*Eleanor*
“Any other business?” I ask before releasing the village for the spring celebration. Ansuz steps forward. My pride and joy. Solid and brave, just like Erik, yet with the compassion he’s learned from Anders.
“I’d like to go on a mission,” he says.
“I approved the raid,” I say, confused by his request.
“Yes,” he nods. “I do not wish to join the raid. I want to take a boat and a handful of people to explore unknown lands. We always go in the same direction. I want to see what else is out there.”
My heart smiles. He is so much like his father, but also, he is so much like his papa. I turn to Anders, who stands behind me as he always does, to find him beaming with pride. With any luck, Ansuz will be seated on the throne next year, and I want to give him the chance to
