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The soldiers jumped and dropped their swords. Farrendel landed lightly on his feet in the cleared space in front of Averett and Julien, the two training swords ready. After only a moment’s pause, Farrendel stepped into the pack, the blue lightning bolts of his magic trailing down each of his blades.

After an initial pause, the lieutenants urged their squads of soldiers to move forward. They rushed Farrendel, probably trying to overwhelm him with numbers.

Farrendel met them with whirling swords and crackling magic. His hair whipped around him, and yet, when the soldiers tried to grab the strands, they never seemed to be able to touch it. It was as if Farrendel sensed the movement or the stirring of the air through his hair and spun in time.

Perhaps elven hair really was magic. If it started glowing when he sang, she wouldn’t be surprised at this point. Not that she could picture Farrendel singing.

Essie’s brothers pressed close behind Farrendel, far closer than the elves had during that ambush. They spread out, taking on any of the soldiers that made it past Farrendel, though Essie suspected Farrendel was letting a few get past him so that her brothers felt useful.

Farrendel, Averett, Julien, and Edmund fought their way to the far side of the training field. Only about fifteen of the soldiers facing them were left still holding weapons.

Averett waved toward them. “Well?”

Farrendel’s mouth quirked. He flicked his hand. Bolts of magic flared, leaping from training sword to training sword, knocking them from the soldiers’ grips. Magic exploded outward. Dust flew. Even standing yards away, Essie couldn’t breathe for a moment.

Then Farrendel’s magic winked out. The dust slowly drifted back to the ground, revealing all the soldiers knocked to the ground.

Were they all right? Essie dug her fingers into the wooden railing.

One of the soldiers sat up with a groan, quickly followed by the others.

Essie’s breath whooshed out. They were bruised but fine.

Edmund pumped his fist in the air and whooped. Julien slapped Farrendel’s back so hard Farrendel stumbled forward.

Averett patted Farrendel’s shoulder and faced the watching crowd of soldiers. “That was quite the display of elven power. I, for one, am glad he’s on our side, thanks to my sister’s marriage.”

The soldiers laughed. Just like that, the defeated soldiers were lining up to shake hands with Farrendel. For his part, Farrendel tolerated all the hand shaking, putting on his hard, impassive warrior face for it. Maybe not the friendliest expression, but at least he didn’t show how freaked out he was.

Some of the soldiers who had watched the first time called for another round, but Averett bowed out with all the diplomacy of the king he was. He steered Farrendel toward where Essie stood along the fence, Julien and Edmund trailing behind as they extricated themselves from all the backslapping.

When Farrendel was close enough, Essie leaned forward and took one of his hands. “You did great.”

His hard expression cracked, a hint of a smile blooming.

“What do you think, Avie?” Edmund strolled up, swinging his practice sword. “Can you clear your schedule? I think it’s time we hung out as brothers with our new brother-in-law.”

“I’ll see to it. Enjoy your brother time.” Paige kissed Averett’s cheek before she nudged Essie. “It’s been too long since we’ve had girl talk.”

Essie had missed her long chats with her sister-in-law. But she glanced at Farrendel. She didn’t want him to think she was just abandoning him to the mercies of her brothers.

Julien reached over the fence and ruffled her hair like he used to do when she was little. “We’ll take care of him.”

Farrendel was a grown elf. Essie didn’t need to hover the entire time they were here. He needed to stand on his own two feet with her family just as she had with his, and that would only happen if she wasn’t there watching over his shoulder.

Still, she squeezed his hand and switched to elvish. “Are you all right with this?”

Farrendel glanced at her three brothers. He straightened his shoulders, much as he had when facing the fifty Escarlish soldiers minutes ago. “I will be fine.”

“All right.” Essie kissed his cheek.

This would be fine. Her brothers seemed to like Farrendel. They just wanted to get to know him better. Hopefully Farrendel would relax enough to let them.