A Name That Was Given
Horse and girls stumbled wearily into Lothering at midafternoon, they had lost track of the days. The guard gave a shout and came running, looking them over in their bedraggled state. “Where’s Malcolm?”
Hawke’s voice was empty. “He’s dead.”
The man swallowed but took the reins from her hands. “Here, I’ll lead your horse in.” David came storming up, his joy quickly being swallowed by anger. “Boy, go get your parents.” He nodded and thundered off.
Captain Isherwood and Eliza met them at the Hawke residence. Hawke pulled her younger sister from the horse, bleary eyed and stumbling but carried her into the house. Leandra dropped a glass when she saw them and Carver eyed everyone warily. “Where’s your father?”
Eliza took Bethany from Hawke and took her to the twin’s room, Carver leading the way. Hawke looked longingly at a chair but settled on her heels, folding her arms behind her. “We were attacked by Templars. Papa is dead.”
The color left Leandra’s face. “You mean bandits. Why would Templars attack an innocent family?”
Captain Isherwood laid a hand on her shoulder. “Eliza and I know, Leandra. Malcolm told us.” She nodded, sinking into the chair. “How did it happen, Hawke?”
She swallowed. “We went to Lake Calenhad to go fishing.” He nodded encouragingly. “Papa went up the shore to fish while Bethany played in the water and I read. I fell asleep and then Beth was waking me up because Templars were coming.” Her shoulders slumped. “There was a boy, he said he escaped from the Circle. We got away but Papae stayed behind. There was so many of them and I didn’t think to scout.”
“To protect you.” She stared at the floor and he turned to Leandra. “I’m sorry, but given the circumstances I can’t do anything. I wish I could, but if I push the matter they will take one of your daughters away when they get here to investigate.”
Leandra’s face was hard. “I only have one daughter, Messere.” Hawke’s face emptied as she stared at her mother. “The other is a murderer and a thief and look what it has brought us.” She stood, stalking close to her oldest child. “Do you wish we had all been there? Then we would all be dead and you could live like you please with no consequences?” Hawke recoiled like she had been slapped. Mira and David appeared with food and wine in the doorway. “It’s your fault. You aren’t worthy of his name. You are a cuckoo taking from the others in the nest.” Hawke’s face hardened. “If you were so good, he would have come home today.”
“Leandra.” Captain Isherwood said gently.
“No, its fine, Captain.” She straightened her shoulders. “Papa named me, Mother, and you can’t take that from me. You can blame me, you can hate me, but I brought Beth home safe and she’s a daughter you can be proud of.” She snarled. “Go be proud of her and leave me alone.” Leandra slapped her and Hawke stood stalwart through the blow, catching her mother’s hand as the second one came whistling towards her. “Do not touch me.” She stormed out of the door and past their shocked faces, the air crackling and sulfuric in her wake.