In Which Octavius Makes an Effort

January 6, 1180

The reunion of Sparron and Prior hadn't progressed much since Octavius had stepped out of the room, or so he found upon his return. The little boy remained in his father's arms, staring back at Sparron with a wide-eyed smile so like Sparron's own it almost hurt. But it shouldn't have stung so much, not really. Sparron might not have smiled like that any more, but there was always the hope that he might one day. At least he was here.

Not all children were so lucky.

"Gampa!" Prior's tiny hand reached through Sparron's hair, stubby little fingers outstretched. It was good to know that the awkward first months of his life hadn't permanently marred his opinion of Octavius, even if logic dictated that he'd missed Sparron more. "Gampa back!"

For his grandson's sake, he tried to return the grin, but he doubted the effect was enough for even a one-and-a-half-year-old. Still. For the children's sake, he would have to make an effort. There would be time for grief at night, when the little ones were safe under cover of sleep. "Yes, Prior, Grandpa's back. And Papa's back." If only Auntie Pandora were back as well. "And I brought back a new little playmate for you. She's a little too young now, but I'm sure you two will have some fun in a couple of months."

Prior's new playmate was down for her nap in Prior's own crib, her Dovian wet-nurse in the next room no doubt taking the chance to mourn her own stillborn babe, and Octavius wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd been more than willing to take her, of course--what doting grandfather wouldn't?--but what troubled him was his son-in-law's insistence. Perhaps there was some solace in knowing his daughter had been so loved that her husband couldn't function without her; not so much in knowing Karlspan couldn't bring himself to be strong for the only child Pandora would ever have. At least he'd been man enough to admit he couldn't, but that didn't change the fact that he wasn't here. There would be hell to pay if he didn't at least visit little Holladrin before long.

"Sparron, maybe I'll sleep here tonight so I can keep an eye on your niece. You and Prior can have my bed."

"All right." Sparron bounced Prior in response to a tug at his collar, but his eyes remained on Octavius. Odd that with all the losses they'd had in the past couple years, Sparron had managed to stay more or less lucid, moreso than Octavius himself in some ways. He was convinced that Sparron's accompaniment had been the only thing keeping the trip from feeling any more difficult than it had been by necessity. Having been strapped for good omens, Octavius would take that as such. Unlike Karlspan, Sparron was strong enough to hold on. "How is Laney holding up?"

"Well enough, physically. I had Florian send for Mistress Fedurin just to be sure, but she thinks she should be able to nurse Holladrin for at least a few months longer." And for that he was grateful. If only it hadn't come at such a cost to the poor woman herself. "Emotionally, though..."

He couldn't bring himself to finish, not with Prior's concerned, innocent stares bearing down upon him. Sparron swallowed back a catch in his throat. "I know. With any luck, taking care of Holladrin will help somewhat?"

And to think, he'd been hoping that same thing for himself. "With any luck."

NEXT CHAPTER: