Page 40 of The Dalwick Demon

Elric passed me a thick envelope sealed with the council’s official wax stamp. I opened it and read over the letter.

Selvyn Browne,

It was brought to the attention of this council that you have dutifully spent your life escorting the human sacrifices of Grafberg to safety.

Recently, a trade agreement was reached with Grafberg on the condition that all sacrifices would cease.

Effectively immediately, you are released from your duties in Dalwick Cave.

We wish you and your family all the best.

With gratitude,

The High Council of Elsinore

My hands shookand my mouth hung open.

The sacrifices were over and I was released from my duties.

Iris grabbed my arm, pulling the letter away from my face so she could look at me.

“Well?” she asked, her eyes wide and expectant.

“It’s over. The sacrifices are over.” My voice cracked. I was overcome with emotion, on the verge of tears.

She hugged me, cradling Wren between the two of us as she spoke. “I wrote to the council. I told them about you and about Grafberg. I told them how profitable a trade agreement would be.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks and I let out a choked laugh. “I love you, my cunning little wife. Your father would be proud.”

“I love you too.” She stepped back and wiped away her tears, gesturing to Elric and Marta. “I had some help. Elric’s cousin was recently appointed to the council, and Marta’s sister was one of the first to put her dresses up for trade.”

I wrapped the two of them in a tight hug. “Thank you my friends. For everything you’ve done for me.”

“Friends?” Elric said. “We’re a family, Selvyn.”

Marta dabbed at her eyes and nodded in agreement. “We’d do anything for you, Wren, and Iris.”

Just as we’d do anything for them.

Iris slipped her arm through mine and pulled me in for a kiss. “Come on, then,” she whispered against my lips. “We’ll cook a nice supper to celebrate.”

As I walked back to the farmhouse, surrounded by my family, I gazed at the mountain off in the distance.

A smile curved up my lips.

Just as my mother would have wanted, I was finally at peace.