I slept in finally, our schedule was clear for the next week, after that we would leave to visit the towns and villages. Raven and I were to spend the day just being. Molly, my maid, came in the morning to announce that Hiila was there. I didn’t mind, as she and I had become very close. She had come to see how the babe was doing. We had a nice visit, ate some fruit and cakes, talking and enjoying the morning. She advised she felt I should wait until after the babe was born before our tour, as my time seemed to be coming faster than she had thought. I was glad, I knew I needed rest and agreed to discuss it with Raven and Ash.

After she left, I climbed back in bed with Raven for a midmorning nap. We were once again disturb but this time by the sound of shouting.

As I descended the stairs I saw the guards holding back a very aggravated and extremely handsome blonde haired man. He was of average build, his clothes were of the finest quality. He had dark blond hair that came to his chin. I heard Raven come up behind me and make some sound under his breath. Then walking up and taking my hand he looked at me rolling his eyes, “Well love, let’s greet our brother” he said rather disgustedly. “Brother?” I asked. “I had forgot, you haven’t seen Echo since he was in swaddling, well nows your chance to meet the bastard” he said.

It was true, I hadn’t seen him, I hadn’t even thought of him. The last time I saw him he was still a babe at his mother’s breast. So this was my baby brother and spilling from his mouth was an array of foulness.

“Let him go” I said as we finished descending. As we stepped off the last stair the guards stepped back. “Brother” Raven said cooly. “Welcome Echo, it’s been too long since I’ve laid eyes on you” I said sweetly, stepping closer. My he was handsome, not in the way Raven was, he was like a Golden Warrior. His skin was slightly tan, his eyes deep blue, his lips full, his face was a bit rounder than Raven, he resembled Odin greatly. Yes, I’m sure that Odin was a magnificent sight when he was younger!

The only reply he gave was a slight nod and the word sister. As he turned away toward Raven his vest blew to the side, he wore no shirt underneath and his side and chest were a map of battle scars. Yes, Golden Warrior. For a moment I was dazed taking him in, warmth radiated from him, and he smelled so good, like a strong ale. He turned his head quickly and smiled, radiant, and then he winked and said “Glad ye like what ye see wench, all the lasses do”

I didn’t know if he was joking or not, I think I just stood there speechless. Within seconds he had drawn his blade and was stalking toward Raven. “Now now brother, didn’t think I’d let you just sweep in and steal the prize did ya, and now fat with child” turning to me he said “Don’t ye worry ye head sweet, soon that babe will fall and I will let you ride my cock.” At that Raven drew his sword!

The guards swept around me forming a tight protective circle.