I glance at the line of injured gargoyles, surprised to see that they’re waiting for me. Baelen himself gives me a confirming shake of his head.
“Not until the others are healed. Baelen is safe. I will wait my turn.”
“Your ruling on this is also wise.” She bustles away again and I have a feeling this old lady is going to become my advisor. I’m not sure how I’ll feel when she tells me my decision isunwise. That day is bound to come. It’s impossible to get everything right.
I wait as the line of injured gargoyles grows shorter. Rhain emerges whole and bows low to me before he flies away. The female with the injured throat returns with tears in her eyes to tell me that her husband was killed in a mine two years ago but she’s going to the orphanage to find her children now. I wait for all of them to heal until the moonlight changes color around me, deeper, darker, and only Baelen and I remain on the cliff.
The Priestess is the last to leave. “Come to the palace when you’re ready. There’s a lot of work to be done. Not least, you will need to deal with the clan leaders.”
“I will.” It’s a simple promise but carries so much weight. There are mines to be closed, families to be reunited, homes to be rebuilt, so much damage to be undone.
She places her hand on my arm before she takes flight, a gentle gesture, the first she’s shown me. I’m certain I won’t see this soft side of her again. “It’s time to heal Baelen Rath.”
