Epilogue Chapter
Do Not Wake The Beast
Table of Content
Do Not Wake The Beast
by Patricia I. Williams
Do Not Wake The Beast
Epilogue
Jerrod stood in the yard, watching his brother ride away.
Ullric had grown increasingly surly as the spring thaw dragged to its end. He came to the decision for the safety of Jerrod’s people he must leave, at least for a time. Surprisingly, he decided to ride with Raven. The word had come of hostilities rising between cities in the midlands and the mercenary was anxious to be gone. Chi had spent more and more time alone. He hunted for pleasure. Raven feared “not horse” natural contempt for men would lead to trouble. Jerred knew he would miss them. For all his bluster and temper, Ullric had found some ease from the grief that nearly drove him to madness. You could not lose all that you loved, raise war against your own people and survive with soul intact.
Jerrod had his responsibility. It kept him going through the winter of grief. Thanks to all those who died and the unrelenting retribution of Ullric, peace held sway over the mountains. He hoped that in time his brother would return to enjoy that peace. He did not want to see Ullric welding his battleaxe again.
One thing Jerrod promised himself, to never relax his vigilance. A mercenary’s life was a risky one and though sworn, Ullric and Raven may not be alive to ride to his aid. He would not, could not fail as his father and grandfather before him. Resolute, the young man turned away to visit Mabe, a seamstress Raven had enthusiastically recommended. It was time for new clothes and preparing for the endless visits the lowland nobles would insist on. They would seek to weld alliances with offers of marriage. Raven assured him Mabe would outfit him well.