impossible. He does love me. I know he does.<\/em> Their stolen nights\u2014kissing, touching, exploring\u2014had felt like promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But tomorrow she would belong to Henry. Cold, remote Henry. And then the frozen islands of the North. The thought made her shiver more than the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinking of John helped. He\u2019d promised her first pick of his wolfhound Speed\u2019s litter as a farewell gift. Maybe her new hunting dog could ease the loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid sighed and began swimming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The moment she stepped from the waves, the wind bit at her skin like claws. She sprinted toward her clothes, teeth chattering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion had drifted off in the sun. With a wicked grin, Astrid wrung a handful of icy seawater over her friend\u2019s sleeping face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYiiii\u2014!\u201d Marion\u2019s shriek echoed across the dunes. She seized Astrid by the arms and yanked her into her clothes. \u201cYou menace! Hurry\u2014if anyone finds out we used the tunnel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They scrambled back toward the hidden entrance. If anyone discovered they\u2019d used the forbidden passage, they\u2019d be scrubbing pots for a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moments later, the beach was empty again. Only gulls and waves bore witness to the carefree morning that would soon become a memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High on the cliffs above the dunes, a small figure straightened from the scrub and darted into the forest. Boy ran along the narrow path, breath sharp in his throat, feet barely touching the ground. He\u2019d never realised girls could look so\u2026 beautiful. Shiny. That was the only word his stunned brain could supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women and girls back home didn\u2019t look like that. Compared to those golden- and silver-skinned goddesses on the beach, Midlands women seemed either plain or downright terrifying. And yet those two had been alone\u2014unguarded-at the sea\u2019s edge. Unthinkable. At home, it would never be allowed. Far too dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Midland women learned early how to keep the worst men at bay. They tattooed themselves almost beyond recognition, pierced whatever could be pierced, and fought with the ferocity of wildcats. They frightened the life out of him. They\u2019d formed a tribe of their own: the Vixens. Fierce. Loyal. Deadly. His sister, Yaya, was one of them. Of course, she was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou need looking after, little bro,\u201d she always teased. \u201cYou\u2019re too soft. One day, Damian will spot you and drag you into his harem. Too handsome and too gentle by half.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thought alone made Boy break into a sweat. Damian\u2014self-proclaimed ruler of the Midlands\u2014was the most feared man in the Archipelago. He looked like a jolly monk, round and soft-faced, but every Midland child knew better. Ever since his older brothers died on raids, Damian ruled with an iron fist. People whispered he was crueller than the sea itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damian was always scouting for new blood\u2014his \u201csons,\u201d he called them. Rumour said his family had once lived on the Island until the Harringtons cast them out. The hatred had festered ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He wanted nothing to do with the boy. They\u2019d been sent here under orders: scout the castle, note the gathering families, report if anything unusual happened. Solo\u2014scout leader, Yaya\u2019s mate, and the most reckless man Boy had ever met\u2014claimed Damian meant to use the event for revenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Observe, report, and stay hidden. That was the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Boy saw an opportunity. If Solo acted fast, they could hit the place before Damian\u2019s men even arrived\u2014and take the credit. Solo needed the reward badly. His brother\u2019s treatment wasn\u2019t cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spurred by the thought, Boy ran harder. The underbrush was thin, just beginning to bloom after the long winter. By summer, this path would be swallowed again. Now or never.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite being nameless, Yaya\u2019s crew had taken him in. He wasn\u2019t strong, but he was quick\u2014fast on land, fast on water, sharp-eyed, and able to sketch terrain like a trained cartographer. It was enough. And maybe it helped that Yaya had whispered in Solo\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou gotta be smart and fast when you\u2019re not strong,\u201d he used to tell Wulf\u2014with a grin hiding more truth than either admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He slowed, catching his breath. New spring leaves glowed bright green overhead. The air smelled of sap and damp, earthy soil. His thoughts drifted back to the girls\u2014especially the one who had run naked into the sea without hesitation. Her skin had glowed in the sunlight like polished copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He\u2019d been with girls back home\u2014quick, clumsy fumblings that left him wondering what the older men were bragging about. No spark. No heat. Just\u2026 effort. This? This had felt like being struck by lightning. Suddenly, two enormous arms wrapped around his ribs and hoisted him straight into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDaydreaming is for corpses!\u201d a booming voice bellowed. \u201cAnyone could\u2019ve gutted you, you little runt. Wait till your big sister hears about this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf planted a slobbery kiss on his head for emphasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf was already two heads taller than Boy, despite being six months younger. He\u2019d earned his name two years ago\u2014strong as a bull, red-bearded at fifteen, and always grinning like trouble personified. They\u2019d trained together since they were six, after ageing out of the Women\u2019s House but still too young for the Men\u2019s. Opposites: Boy thin and quick, Wulf a walking boulder. But loyal. Always loyal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf\u2019s mother, Freya\u2014chief of the Women\u2019s Circle\u2014had become close with Boy\u2019s mother, Sara, the village herbalist and midwife. Sara had raised her children alone after Boy\u2019s father vanished on a foraging trip, fending off predatory men with a fierceness Boy had inherited only in part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boy had grown up fast. He wanted nothing more than enough money so Sara could finally rest. Until then, Yaya handled their safety. Boy dealt with the running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solo\u2019s scouts had freedom: travel, real purpose. They\u2019d trained for eight years, and now\u2014finally\u2014had been invited to join the band. They hadn\u2019t gone on any raids yet. Their best hope of escaping this life was the White Fort Lottery\u2014spend their savings, pray to the old spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMore chance of getting hit by lightning,\u201d Solo always joked. \u201cBut dreaming keeps the peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still wriggling, Boy snapped, \u201cPut me down! I nearly stuck you with my knife.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh yeah? With which hands?\u201d Wulf\u2019s laugh boomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boy answered by slamming the back of his head into Wulf\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOW!\u201d Wulf barked, staggering. Boy grinned and gave him a quick jab to the ribs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSee? These hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf wheezed dramatically. \u201cYou little gremlin. That actually hurt. And why are you running the wrong way?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boy straightened, eyes bright. \u201cBecause I\u2019ve got news for Solo. Big news. While scouting the cliffs, I saw two girls running down the dunes. They came from a crack in the cliff wall. One of them swam naked.\u201d His voice cracked slightly at the memory. \u201cAfterwards, they went back through the same crack. It\u2019s a secret entrance. If we move fast, we could slip inside. Get the loot before Damian\u2019s men get here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf scratched his head, eyes gleaming. \u201cLucky bastard. Naked, you say? Maybe we should both go back\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo!\u201d Boy hissed. \u201cWulf, this is serious. If we tell Solo now, he might act early. We could finally prove ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf sobered. \u201cWe\u2019re not supposed to leave our post. Solo already thinks your sister\u2019s got too much sway over him. If we bring this, he might think you\u2019re trying to take charge. That\u2019s not how things work. The last man who went rogue is still digging latrines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boy rolled his eyes. \u201cAnd what if we don\u2019t tell him? Let him hear about it later? If you want, stay here. I\u2019ll go myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wulf groaned. He knew that tone. \u201cFine. I\u2019m coming. If we\u2019re getting in trouble, we\u2019re getting in trouble together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood! Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boy sprinted down the path, exhilarated. Wulf thundered behind him, already praying that Solo would be pleased\u2014rather than furious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As usual, Wulf also wished Yaya had chosen a man slightly less\u2026 intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Astrid and Marion hurried into the courtyard, they had to push through the unexpectedly dense crowd. More servants than usual hurried to and from. A handful of grooms led a group of splendid horses towards the paddocks, their hooves clattering on the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trying to be heard above the noise, Marion cupped her hands and shouted, \u201cHey! I think your master\u2014Redwood\u2014has arrived!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFirst, he\u2019s not my master yet,\u201d Astrid muttered. The glow of their stolen morning swim was already fading. \u201cAnd second\u2014you seem more eager to meet him than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m curious,\u201d Marion insisted, grinning. \u201cThe man you\u2019re going to marry\u2014 tomorrow! I still can\u2019t believe your father agreed to it. You\u2019ve never even met the guy properly. He must be ancient if he was friends with your father when they were young.