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wrapped package onto the counter stirring Ronan’s curiosity.
    “Your father mentioned that you and he had the occasion to hunt together in the Heartwood,” Renau said. “He also told me of your skill with the bow.”
    “My father has a tendency to embellish the facts when it comes to his children,” Ronan said. “I can assure you, whatever he said, I’m not as good as he made it sound.”
    “He asked that I craft for you a bow,” Renau said, ignoring Ronan’s try at modesty. “The bow under this cloth is unlike any I’ve crafted.”
    “He shouldn’t have made you go to the trouble.” Ronan said.
    Renau paused lowering his head for a long moment. When he raised his head again, his green eyes glistened with moisture. “My sister…,” his voice cracked, and he paused for another moment before continuing. “My sister almost died in Merric Pride’s camp.” He nodded. “If not for your heroism, she wouldn’t be alive today.”
    Rika leaned into Ronan and squeezed his hand.
    Renau wiped the moisture from his eyes and smiled. “So you see, the honor is mine.”
    Ronan thought it rude to further refuse. He tipped his head in gratitude. “Thank you.”
    “And thank your sister for supplying the necessary wood,” Renau said.
    “Danielle?”
    “I assume it was her. I found the material waiting for me one day in my shop. There wasn’t a note with it, but I don’t know any other person that could’ve supplied such exotic wood.” He rolled back the canvas flap and revealed an Ayralen longbow made from a single piece of deep crimson heartwood.
    Ronan’s jaw dropped, and he gawked at the priceless treasure.
    “I’ve never made anything rivaling the quality of this bow. It’s crafted from living heartwood.” Renau ran his hand along the riser, and the gold grains embedded into the wood swirled beneath his touch. “As you can see, it’s still very much alive.”
    Ronan touched his index finger to the bow near its top notch. Shimmering gold grains converged on his fingertip. “How is a bow made from heartwood different from a bow made of say… oak?”
    “You might ask how a champion war horse is superior to an old nag.” Renau laughed. “The heartwood bow is more accurate and has greater range than a normal bow. But, its advantages go far deeper. Over time, living heartwood bonds with its owner, and the bow’s other properties begin to emerge. Your sister would know more. Her warden’s staff works the same way.”
    “I’d love to hear more about the bow’s other properties?” From the corner of his eye, Ronan caught a flash of silver through Theon Renau’s display window.
    Outside Renau's shop, Manfred, thrust his finger toward the shop and barked at a shield knight trying to move past him. Knight Jeremy Brooks sidestepped trying to move past the stubborn footman, but Manfred cut him off.
    “Master Renau, would you excuse me for a moment?” Ronan said, nodding toward the heated standoff. “I should clear this up.”
    Renau bowed. “I understand Your Majesty.”
    “Master Renau, what method did you use to sculpt the bow?” Rika said.
    As he strode past her, Ronan gave Rika a wink before passing beneath Renau’s doorway.
    “I’ve urgent news for the king. I wouldn’t bother him unless it demanded his immediate attention.” As Jeremy finished the words, his gaze locked on Ronan coming out of Renau’s shop. “Your Majesty, I need to speak with you right now.”
    “I tried to stop him Your Majesty, but he’s a persistent one,” Manfred said his cheeks flushed beet red.
    Ronan placed his hand on Manfred’s shoulder. “Thank you Manfred, but I should speak with Knight Jeremy.”
    Manfred stepped aside. “Of course Your Majesty.”
    “Your Majesty, you’re needed at the palace right away.” Even through the chilly winter day, beads of sweat streaked Jeremy’s brow.
    Ronan’s stomach churned as he braced for bad news. He’d never known Jeremy to overreact, and his agitated