"Is there more water?" Nelek asked in a hoarse voice. "And maybe something to eat?"

"I'll go below and get some water and a bite for him to eat."

"Ok." Liadan said uncomfortably. They were running low on food and fresh water, part of why they landed on that island was to get water and hopefully find food. They would probably have to stop somewhere before they got to the mainland.

Aron returned with a small bit of water and a few chunks of meat and cheese. "I fear it's not much, Nelek, but we're running low."

"It's better and more than I'd been getting." Nelek said, reaching for the offerings.

"Hopefully come daylight we can find a port so we can pick up supplies."

"How are Aislyn and the children?" Nelek asked after washing a mouthful of bread down with a swig of water.

Aron's mouth went dry. "Aislyn is lonely and hurting," he said carefully.

"One time a girl came to the island with them, her name was Ila. I think they were... using her." Nelek said delicately. "She said she never saw Aislyn- I think they were keeping her prisoner like me, only in a cottage instead of on an island... They were keeping away from Ais and the kids?"

"For the most part. Aislyn...she felt like a failure as a wife because you left. Millie had a run in with the one masquerading as you though."

"God." Nelek covered his face in his hands. "I had gone to the garden to pick flowers for her, one moment I was picking flowers, next something whacked me on the head and I wake up soaked to the bone on that island... What did that bastard do to Millie?"

"He beat her pretty badly. From what she said, his intentions were to kill her." Aron rubbed his temple. "Though the night before everyone set off in search of you, he tried to grab her and take her somewhere. Sileas and Questa managed to get him away from Millie."

"Oh no." Nelek was horrified. "Is she all right?"

Aron nodded. "She was mostly shaken up. Thankfully Lek was with her and was able to call for help. At least he didn't look like you the second time. Millie's stronger than she knows."

Nelek did not look relieved, he was still worried. "This must be so hard on Millie and Lek- but the babies- they couldn't understand. Will they even remember me? I've been gone so long and Ais had to raise them on her own."

Aron let out a sad sigh and raked his hand through his hair. "There's something you should know. A few days before we  set sail, the village was attacked by raiders. They set the inn on fire. Despite everyone's best efforts," Aron paused and closed his eyes for a second or two, "We couldn't get the little ones out.  Aislyn's rooms were too close to where the fire started."

Nelek's face turned white, he shook his head in denial. "No."

The pain was still fresh and raw to Aron and a tear streaked down his cheek. Aron reached out to touch his shoulder.

Nelek gave a wordless, primal cry, then seemed to collapse into himself. His shoulders shaking so hard with sobs the boat rocked.

Aron let his hand rest on Nelek's shoulder, wondering if he should wrap his arms around him. That was what the women folk would do."

Nelek couldn't believe it. The little ones were gone and he never had a chance to say good bye to any of them. "I should've been there, I might've saved them."

"It wasn't your fault, Nelek, you can't blame yourself. I'm sure Aislyn has done enough blaming herself for both of you."

Nelek was inconsolable. They were so small when he left, practically still babes.

Aron sat quietly beside his brother-in-law, offering silent support.

Liadan swore to kill Jack and his whole family.