Terror of the Sixth Spire Preview #3
Caellan, Caezik and Djinn finally return to their home, Castle Pellandarr. The old castle appeared abandoned and began exploring the empty hallways. When they entered the study, they learned their home wasn’t as empty as they thought.
“You finally made it,” a woman’s voice said. From around the corner of the desk, a large woman approached them with heavy steps echoing against the stone walls. She wore a thick light-blue dress with a few pockets and no frills. Her freckled face had a strong chin and glittering blue eyes. Before Caellan could respond, the woman engulfed him in a massive bear hug.
“It’s good to see you, Aunt Meera,” Caellan said while still smothered in the long hug. She wasn’t a true aunt, but most people in the castle called her that. She insisted on taking care of everyone whether they liked it or not. Meera had been their mother’s best friend and held the position of steward for as long as Caellan could remember. After finally releasing Caellan, she pulled Caezik towards her. Despite his gruff threats and protests, she still embraced him in the same massive bear hug.
“You ol’ softy,” Meera said sweetly. “You don’t fool me. You are nothing but salt and sugar. I still remember bathing you when you were a wee babe.” Caellan muffled his laugh when he saw Caezik’s mortified face. It was probably the first time anyone had hugged him in the last twelve years.
“Are you done yet?” Caezik said impatiently.
“Oh, for now, but you will always be that little boy to me. I don’t care if you are a black hand or what you’ve done.” After releasing Caezik, she then hugged Djinn without a second thought. Caellan and Caezik just looked at each other.
When coming face to face with an orc, most humans would have retreated or attacked. Not Aunt Meera. She stayed as sweet and pushy as ever. “Welcome to Castle Pellandarr. I am Meera, the steward of this castle and barony, or what’s left of it. Who do I have the honor of addressing?”
“My name is Djinn, Lord Master of Chaos.”
“It is an honor, Lord Master Djinn. I will have the maid prepare you a room right away.”
“Oh, how delightful,” Djinn said. “It has been months since I slept in a soft bed. It has to be one of your best inventions ever.”
“But, you must take off that hat. It is not proper etiquette to wear hats inside.”
“Hat etiquette has to be one of human’s worst inventions.” After grumbling, he reluctantly took off his large-brimmed hat to reveal a smooth, green bald head. His ears were pointed and jagged as if something tore at them when he was younger.
“Now we must prepare a feast for your arrival. The barons have finally returned. Sinell, go tell the cook to prepare the feast. Sinell, Sinell! I know you are listening.”
-Excerpt from Chapter 4, Terror of the Sixth Spire, Fallen Spires Book 2