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, stop rubbing it in,\u201d Astrid groaned. \u201cHenry was just a boy visiting Mother\u2019s court. Anyway, just because you get to marry my brother\u2014who you adore\u2014doesn\u2019t mean I get a choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She lowered her voice. \u201cFather consulted the monks. They read the Gene Charts. Henry was one of two matches. Refusing him would embarrass Father in front of the Prior. He\u2019d never forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trying to sound braver than she felt, she added, \u201cHe\u2019s at least letting Nicholas travel with us as far as Salisbury. He starts his Wood Nation internship there. We\u2019re taking the inland route\u2014too many storms on the coast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion giggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid went pink. Of course, Marion noticed. She always had. Nicholas had been her nurse\u2019s son\u2014practically a brother\u2014until one day they had looked at each other and realised they weren\u2019t siblings at all. Those secret nights, all warmth and whispers, had been her happiest memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And now she was supposed to pretend none of it ever happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Duty would demand obedience. Marriage. Motherhood. The Path of the Tree. Forget childish things. Forget Nicholas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But she couldn\u2019t. Especially after that night\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n She cleared her throat quickly, desperate to change the topic before she made a fool of herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid you know,\u201d Astrid said lightly, \u201cthat if it hadn\u2019t been for Redwood, I might\u2019ve ended up as your stepmother?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat!! Who told you that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not allowed to say. He gets in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBilly,\u201d Marion hissed, scandalised. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t make him tell you about the charts. That\u2019s unfair. He could get in real trouble. You\u2019re taking advantage of his crush.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid\u2019s bravado faltered. \u201cI just wanted to know whether I could\u2019ve been matched with Nicholas and\u2014and if they hid it from me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion softened immediately. She hadn\u2019t meant to snap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOuch! Watch where you\u2019re going!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid had turned to Marion while walking, assuming\u2014as usual\u2014that others would step aside. Instead, she collided with a man who had just dismounted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYoung lady,\u201d the man said sharply, \u201cwatch where you walk. An apology might be in order\u2014unless you\u2019d prefer your master discipline you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was peeling off a coat far too heavy for Southern weather. His bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement as he studied. His hair, streaked with grey, framed a strong, handsome face. He clearly mistook them for servants\u2014two girls who had slipped outside in household cloaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid dipped a curtsey. \u201cSir, I\u2019m terribly sorry.\u201d She elbowed Marion hard in the ribs. \u201cPlease don\u2019t tell the master.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The man blinked\u2014then grinned broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou had me fooled, lass. You look exactly like your grandmother. You must be little Astrid\u2014though not so little now.\u201d He swept a courtly bow. \u201cHenry Redwood, at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This? This was the man she was marrying tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A stranger. A Northerner. Her future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He turned to Marion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd who is this fine young lady?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cM-Marion Selby, sir,\u201d she stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaster Selby\u2019s daughter?\u201d Henry beamed. \u201cProtector of the West and commander of the garrison\u2014I look forward to meeting your father at the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, with a wink, he added, \u201cBest be off. Lady Ingrid won\u2019t be thrilled that I met my bride in such\u2026 informal circumstances. Even if you two aren\u2019t scared of her, I still am.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He strode toward the keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The girls stared at each other\u2014then collapsed into helpless laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy the Lady,\u201d Marion wheezed. \u201cAstrid\u2014we\u2019re not even wearing shoes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid shook her head. \u201cWhy did he wait so long to marry? And why choose a girl from so far south? Surely there were matches in Scotia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s gorgeous,\u201d Marion sighed. \u201cI\u2019d almost trade John for him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe said he could\u2019ve married ten times,\u201d Astrid muttered. \u201cHe\u2019s one of my parents\u2019 oldest friends. Still\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, stop!