Was Selene using her dreamwalking gift on others around the castle? Was there more to her gift than either of them realized?

Were his people in danger?

He pressed two fingers to the middle of his forehead and closed his eyes. Light, what do I do?

He breathed in deeply before dropping his hand. I said I would give her a chance, and I will stand by that until proven otherwise. He had five days before he headed back home to Northwind Castle, just in time for the Festival of Light. Time to think, reflect, and pray. And time to come up with a gift to give to Selene for the festival.

Damien took a step closer to the crackling fire inside the fire pit and glanced around. Like Northwind Castle, Brightforest Citadel was made entirely of light grey stone and stood on a cliff overlooking the sea near the forest for which it was named. However, the building was functional, with none of the decorative etches or stonework of Northwind Castle. It had been built as the headquarters for the Northern Shores navy, the protecting force of House Maris.

The air was frigid except for near the fire pits that lined the floor, one every thirty feet, with three total in the main hall. Thick wooden beams held the ceiling two stories above the room. Banners with the colors of House Maris hung from the beams, light blue with indigo waves enclosed in a white circle.

“I don’t remember a winter quite this bitter.” Taegis stood beside Damien with his hands fanned out toward the fire and a scowl on his face.

“Neither do I, but it does give us more time to prepare.”

“That it does, if the men don’t freeze first.”

“A little bit of frostbite never killed anyone,” a deep voice chimed in.

Damien and Taegis turned to find an older gentleman decked out in leather and the colors of House Maris approaching them. Leather bracers were wrapped around his muscular forearms and thick boots covered his feet and calves. His chestnut-colored hair was pulled back and held in place with a leather cord. The rest of his face was clean-shaven.

Taegis snickered. “Admiral Gerault.”

Admiral Gerault bowed. “Lord Damien. Taegis.” He lifted his head and grinned at Taegis. “It’s been a while, my old friend.”

“I still can’t believe someone thought it was a good idea to make you an admiral.”

“And I can’t believe anyone listens to your advice.”

“I still have a few good ideas.”

“And apparently someone thinks I’m respectable.”

The men laughed while Damien looked on and smiled. He didn’t know Admiral Gerault as well as he knew Taegis, but he did have fond memories of the older man at Northwind Castle, visiting with his father and sparring with Taegis. He’d lost his entire family during the plague, and yet the man could still smile. He was an inspiration.

“Thank you for coming. While my captains assemble the men, please follow me to the meeting hall so we can speak privately.” Admiral Gerault turned and headed back toward a door at the rear of the cavernous room.