'w'

when I was a child-  8 or 9 - there was a fire in house.

no one knew how it had started, nor did we ever find out.

freak fires are common during winter, they say, but it’s been winter ever since I was born so what do I know.

it was midday, with father out of town and most /hands out on errands so there was few people to realize there was a fire and raise alarm.

and when we did it was too late. 

i remember there was this sudden whiff of smoke and when I opened the door there it was

fire.

gayne, come! 

Gayne! don’t be afraid. 

Gayne.

Groan 

Momma!

Gayne, listen to me and listen well. Take Greta down the stairs and out the door-

with you momma-

listen to me. be good. are you listening? momma will follow. go with Greta first. take care of her. be a good boy.

I love you. 

I always will.

Gayne. Gayne!!

what happened? 

momma - greta- she told me to-

gayne it’s okay you can let go of her now

it’s safe. you did good

Garry

I killed mother

I…

when I was a child there was a fire

that burnt my house aground

and took my mother with it

——————-

Garry, I’m back. 

welcome back. did you have a pleasant trip?

yes and no. 

…greta…?

oh heavens no greta is fine. her baby is fine, healthy, for now. The weather in Kirrzec is  harsh Vehinia and drained forest….

….. Garry I decided I’m going to join the investigation.

investigation.?

aye.

that His Majesty is organizing? 

aye.

with the emmitte?

aye.

are you mad?

nay.

do you realize what -

Garry. I have put much thought into this. Do not try to dissuade me, I have merely come to inform, not to ask permission.

gayne you’ve always been the good one, never giving much trouble - not intentionally, anyway.

but I can’t seem to figure out what you’re thinking sometimes.

…..

Gayne. does this have something to do with what you said … the day mother died?

……

boy, you have your life to live, as does greta does hers. you need not look after her forever. and stop gallivanting through the forest and find some skirt instead.

….speaking of which, how is Hansi?

…Johanna had her wedding two weeks past. she looked happy.

good. as she should. tell her I wish her all the best.

you know she would like it better if you gave it in person.

you know old lovers best stay far from newlyweds. well I have said and heard all that I have come for, and I must take my leave. I have long ways to go, and little time.

are you leaving now?

sooner is better for partings, I believe. it means our reunion will be sooner than later. goodbye, brother. 

then may serihadne grant speed to your feet so that you may hurry back.