Chapter 3
It took Karigan a couple of days to get back to Corsa. She was in no hurry, so she took her time. When she arrived in town, people were not surprise to see her, thinking that she was a message run or passing thru.
Karigan and Condor travel to her home. She dismount condor and gave him a pat. She walked up to the door and squared herself. She knocked on the door and waited it to be opened. Since it was the off-season, she figures that her father and friend would be at home. The door opened and she braced herself. Sevano opened the door. He stood there for moment, blinking and taking in her image.
"Miss Karigan?" he asked with uncertainty in his voice.
"Aye," she said with a grin. He yelped in happiness and then hugged her. Sevano's yelp causes Stevic to come to the door.
"What is this entire racket about? Who is at the door, Sevano?" he asked as he looked at the hugging pair, not recognizing Karigan straight away. Sevano stepped out of the way and revealed Karigan.
"Kari? Is that you?" he asked as he took little steps toward her.
"Aye papa," she said quietly.
"Come here," stevic said as he stopped and held out his arm. Karigan rushed into his arms. The father and daughter hugged for a very long time. Stevic pulled away after a couple of minutes.
"Let me look at you," he said as he cupped her face, "Beautiful, Kari lass, beautiful. Come on in." he wrapped an arm around her and drew her inside. Sevano closed the door and followed the pair. Stevic and Karigan went to his study. He took his place behind his desk as Karigan sat in one of the chairs in front.
"So tell me, are you staying long? Or are you just passing through?" he asked as he looked at his daughter. Karigan's shoulder slumped. "Lass, what is wrong?" Karigan took a deep breath.
"I'm no longer a rider," she said. Stevic leaned forward in his chair with a shock expression on his face. "My brooch rejected me a couple of days ago and I was dismissed. I don't know why."
"Oh, lass. I'm sorry," stevic said to his daughter.
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault," she said as she waved it away.
"So what are you going to do, Karigan?" Stevic asked. Karigan took another deep breath.
"Do you still wish to set me up with Master Bramer Coyle?" She asked. Stevic nodded.
"Then I will do. I will marry him for it's my duty for the clan," Karigan said as she looked at her father. Stevic looked ecstatic, but he wanted to make sure it would be all right.
"Are you sure, Karigan?" he asked as he got up from his chair.
"Yes," she whispered. Stevic come from behind his desk and hugged his daughter.
"Thank you," he said before letting go and rushing out the door. Karigan just sat there, staring at the same spot. I'm doing the right thing, aren't I? She questioned herself.