Stormcaster (Shattered Realms #3)(54)

“If you see any element of my father in me, I consider that a compliment,” Ash said.

Bayar turned and motioned to a tall young wizard with white-blond hair, who stood just behind him and to one side. “I believe you know my nephew, Finn.”

“Finn!” Ash said, with real warmth this time. “It’s good to see that you—that you—”

“That I’m still alive?” Finn smiled a crooked smile. “That’s my line, I believe.”

They embraced.

“Finn has been attending the academy at Oden’s Ford,” Bayar continued. “Now I hear that you’ve been studying there as well.” He paused long enough to give that sentence a little extra bite. Did that mean that he hadn’t known Ash was alive, that his mother hadn’t confided in him? “Interesting that the two of you never crossed paths.”

Does he think I’m lying about being at Oden’s Ford? Why would I do that? So I could bask on a beach somewhere?

“Maybe we did, Uncle Micah,” Finn said, rolling his eyes. “It’s been four years. We’ve both changed. I’m not sure I could have picked Adrian out of a crowd—especially since I wasn’t looking for him, because we all thought he was dead.”

Really? Ash thought. Finn had changed—he appeared gaunt, a bit hollow-eyed, the bones in his face standing out more than before. But four years wasn’t all that long, and the wizard academy was smaller than in the past. Ash couldn’t help thinking that if he had seen him, he would have recognized him.

“Every marching season, Finn’s been fighting for the queendom,” Bayar said. “He’s played a pivotal role in keeping the southerners at bay.” Maybe Bayar was just proud of his nephew, but Ash wondered if that was intended as a dig at the runaway prince.

By now, Finn’s pale cheeks were stained with color. “Uncle,” he said, “I’d like to hear more about what Adrian has been doing.”

“Hasn’t the spring term already started?” Ash said.

Finn nodded. “It has, but I’m not going back. I have a new calling. I’m apprenticed to Lord Vega in the healing halls.”

Ash stared at him. “In the healing halls? You . . . you mean to be a healer?” Ash couldn’t ever remember Finn expressing an interest in that field.

Finn nodded, laughing. “Is that so hard to believe? As I said, we’ve both changed over the past four years.”

“Finn suffered a serious wound on the battlefield last summer,” Bayar said. “He spent a great deal of time under Lord Vega’s care. Now he’s got it into his head that he wants to be a healer. Hopefully a season emptying bedpans and treating Tamric boils will—”

“This is not some kind of whim, Uncle Micah,” Finn said. “I know you think I should have returned to the academy, but this is the path I’ve chosen. My parents are supportive, and that should be enough for you.”

“They’re more supportive of your betrothal than of your chosen vocation,” Bayar retorted. “Anything that keeps you here until the deed is accomplished is—”

“You’re out of line, Uncle,” Finn snapped. “If you want to run somebody’s life, then you should have had a son of your own.”

Bayar gazed at him for a long moment. “Perhaps so,” he said. He delivered another brief bow to Ash. “Your Highness.” And he walked away, his robes swirling around him.

“He had such high hopes for me,” Finn said in a flat voice, looking after the High Wizard. “He doesn’t understand that I’ve changed. He thinks I don’t know what I’m doing, but I do.”

“Don’t let it bother you,” Ash said, instantly on Finn’s side. Anyone in opposition to Bayar was an ally. “What’s this about a betrothal? Who’s the bride-to-be?”

Finn brightened, looking over Ash’s shoulder. “Here she comes now.”

Ash turned to see his cousin Julianna striding toward them, lit up like Solstice. She’d changed as well. In contrast to the frilly clothes Aunt Mellony used to dress her in, she wore a long wool skirt and a tailored jacket. Her hair was wound into a twist on the back of her head.

He’d always thought of her as something of a lightweight, but now she looked like someone who could get things done.

“Cousin!” she said, embracing him. “I see you’ve found my fiancé.”

Ash stood like a stump, rooted to the floor, but Julianna had enough enthusiasm for both of them. After a moment, she held him out at arm’s length, laughing. “You look like you’ve been run over by a cart,” she said. “I hope you approve?”

“Of course I approve,” Ash said. “I just . . . I never realized . . . you and Finn?” He remembered what his mother had said. You think time stops at home while you grow and change.

“It’s very recent news,” Julianna said, splaying her hand in front of Ash’s face, showing off her emerald ring. “So you’re not too far behind everyone else. I’ve asked Alyssa to stand up with us, and I hope . . .” She glanced at Finn, then back at Ash. “It might not be my place to ask, but I hope you will, too. Now that you’re back from the dead.”

“From dead to living,” Finn said. “I think you’ve changed more than anyone. And of course I would be honored to have you as part of our celebration, if you are still here.”