They watched Dyna lift a stone in the air next to the ball, and they spun around each other.
“How is she doing with her other training?”
“She is doing well,” Cassiel said carefully.
Even after their argument yesterday, Dyna awaited him that morning with her knife to continue with the next lesson. It was the moment he could truly put everything else aside and focus on nothing but the blade swiping through the air between them.
“We attempted archery, but my longbow is a bit much for her,” Rawn said where he sat by the bank with Fair, his washing already finished. He chiseled away at a small piece of wood and curled shavings floated to his lap as he worked. “Lady Dyna requires one for her size.”
“Then we will get her one,” Zev said, surprising Cassiel. He waded out of the water and carefully hung his shirt to dry on a line of rope they’d tied between two trees. It swayed in the gentle breeze like a white flag of surrender. Was he was coming to terms with Dyna’s training?
Cassiel headed out and hung his wet clothes next to Zev’s. He slipped on a dry tunic and his mother’s ring caught on a loose thread. Gently, he tugged the chain free. It dangled from his neck, the sun catching on the sapphire stone.
“What are you carving?” Zev asked.
Rawn blew on the piece of wood, scattering the dust. It was taking the rough shape of a wolf. “A gift for my son. I will send it home along with the letters for my wife by portal. There is a mage courier’s office in the Port of Azure.”
“Is your son not twenty years old now?” Cassiel said as he buttoned his tunic. “He is much too old for toys.”
“I suppose you are right,” Rawn said with a sigh. “But it brings me comfort all the same. It is my way to show that I think of him. I know not what else he may prefer.” Rawn lowered the chisel. “Perhaps he probably wouldn’t care for such things and find them a nuisance.”
Cassiel scratched his neck. He shouldn’t have said anything.
“I don’t believe he would find it a nuisance,” Zev muttered so faintly Cassiel hardly heard him. “Not when they come from his father.”
At least Rawn cared about his son. Cassiel didn’t know what that was like.
“What is the plan for the fjord?” he asked Rawn to change the subject.
With all of them gathered, they should discuss how they planned to gather the scales. They would reach the Saxe Fjord tomorrow. Some instinct warned against it, but the indifference on Dyna’s face fortified his reason for going.
Unease crossed Lord Norrlen’s expression. “Ah well, I remain against the task, but I take it Lady Lucenna has a plan.”
“I do,” Lucenna commented, coming to join them with Dyna. She crossed her arms as she studied them. “I’m sorting out the details. We’ll discuss the plan tonight.”
“There is nothing you wish to ask the Druid, Lord Norrlen?” Dyna asked.
Rawn gathered his belongings and returned them to the saddlebag strapped to Fair. “I admit, I am intrigued by the idea of asking Leoake about the wellbeing of my family. When we briefly met some years ago, it had not occurred to me to ask. However, I do not believe risking our lives is the way to do it.”
“You risk your life every day,” Zev pointed out. “Or is it the grindylows you’re nervous about?”
“I do not doubt my abilities, but precaution kept me alive for the past twenty years.” Rawn gave them a bleak look. “I have little hope for that tomorrow.”
“If we die, at least we’ll feed them,” Zev retorted.
It was a sarcastic comment, but they stared at him. Not only was it unusually rude of Zev, Cassiel didn’t think it was a joke.
“My, you’re a grim lot,” Lucenna said.
Cassiel shot back, “And you are the pleasant one?”
“I’m about as pleasant as you are, Celestial.” A smirk curled Lucenna’s mouth. “I know you don’t like me, but I don’t care. If you’re bemoaning over what happened in Corron, I don’t care about that either.”
Something ugly curdled in his stomach. She had used him to distract the Raiders, and now whatever sanctity he had was gone. He didn’t know if his divine blood even worked anymore.
“You did what you must, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for it,” Lucenna said. “I won’t. I’ve resolved to fight with all my strength and to harm those who would see me harmed. I feel no guilt for removing anyone who stands in my way.”
Cassiel clenched his teeth. “No, a witch would not.”
