continued story of Gad Hammerthane

"It's alright Gad. I can go on from here. My uncle's shop is only a few streets down." Gad stared at her for a moment, and then glanced around at the crowded market.

Night was coming on and the lamps were being lit. A crowded market place at night was not where he wanted to leave her. "No Tina, I've gotten you this far and I would rather see you safely home then just to leave you on a dark street. Would you mind if I took you all the way to your house?"

Tina smiled shyly, hoping that he would say that, "Well if you insist then I guess you could." She slipped her arm into his as she pointed down the market place. "Uncle Simon lives just two streets down. It's not far. I am sure he would love to meet you!"

Gad a slight twinge run through his spine. Meet her uncle...walk her home...why is she touching my arm...all these things ran though his mind as they strolled down the busy street.

Gad knew he would be lying to himself if he said he did not care for Tina. She was...so different than any girl he had recently met. Drifter girls were so much of a, "I can do it myself let go of me pig" type that Gad had not bothered with trying to start a relationship. Besides, he still could not make himself forget...her. It had been years, but still he could not forget.

But Tina was different. But Gad was beginning to wonder if she was too different. "Here we are!" Gad was rocketed back to reality...

"Huh? Did you say something Tina?"

Tina smacked him playfully on the shoulder, "Gad! You haven't heard I word I said have you?"

Gad could only smile, "Sorry Tina...I was just...thinking."

"Oh really! About what?"

"About, how lovely this house looks. I guess I had better hand you over eh?"

Gad strode up to the door with Tina and gave it several swift knocks. It was not long before a thick Caelian man came to the door, silhouetted against the light from within. In a gruff voice addressed Gad, "Excuse me sir, but the store is closed. Is there anything I could help you with? If not I would appreciate it if you left my property!"

"Uncle Simon! Is that anyway to speak to your niece and her rescuer!" The large mans jaw dropped as he looked at the shorter person next to Tina.

"Tina? Is that you Tina!" he rushed forward, clasping Tina in a large bear hug, swinging her around as if she weighed nothing, "Oh Tina, Tina, Tina. My little sliver bell! Oh we were so worried. We had heard that Care Mestolas had been attacked by those Ulbreg dogs, we feared the worst. Are you hurt? What happened? How did you get there? Where are Timon and your mother?"

Tina put a finger to her uncle's lips, "It's not a happy story Uncle Simon. Gad rescued me. He is the one who brought me here."

Simon turned to look at the scruffy looking young man. he glanced him over and sniffed, "Well, I am surprised a Drifter would take time out of his busy schedule to help responsible folk like us. But you have my thanks sir. Not my acceptance, but my thanks."

"Uncle Simon!" Tina gasped, "You apologize right now. Gad saved my life!"

"He's an Ulbreg, Tina and a Drifter to boot. I don't have to apologize to riff-raff like him. Now come inside my silver bell. I want to hear what happened."

"Can't I even say good-bye?!" Tina almost screamed out.

"You have two minutes."

Tina turned to Gad, whose face seemed unaffected by Simon's sudden outburst. She hastily tried to wipe away her now unhide able tears, "I am so sorry Gad. I don't know what has gotten into Uncle."

Gad smiled slightly as he brushed a tear from off of Tina's cheek, "It’s alright. I'm used to that. It’s just what we drifters have to deal with. Don't think less of your uncle. He has a right to feel that way. Drifters are not always...kind. Some are no better than pirates and...he has reason to dislike me being a Ulbreg...especially now a days. But it's ok..."

"No it's not ok Gad." Tina said, frantically trying to keep her emotions in check, “Uncle Simon is all I have left in this world. He is my only family...all I could think about after my family was killed was getting to him and being safe again. But then...then I meet you. You made me feel safe again. These should have been the saddest days of my life. My home is burned, my family and friends killed, my whole life has been destroyed. But they haven't been. I've been with you and suddenly my world does not seem so dark. I want to sail the sands with you, be a drifter with you and I want Uncle to except you because I...I love you."

Tina's voice sounded small as she said it. Gad could only stare at her. He did not know what to say. He cared about her yes, but love. That was something he did not have for her. Something he could not give back.

"Tina... I can't give you what you want. You want more than I can give and I'm sorry. You don't know what you are asking me. I think very highly of you, but..."

"But you just don't love me..."

"It's not that simple Tina."

"Oh I think it is Gad. Haven't you felt anything for me these last five days...Anything?" Gad did not answer, how could he...it had only been five days. The two of them stood there in silence. "Come back and see me when you have the time Drifter." Tina said venomously. She turned and stormed into the house, slamming the door behind her.

Gad sighed in the darkness of the street. Perhaps it was better this way. His life was not conducive for something like Tina right now. He walked along the dimly lit streets toward the front gate of Caer Sendamon. Hoping that Kai still had the engines warmed when he returned.