\u201d Marion laughed. \u201cDid you see the way he looked at you? My knees gave out. You\u2019ll definitely fall for him\u2014and forget Nicholas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStop babbling,\u201d Astrid snapped. What\u2019s love got to do with marriage? It\u2019s business. That\u2019s all. I\u2019ll never love anyone but Nicholas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She fled toward the kitchen, blinking back tears. Everything suddenly felt far too real. Before, marriage had been a distant, hazy idea\u2014something she could avoid, joke about, even outrun. Seeing Henry made it solid. Heavy. A door closing. Maybe I should ask Nicholas to run away again\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n But where would they go? He hadn\u2019t jumped at the idea before. He\u2019d been frightened\u2014more than frightened. The Tree be damned, she had whispered that night. Let\u2019s go now\u2014just you and me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And he had pulled away. He hadn\u2019t touched her since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her father often said Henry saved his life in the last war against the Seafaring Folk. When he returned from the Monastery\u2019s selection, thrilled with the match, he hadn\u2019t noticed her heartache\u2014or perhaps he assumed she\u2019d grow out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid hurried through the kitchen, ignoring the curious looks from busy servants. Before her mother could rope her into preparations, she sprinted up the East Tower stairs, dropped her cloak on the floor, and collapsed onto her bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her wedding dress hung on the wall\u2014cream lace, finest Sinese silk. Its delicate beauty made her stomach twist. Why must everything be about the wedding?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHello, dear,\u201d Trudy said, entering with a heavy basket. \u201cEnjoy your swim?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid groaned. \u201cI did. Until I bumped into Henry Redwood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCareful, love\u2014you\u2019ll crease your things before I even pack them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Henry?\u201d Trudy asked. \u201cHe\u2019s charming. Handsome. And I hear he keeps a mistress so that he won\u2019t expect too much from you too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid blinked. \u201cWhat?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Trudy wasn\u2019t listening. Her mind wandered back to the hardest thing she\u2019d done in years\u2014telling Nicholas the truth. Your father is George Harrington. That makes Astrid your half-sister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicholas had gone white, shaken to the core. She\u2019d hated breaking him like that, but she hadn\u2019t seen another choice. Astrid was impulsive\u2014reckless. Nicholas loved her enough to follow. And that would kill them both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the wedding, Henry would be responsible for calming her wild spirit. And Scotia\u2014cold, distant, remote\u2014might help her forget. Astrid sat up, cutting through Trudy\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur Lady save me\u2014will everyone stop talking about weddings? I\u2019m going mad!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, child,\u201d Trudy said mildly, \u201cit\u2019s a bit late to hide from it now. Make the most of your last free day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She handed over a hairbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy not go see your brother? Tell him which pup you\u2019ve chosen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid\u2019s eyes lit instantly\u2014her first smile in hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou always know how to cheer me up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She hugged Trudy, brushed out her tangled hair, fastened it with her green gemstone pin, and changed into a fern-patterned dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John would be behind the stables with Speed, fussing over the wolfhound\u2019s first\u2014and only\u2014litter. He adored that dog. He always joked that if forced to choose between Marion and Speed, Marion would come second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid laughed at the thought, her worries momentarily lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She hurried downstairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The smell of hay, warm hide, and oat mash washed over Astrid the instant she stepped into the stables. Morning sunlight slanted through the high windows, illuminating drifting dust motes like tiny dancing spirits. Horses nickered softly as she passed; she patted each muzzle in greeting until she reached the far end of the long corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, he was there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John knelt beside Speed\u2019s whelping pen, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back with a strip of leather. He was muttering lovingly at the wolfhound as she sprawled on her side, twitching her ears with regal dignity while three plump pups wriggled and squeaked around her belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re spoiling her again,\u201d Astrid teased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John didn\u2019t look up. \u201cSpeed deserves to be spoiled. She brought the future champions of Harrington House into the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe brought them into the world,\u201d Astrid echoed dryly. \u201cYou<\/em> nearly fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At that, John finally turned his head, glaring\u2014only for the expression to melt into a grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI did not<\/em> faint. I lost blood sugar. It\u2019s different.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCertainly looked the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stood and dusted the hay from his knees, pulling Astrid into a one-armed hug that squeezed the breath from her lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re late,\u201d he said into her hair. \u201cI thought you would\u2019ve come before breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI overslept.\u201d Astrid wrinkled her nose. \u201cBlame Marion. She\u2019s been fussing like an old hen because Henry Redwood smiled at her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n John snorted. \u201cI can see that. She nearly fainted when Father met the man. Poor thing\u2019s convinced Northerners can read thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid\u2019s smile faded slightly. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026 kind. At least he seems so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n John angled his head, studying her. He was only eighteen\u2014barely three years older than she was\u2014, but in this moment, he looked decades wiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to pretend with me,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI know this match feels sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid swallowed hard. \u201cI\u2019ll manage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou always do,\u201d he murmured, squeezing her shoulder. \u201cCome on. You have three champions to choose from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She knelt beside the pen and examined it. A pile of warm fur and pudgy limbs, each one utterly perfect. One pup\u2014a little brown-gold creature with a dark muzzle\u2014struggled to climb over its siblings, only to tumble sideways with a squeak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without thinking, Astrid scooped him up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He fit in her hands like a warm loaf of bread. His little heart thumped against her palm; his milky eyes blinked unfocused up at her. When he rooted unquestioningly toward her sleeve, Astrid laughed\u2014really laughed\u2014for the first time in days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat one, then?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d She cuddled the puppy to her chest. \u201cThis one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood choice. Stubborn. Greedy. A bit loud. Reminds me of someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She elbowed him. \u201cShut up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n John flopped down beside her, legs stretching out in front of him. For a while, they just sat in the quiet, listening to the soft whimpers of the pups, the rustle of straw, the distant clang of kitchen pots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll miss this,\u201d Astrid said suddenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John didn\u2019t need to ask what she meant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHome,\u201d she whispered. \u201cYou. Marion. Everything. What if I\u2019m not ready?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou won\u2019t be alone,\u201d John said gently. \u201cHenry seems honourable. He won\u2019t rush you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut\u2026\u201d Her throat tightened. \u201cI thought life would be different. I thought\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicholas\u2019s name hovered unspoken between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John didn\u2019t push. He only sighed and leaned his shoulder against hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou know,\u201d he said, voice turning teasing again, \u201cI\u2019m beginning to suspect you only agreed to this match for the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cObviously,\u201d Astrid sniffed. \u201cI\u2019m marrying a man to obtain his kingdom and raise wolfhounds. It\u2019s the logical choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n John chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But then the laughter faded, replaced by something quieter. More fragile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe happy, Astrid,\u201d he said. \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid cradled the pup against her chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJohn?\u201d she asked as they walked toward the door. \u201cEverything will be fine\u2026 won\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n John paused, his expression softening as he glanced at the puppy nestled in Astrid\u2019s arms. \u201cI\u2019ve seen you face far worse than this,\u201d he murmured, voice low, \u201cand come out smiling, every time.\u201d The warmth in his gaze lingered, carrying both hope and uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John slipped an arm around her shoulders, warm and steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIngrid\u2019s fine and completely in her element, organising two weddings at once. If you ask me, she’s more invested than the actual participants,\u201d Gregory said, pouring two cups of ale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, speaking of participants,\u201d Henry smiled, \u201cI just bumped into your delightful daughter and her friend. Astrid has certainly grown since I last saw her. She\u2019s the spitting image of Ingrid. I hope she won\u2019t mind marrying an old Northerner like me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe was brought up better than to let that bother her,\u201d Gregory replied firmly. \u201cThe Tree made the match, and truth be told, I was delighted when your name appeared. She must be a difficult match\u2014only one other candidate, and while a fine man, he wouldn\u2019t have suited her. Besides, a solid alliance between the North and the South will make it easier to control those pests in the Midlands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He leaned back. \u201cLet\u2019s talk more about that tonight. First, there\u2019s lunch. Ingrid has gone to great lengths in your honour. We\u2019ve got some serious eating and drinking to do. I\u2019ve sent one of my boys to gather everyone in the dining hall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stood. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a quick wash in your rooms? I imagine that ship journey didn\u2019t offer much chance to freshen up. Richard will show you the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry followed the steward to the East Tower. Gregory made his way to the second floor, where Ingrid was giving the last touches to a long table overflowing with food. For late winter, it was a marvel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She still looked striking\u2014tall and elegant, with almond-shaped skin, long dark hair streaked lightly with silver, and a commanding presence. When Gregory first saw her at the Kentish court, he knew instantly she would be his wife. Bless the Lady, they had been a genetic match\u2014and most Kentish folk were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Letting out a long whistle, Gregory gave her a roguish grin. \u201cWoman, that looks delicious\u2014and I\u2019m not just talking about the food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ingrid rolled her eyes with indulgent affection. \u201cStill a boy at heart,\u201d she said, smiling. \u201cDid you send for everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. And Henry\u2019s arrived just in time. Winds were with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou did remember to tell Richard to put him in the East Tower, I hope? We moved the boys above the stables.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHandled. He\u2019s off to rinse now. Smelled a bit ripe from the crossing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGreg!\u201d Ingrid gasped. \u201cYou didn\u2019t say that to him, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He chuckled. \u201cNo, but he wouldn\u2019t have cared if I had. We\u2019ve been telling each other the truth since we were twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, you\u2019re both well past twelve now. A little tact wouldn\u2019t hurt,\u201d she scolded, kissing the top of his head as he sat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After nearly twenty years of marriage, they remained deeply fond of each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The door to the hall burst open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John, Astrid, and Nicholas tumbled in, taking their places at the long table. Marion followed more gracefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests and staff trickled in behind them. Gregory believed in dining with everyone\u2014servants, stewards, guards. They all rotated duties, and all were fed equally. That said, no one ever forgot who was in charge. Gregory had earned their respect through steady leadership. Every five years, he was re-elected Director of the Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the room filled, curious eyes turned to the door, anticipating the arrival of the famous Northerner. The house had been buzzing since the match was announced. The people loved Astrid as one of their own\u2014a wild, bright child who\u2019d grown into a passionate, hard-working young woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then came the knock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Richard opened the door with the appropriate ceremony for such events. \u201cMaster Henry Redwood wishes to join our company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry stood sheepishly in the doorway, his men behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCome in, my friend,\u201d Gregory called warmly, gesturing to the empty seat at his right. \u201cPlease, all of you\u2014find a place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoel, bring a large beer for our honoured guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once everyone was seated, Gregory stood with his mug raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA toast\u2014to my dear friend Henry Redwood, who will soon become family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheers erupted around the room. Mugs clinked. A few men banged their fists on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd to all who\u2019ve arrived safely to celebrate my children\u2019s weddings\u2014thank you for coming. Let\u2019s make it a celebration to remember!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laughter and talking resumed as everyone tucked into Ingrid\u2019s feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the head table, the two old friends slipped back into discussion until Ingrid gently interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow are your mother and your sisters?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019re well, thank you. Mother regrets not being able to make the crossing, but she\u2019s looking forward to meeting Astrid. She sends her warmest invitation for you to visit, should you ever wish to travel north.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI may take her up on that\u2014after harvest. If only the trains weren\u2019t so expensive. Someone needs to challenge the Rail Union. They\u2019ve doubled fares in three years!