Galen
Sector-lord Meredith Worth Aegis was the second most powerful lord in the Kingdom of Highpass. Co-ruler of the kingdom along with her brother, Galen’s own father Erik Worth Aegis, Sector-lord of Worthgard. They shared rulership of the kingdom in the service of the King of Fist and the King of the Wanes in the ancient tradition of dual kingship of the Furse Empire.
Meredith was warm, and inviting to Galen’s own surprise. H had never believed the rumors about her, just as he had never believed the ones of his own father, ut he had never met his aunt until that moment.
“Come here,” the Sector-lord said, and embraced Galen in a large hug. “How big you have grown,” she said with a smile on the world of Highgard which she called home. It was a powerful seat, the old capital of King Rodger, and seat of power of Hakon Ashworth who Galen had met in exile on Jom. They called the exile lord tomb for the many people he had killed with his deadly rifle. He had a repulation that matched the new lord of Highgard, and Galen’s own father, and yet was no older than himself.
“Thank,” Galen finally said as his aunt brought the embrace.
“And you,” Sector-lord Meredith Worth said with a large crooked smile. “Took you long enough,” she said before embracing her brother.
Galen watched as the two siblings embraced for a moment, and than broke apart. “It had to be done,” Erik Worth said.
Meredith nodded. “Should have been done years ago. As soon as the false king was killed,” she said, and reached out and placed a hand on Galen’s cheek. “Come, let me introduce you to your cousins. You have many, most none mine, and most so distant you could not find them in our tree, but all good people,” she said, and led the boarding towards the large towering estate that she called home.
“The whole clan has been arriving for the last several weeks,” Meredith said as she wrapped an arm around Galen, and led him forward. “Your father, and uncle Bradley might call Worthgard home, but your three aunts have called Highgard home for the last several years. They, and our children are eager to meet you.”
Galen nodded as he walked with his aunt. “I look forward to meeting everyone.”
Meredith smiled. “We had thought of going the celerbrations at Worthgard for your home coming, but your father wanted time with you alone.” She fell silent for a moment, and than leaned close to Galen. “He is a hard man, but he cares. He carries alot of his shoulders, carries the guilt of our father.” Her face twisted a little. “He has been waiting for your return for thirteen years.”
Galen gave a small snort. “I was handed over to the Jom thirteen years ago,” he replied to his aunt.
Meredith nodded. “I know,” she said firmly, and than looked at her brother. “It was the safest place for you, and yet he hated leaving you there.” She looked forward again. “We were exiles. On the run, hunted by our enemies, but only a fool would harm one under the protection of the Jom. Even when we reclaimed Highpass, there were… there are many risks. Many who would see us dead.”
Galen looked back at his father for a quick moment as he spoke with one of his retainers as they made their way into the large estate. “You have your children with you?” he asked his aunt as he looked at her again, but he already knew the answer.
Meredith nodded again. “Yes, but they are young. My oldest, Elena, she is but six. You are the oldest of my father’s grandchildren, and the heir to your own father, not to mention your link to the Lynch’s.”
Galen nodded at the mention of his mother’s family, and than his aunt let go of his shoulder as they came upon the large group standing in the estate.
“Let me introduce you to your kin,” Meredith said, and introduced her children, siblings, and cousins.
