The Ember Sword Chapter Twenty-Eight

With all they had going on, Edward and Isabella did not have long to ponder the uncertainties of becoming parents. They were occupied with overseeing the incorporation of the villagers of the former city of Blackthorn. The villagers were growing healthier and were scheduled to meet with the royal family to determine their places within the citadel. Arrangements were made for their homes in the cottages of Stormcoast under the protection of the stronghold. The True-Sworn needed more warriors and sentinels, but they had also just gained seven members of the Ironbound.

Months had passed before Esme stood in front of the inhabitants of her citadel and made her announcement.

“After much discussion, I have decided I will uphold the ancient laws. Women who live within the stronghold will train as warriors, and their mates may join them. The newcomers can choose to live in the village and abstain from becoming warriors if they so wish it. Male attendants over the age of seventeen may train alongside the warriors, but will only join us in a battle if there is no alternative.”

“And what of the sword and its powers, your highness?” Athenodora asked.

“We have searched the ancient scrolls for guidance, but it is not entirely clear where our responsibilities lie. The royal family is meant to protect the sword from others who would take it and use it for their own terrible deeds.” Her gaze passed around the room. “I believe it to be beneficial if all the warriors have the same healing powers. Therefore, anyone who agrees to live within these walls and train as a warrior will receive an amulet from The Purifier.”

Though several murmurs rose around her, Chieftess Esme resumed her place beside Carlisle. During dinner, Isabella contemplated her mother’s decision and considered it a decent compromise.

After the meal, Esme and Isabella stood in the war room with Waylon, Laurent, Shelly, Kaure, Santiago, and Isaac of Blackthorn. 

“What have you decided?” Esme asked.

Shelly stepped forward. “Kaure and I wish to become warriors, chieftess. As of now, none of the men have mates, though we assume it will change over time.”

“Very well,” Esme said. “We will find rooms for you here, but you might have to wait. We filled what was empty when the Ironbound came, but I’ve heard rumors of matings. When an opening arises, I will let you know.”

“In the meantime, you may remain in the cottages but come to training daily.” Isabella held out her hand to the two women. “Welcome to the True-Sworn clan, ladies. We will have a ceremony soon where you will choose a battle name and receive an amulet.”

“Thank you, princess.” Kaure shook her hand and left the room. 

Shelly smiled shyly and also shook Isabella’s hand. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

The men followed the women out of the war room, and Isabella turned to her mother. “You do not think Korsväg is ready for immortality?”

“All of them? No.”

Humming, Isabella thought about it. “I suppose we will spend the next millennia defending our way of life.”

“Aye, I believe so. Many will come to take the sword, to further their own evil agendas throughout the world. We mustn't allow it.”

“We agree on that.”

Before leaving, Esme paused, touching her daughter on the hand. “Tanja has taken care of Mikael. I know we did not discuss the matter overmuch, but you deserve to know.”

“What was his punishment?” Isabella’s heart beat faster at the thought that maybe Tanja let him off easy.

“She beheaded him.”

Isabella nodded as relief coursed throughout her body. “Justice was served.”

“Agreed.”

“Are you and Father doing well?”

Esme smiled. “Aye. I know you worry, but we have talked. Through all the years we’ve lived together, there have been many fights. This was no different. He grieved for the injury given to me by that wretched man, and the idea that he couldn't prevent it. He is feeling better now, and we have returned to our usual state of happiness.”

“I’m relieved to hear it.”

Rosalie tracked down her youngest sister that afternoon. Despite their efforts, she and Alise had no luck becoming pregnant. Rosalie became more and more depressed over the lack of results. 

“There’s no way to know if it hasn't happened. We don't experience cycles the way other women do,” Isabella reminded Rosalie.

“Yet another full moon has come and gone, and there are no signs of a baby,” Rosalie said. “I don't know how many times I can remove my amulet and not have any adverse effects.”