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry nodded. \u201cSecurity costs. They\u2019re having to add more guards to every route. Damien\u2019s charging protection now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo, you\u2019ve heard about the trouble in Midland?\u201d Gregory asked, lowering his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry leaned closer. \u201cSome groups have been seen near the Diggers Peninsula ruins. I suspect they caught wind of something. Spies everywhere. Their numbers are growing too fast, and food\u2019s running low. Damien\u2019s supposed to control them, but you and I both know the Prior is paying him with our money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregory grimaced. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard similar. Visitors tell us it\u2019s getting worse. Trains are risky\u2014horseback is even worse. I prefer the sea these days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmart man,\u201d Henry muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregory nodded toward the gathered guests. \u201cHere, we\u2019re protected. Cliffs keep out most, and the monks patrol our harbours. The embargo on uninvited Midlanders is still in place. Complete annihilation if they cross our border\u2014so far, it\u2019s held.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd if it doesn\u2019t?\u201d Henry asked.\u201cTomorrow, we\u2019ll speak with the other families. If trade continues to suffer, the Prior may allow a Raid. Taxes are his weak spot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They both sipped their drinks, turning the talk toward merrier things\u2014guest lists, wedding customs, the latest gossip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until Astrid, unable to hold her tongue, finally burst out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s not fair! Why am I not allowed to join the campaign? Everyone knows about it but me! Last time, I was too young. Now I\u2019m finally old enough, and I still can\u2019t go? John says it\u2019s because I\u2019ll be married. Why not postpone the wedding and let me join the Raid?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silence dropped like a hammer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ingrid winced, thankful for the general noise in the hall that masked her daughter\u2019s outburst. She began to apologise, but Gregory held up a hand. His eyes behind his spectacles blazed with warning. No one\u2014no one\u2014disrespected a guest or questioned his decisions, especially not in public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sensing the storm about to break, Henry quickly stepped in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGregory,\u201d he said smoothly, \u201cwhy don\u2019t Astrid and I take an afternoon sail to London City? It\u2019ll help us digest all this delicious food and give us a chance to get to know each other better. She can bring a friend or a chaperone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ingrid seized the opportunity. \u201cWhat a lovely idea. Marion, would you go with them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d love to see the market again, Aunt Ingrid,\u201d Marion said, \u201cbut John and I planned to meet my father in the village. And you know how I am on boats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone chuckled. Marion\u2019s seasickness was legendary. She could barely manage a ferry ride without clinging to the rails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell,\u201d Henry said, rising with a wink, \u201cthat settles it. I need to handle some shopping anyway. Astrid can help. I\u2019ll make sure she stays out of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seeing Astrid stiffen, Ingrid quickly smoothed things over. \u201cThank you, Henry. Very kind of you to take another voyage so soon after your last. Gregory, you don\u2019t mind, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregory opened his mouth, but Ingrid was already out of her chair, taking her daughter firmly by the arm. As she hustled her from the room, she whispered fiercely, \u201cThat was a lucky escape, young lady. You\u2019re not too old for a whipping! Henry just saved your skin. You\u2019ll treat him kindly this afternoon, or I\u2019ll be the one tanning your hide!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astrid blinked in shock. Her mother never spoke to her like that. Ingrid was usually the calm one\u2014soothing arguments, defusing her father\u2019s temper. But not today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She said nothing, quietly stunned. Maybe this trip wasn\u2019t a punishment after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry caught up with them just outside the hall.\u201cWe\u2019ll head to the harbour through the Main Gate,\u201d Astrid said, recovering. \u201cWe can take Swan, my sailboat. She\u2019s fast\u2014only fits two crew and us, but we\u2019ll manage. I hope you know how to sail.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She gave him a daring look. It felt strange\u2014and a little thrilling\u2014to be alone with him like this. No guards, no chaperone. Just sea, sails, and space to think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>CHAPTER 1 – Beautiful Day<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>CHAPTER 2 – On the cliff<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>CHAPTER 3 – Back in the Castle<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
CHAPTER 4 – <\/a>The stable<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>CHAPTER 5 – Henry<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>CHAPTER 6 – Mother Redwood<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n