Preparations

By the time Aragon reached home, Katheryn and Eliza were waiting for him. Katheryn sat near the table and looked tired. She leaned on the table, and as usual, a jug was beside her.

Aragon walked towards them and sat beside Katheryn. Eliza served him a meal of meat and gave him a glass of ale.

"So, where have you been till now?"Katheryn asked lazily, eating her meal.

"In the forest." Aragon gave a short answer, which made Katheryn frown for a second. But she disregarded the matter and continued to eat.

"Tomorrow's a big day for the chief's family," Katheryn said. But her tone suggested that she meant something.

"Aunt Katheryn, do you think that they will proceed with it?" Aragon said, which surprised Katheryn.

"What makes you think like that?"

"Well, Synnove isn't the type to marry someone." "She might have agreed because of uncle Rhaet."

"Yes, that's right."

Katheryn looked at him and said in a firm tone, "Anyways, tomorrow's going to be a very busy day." "It might turn ugly if my brother does something."

"I think I saw more people coming from the town's road," Aragon added.

"Hmm, a lot of guests from there would be coming to the wedding?"

"In any case, we will find out about it tomorrow."

"And young man, do you think that there will be a lot of ladies coming tomorrow?" Katheryn resumed eating her meal.

Aragon smiled and said, "I know nothing." Then he continued eating.

Eliza chuckled, looking at Katheryn. Katheryn smacked him on the back of his head, but Aragon bent his head right when the hand was about to strike him.

"Cheeky brat!"

They both bickered and continued eating their meal.

***

Ragna was in the hall, making necessary arrangements for the wedding. She was all smiling and giving out orders to her servants. Her face had a new glow.

Everyone around her thought that it may have been caused by the upcoming event. So they happily listened to her orders and worked energetically.

Rhaet didn't see his wife's enraptured face. He was pondering his own thoughts. Mosce had informed him that there would be guests arriving from the Ditrayn. And the number was not what he expected.

Synnove was with Asdis, and other girls were taking care of her. She was surrounded by young girls, and her brother Ivar and sister Egnav were also present. He and Egnav were busy talking to the girls.

Aragon stayed at home with his aunt.

"Where's the 'cousin'?" Ivar asked Synnove, stressing the part, cousin.

"How would I know? Mutt," she mocked him.

"Bride girl, it's not good to have such a temper, you know," Ivar teased her. Synnove glared at him, giving him a cold look.

Ivar and Egnav were now adults, going on hunts for the village. If any were raised, they would be called to fight in the battle.

He has been following his father and taking his words to heart for the past three years. It was already decided that he would be the next chieftain of the tribe. Ever since he learned of this matter, he has stopped his usual habits of drinking and fooling around. And he also helped his father with the town's construction.

The preparations were going smoothly, and all the members of Rhaet's family were present in the hall.

Aragon, with his aunt Katheryn, came around dusk. Rhaet has sent a word for Katheryn to come. He said that he had something to discuss with Katheryn.

Aragon also came with her for other purposes. As soon as he came, he searched for his aunt Ragna.

Katheryn left to see where Rhaet was, and Aragon searched for his aunt.

Katheryn found Rhaet in a room upstairs. He was sitting alone in the room. He seemed to be so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice Katheryn coming in.

"Brother," Katheryn called him, making him snap out of his thoughts.

"Oh, you are here."

"What's got you thinking so much?"

"Katheryn, take a seat."

Ragna was in a room stocked with all kinds of food items. The ingredients required for tomorrow's feast There were some servants present in the room, and she was making sure that everything was present. She didn't notice Aragon entering the room and stood a few steps behind her.

When she turned back and saw Aragon, a smile appeared on her face. Aragon arched a smile and walked up to her, then stood beside her.

They acted as though they were just standing there and observing their work.

"How is my young nephew after that morning's intense breakfast?" She leaned slightly toward him and whispered to him.