“I didn't have any signs either, remember? Ask Renata to read your aura, or whatever she does.”

“I don't know how I feel about Renata,” Rosalie grumbled.

“She stood up to her oppressive husband and brokered peace with our mother at great risk to her own life. I wasn't sure about them in the beginning either, but the Ironbound have proven their loyalty in the past month, at least the ones who remained.”

“You’re right.” Rosalie sighed. “I’m unhappy with myself, and the worst part is there’s no way to change it.”

“You know,” Isabella mused. “There are children from the city of Blackthorn who were left without parents. Perhaps you can foster one or more of them.”

Rosalie’s eyes widened. “Why haven't I thought of that?”

“You have been focused on having a baby of your own, which is understandable.”

“I will go today and see who is in need of parents. Well, after I speak with Emmett, but he was excited about the prospect of having children.”

Isabella hugged Rosalie. “I’m happy you have found your purpose, sister.”

“It seems you have a gift, after all, Isabella,” she said as she stood to leave.

“I do?”

“You are the only one of us able to bear children.”

“I guess you’re right.”

Isabella hadn't thought of it that way, mostly because she assumed her sisters would also get pregnant if they tried. After speaking with Alise, she discovered her other sister was okay with not having children. She would instead offer monetary support to the abbey and volunteer to care for the children they fostered when she could. 

Katrina and Garret were in no hurry to consider children, and it seemed as though they wouldn't have to worry about making that decision after all. 

“I had hopes that any gift I acquired would be more substantial,” Isabella complained to Edward. “I’ve broken so many bones over my lifetime, taken out many enemies, and for this is how I’ll be known. This is more nebulous, not to mention something millions of women have accomplished over time.”

Edward kissed her forehead. “You are remarkable on your own, do not diminish your worth in this way.”

“I disagree. I want to be here for a reason, Edward. Why was our family chosen to live for eternity if I cannot accomplish anything important?”

“I believe most people question why they’re here at some point in their lives, my love. You have the chance to make something better of our world, to make a difference in lives, even if they’re only mine and our child’s.”

Rolling her eyes, she said, “I wish everyone would stop telling me how giving birth is somehow my special ability, that is all.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Fine, then we’ll request they stop. But to me, it’s pretty damn important. I cannot wait to hold our child, to teach them, to love them as unconditionally as I love you.”

Relenting, she leaned into his warmth. Every day she grew more and more crabby. “Perhaps you are the one to convince me of my worth. I believe I am more than what I see in the mirror when you say these things to me.”

“That’s what we are meant to do. I feel more than I am when you praise me, as well.”

“You’re amazing, so you better feel that way.”

Edward cupped her bottom. Though her belly had grown, she wasn't yet so large that he couldn't properly hold her. “I love you, until the sun turns black in the sky. We will have a long and interesting life, and we will raise a strong little one.”

Only her husband could turn her into an optimist. After their conversation, she felt better about what was going on around them. Their future was still up in the air as far as what they would do with their years, but they had plenty of time to figure it out as they went.

As the days passed and Isabella grew heavier with child, she began to wonder if there was yet another surprise on the horizon. In a population of their size, she wasn't the only woman expecting, so she decided to compare herself to others. She walked through the halls of the citadel and down to the village, Katrina by her side. Since the Ironbound had come to join them, her sister-in-law felt the need to shadow her as a guard. It was true that Isabella wasn't in any shape to defend herself at the moment, but she felt no threat from the newcomers as a few others still did. 

By the time she headed back to the stronghold, she had her answer. Alone, she sought her husband and found him in the attendants’ hall with Felix. They both turned at her approach, and Felix bowed.

“Might I speak with you?” she asked Edward.

“Certainly. One moment.” Edward returned his attention to Felix. “Congratulations. Come see me if you have need of anything.”

“Aye, your highness.”

They watched Felix lumber off, and then Edward offered his arm to Isabella. “What brings you down here?”

“My search for you. What brings you down here?”

