The other was one of the manor's best trackers. The guard who spoke was a blond man who looked to be close to Jonmarc's age. Taru laid a hand on her shoulder in support.
"Tell me what you found," Carina said, taking a seat. At Neirin's summons, they left their work and followed him to a small parlor where two guards waited. It was nearly sunset when Neirin came to the great room where Carina and Taru were tending the refugees. And although I'm in no hurry for confirmation, anything is better than watching the candle burn down." It will take Neirin's scouts most of the day to get back.
"Let's go down to where the refugees are camped. That's all any of us can do-take the step we see, and do what we can."Ĭarina finished the last of her breakfast and drained her cup. But having you here at Dark Haven makes a difference. "I don't know the answer to that, Carina. How will we know when it's safe for them to go home? Once the madness starts, how do you contain it?" There's still a mob at the gates, demanding that we turn over the vayash moru to them. And even though Jonmarc destroyed Malesh, there's no guarantee that will stop the fighting here. Either way, it'll be a struggle to secure Margolan. We have no idea whether healing the Flow gave Tris his victory. The last letter I got from Cam made it sound as if Isencroft is on the brink of revolution. But given that ten years passed between the death of the last lord and Jonmarc's choosing, there may come a time when you change your mind." Carina sighed. I want to carry on what Jonmarc's started. She looked up as if she expected Taru to argue with her. "I told Neirin I'd be staying," Carina said. Certainly we'll mark the fast and feast with you." "We'll stay with you for as long as you need us. "And if you hadn't noticed, Raen hasn't left your room." Even now, Carina could glimpse the ghost girl in the shadows. "Riqua and Lisette are worried about you," Taru said quietly as Carina picked at her food. The vision she had glimpsed in the Flow haunted her, and any elation she might have felt over the healing was bittersweet at the cost. It serves no purpose for you to collapse."Ĭarina nodded, but she found that, hungry as she was, the food had no appeal. "I guessed that you were talking to Neirin about making the Passage Fast. "Now that you're healed, you need to eat to keep up your strength." When Carina hesitated, Taru laid a gentle hand on her arm. She had a plate of biscuits with honey and a cup of dried berries along with a fresh pot of tea. Taru was waiting for her when Carina returned to her room. She bowed her head as she struggled for control, and finally looked up, knowing that Neirin could clearly see her grief.