Read Online On Fallen Wings by Jamie McHenry - Free Book Online Page A

time we had a messenger at the house was when—”
    I interrupted Father. “When I was called to the temple—when I was chosen to join the Fae.” Warm memories flooded my mind, erasing the pain of the moment a little. I absorbed them with a faint smile; at least something today felt comforting. “Thank you for sending a messenger,” I said, hugging Sean tight. “It was a wonderful gesture.”
    Sean rubbed my back and released me. “Well, let’s finish the meal. We have all afternoon to enjoy each other’s company.”
    “We can go for a ride,” yelled Leila. Her voice echoed from the rafters above the table.
    I smiled and grabbed a biscuit. “I think that’s a great idea.”
     
    ~ O ~
     
    Cleanup after a meal at my home had never finished as fast. I helped Mother wipe clean the last of the plates, while Leila, Ethan, and Cael went to the stable to prepare the horses. Father had escorted Sean out the front door.
    “What are they discussing?” I asked Mother, while stacking the plates in the cupboard.
    “I’m certain your father is simply giving Sean advice for his journey,” said Mother.
    “I hope he doesn’t threaten him with the short sword again.” I strained to see through the small kitchen window; outside, in the field, Leila was commanding both Cael and Ethan like a war captain.
    Mother laughed. “Don’t worry, dear. Your father likes Sean. He won’t do that again.” She folded the towel she had been using and placed it onto the stone counter. “There we go.” She patted my back. “Now, let’s go enjoy the afternoon.”
    We left through the back door at the same moment that Ethan snapped back at one of Leila’s commands, which had obviously upset him. Noticing us, he stopped talking and quickly attached the reins on Kiefer, a magnificent sorrel colt. Cael also turned suspiciously away and worked on a bridle for Avalon. A clever gelding, Avalon wasn’t happy with Cael’s methods and complained loudly.
    Shaking my head, I ducked under the fence rails and took the bridle from Cael. “Hush,” I said, stroking Avalon’s blaze with my fingers. “He’s all right.” I smiled at Cael and turned back to the horse to whisper. “This one is strange, but he’ll be kind to you.”
    “Thanks,” said Cael, approaching us. “Horses and I don’t seem to get along well.” He took the reins from my hands while I chuckled and stepped away.
    “Where’s your father’s horse?” Mother leaned over the wide white rail of the fence and stared into the field. “Your father will be upset if Garrett’s not ready.”
    “We couldn’t find him,” answered Leila, moaning her complaint.
    “You couldn’t find him,” said Ethan, cutting in with emphasis to blame her. “Mother, she was bossing us around. You should have heard her. I wanted to find Garrett for Father, but she wouldn’t let me.”
    “I know what you wanted to do,” said Mother, smacking Ethan on the back of his head. “And it didn’t include listening to your sister.”
    Suddenly a sharp whistle split the air, startling a flock of gray and white starlings from the western grove. I turned and stared while Father and Sean walked jauntily from the barn. They were laughing and smiling like old friends.
    “Where’s Garrett?” shouted Father. He added a couple curses. “I don’t see him.”
    “We couldn’t find him,” said Leila, waving her arms helplessly. “We called for him, but he never came. I’m sorry.”
    “He’ll come to me.” Father whistled again, causing Ethan to cover his ears. To me, it sounded like he was showing off for Sean.
    A cloud of dust erupted from behind a low hill. The ground shook as a two dozen horses thundered toward us, each following a large chestnut gelding. Garrett. Father grinned. He disappeared into the stable and returned with his saddle balanced on one large arm.
    I turned to Sean and whispered. “Where did you two go?”
    Sean smiled and shook his head. “To the barn,” he said. “And