“The attendants are my friends. Felix told me he’s marrying Gianna, and I gave him wishes of a long and happy marriage.”

“That’s sweet of you.” They stopped at the back door to their chambers, finding it open. Peder was just inside, stoking the flames in the hearth. “Thank you, Peder, that is all for now.”

He bowed and quickly left the room. Once the door was closed, Isabella sat down and held her hand out. Edward took it and stood in front of her.

“What is it?”

“I went to the village to seek out other women who are expecting.”

A frown flitted over his face before he smoothed his expression. “And?”

“And I believe there is more than one child making their home in my womb.”

Silence descended briefly before Edward said, “How did you come to this conclusion?”

“I spoke with many women, and several of them say I am bigger than anyone at this period of gestation for one child. Of course, they were eager to inform me how every woman carries differently, but it seems inevitable that we will have two babies.”

“Two babies?” he echoed.

“Aye. Are you all right with that?”

He nodded. “It would be marvelous if it’s true, especially since I do not think we’ll be pushing our luck in any effort to try again.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.” She shifted to get more comfortable, and Edward sat beside her to rub her lower back. “I’ve asked Magwyn if she’d like to help me with them when the time comes. I know it’s not nearly as noble as the job of a sentinel, but Irina confided in me that Magwyn has felt somewhat useless since she sustained injuries.”

“It sounds like a good idea if she is amenable.”

“She agreed.”

“Good.” Edward pressed harder on her back, and she let out a sigh.

“That's very nice. I’m looking forward to a time when my back no longer hurts. I suppose I’ve been spoiled, being immortal and all.”

Edward chuckled. “Not spoiled. You work hard for your people.”

“Mm.”

The village began to return to its routines. Practice was held daily, relations were forged or strengthened, and Isabella’s girth continued to expand at a rapid rate. This caused many to believe that there were two babies to anticipate.  

Edward had just sat down for the midday meal beside Isabella when Felix came to present them with a gift for their children.

“The attendants wish to honor the children of the princess of the True-Sworn with a gift. All have donated time and talents in the gift, and hope that it pleases you.” Felix bowed and began his retreat.

“Felix,” Isabella called. “Hold for a moment so that you may share in our appreciation and joy.” Felix stood by as Isabella proceeded to remove the cloth covering the gift, as Edward smiled at this sincere gesture.

Once the cloth was removed, Isabella gasped and Edward smiled at the two tiny shields and swords for the newest members of the True-Sworn clan. Isabella proceeded to rise to thank Felix when she felt a popping sensation and fluid running down her inner thighs. She gasped as she suddenly felt the tightening of her abdominal muscles. Edward immediately jumped up to escort his wife to their chambers.

Upon seeing Edward assisting Isabella, her family immediately abandoned their meal to follow. Edward instructed Peder to fetch the midwife and took his wife to the bed. Rosalie and Alise began the task of removing Isabella’s gown to prepare for the birth. Edward continued to hold Isabella’s hand until the attendance of the midwife. Once she completed her exam, she promptly shooed Edward out of the room and began the process of delivering the precious children.

When it turned out that Isabella was correct, and she gave birth to two healthy baby girls, she and Edward were ecstatic. The family gathered around to take turns holding them. 

“What are you naming these two beauties, sister?” Garrett asked.

Isabella looked between Katrina holding one, and Garrett holding the other. “You hold Elysande, which means strong, and Katrina holds Everwyn, which means friend.”

“Then tonight, the inhabitants of Sandhorne Stronghold shall lift their pints in a toast to Elysande and Everwyn,” Esme announced, accepting the bundled baby Katrina handed to her.

“And to Isabella,” Magwyn added.

“Aye.” Edward leaned down and kissed her forehead. “To the woman who changed my life, and that of many others, with her generous spirit and strength.”

“Long live Princess Isabella,” Magwyn called out.

“Long live Princess Isabella,” Edward agreed. “And she will.”