"Do as you please,"
Ivan was indifferent to this.
He had no desire to meet Earl Hobson, either. After witnessing the destuctive might on the island, his reverence for the power and authority wielded by nobles diminished, while his yearning and ambition for the power of sorcerers grew stronger.
Ignoring Pearney's eager entreaties, Ivan insisted on returning home first.
In the Marichadon family, Peggy was pruning the low shrubbery in the courtyard when she heard a noise at the gate. She looked up to see a familiar figure standing there, blinking hard, thinking she had seen wrong.
Ivan, watching his sister's stunned expression, smiled and waved.
"I'm back, Peggy."
"Welcome back, Brother Ivan."
Peggy, now certain she wasn't mistaken, hastened to open the door. She stood in front of Ivan somewhat awkwardly, wanting to greet him more warmly but restrained by the decorum expected of a lady.
Ivan gently patted her head.
