CHAPTER 67
Dynalya
The City of Evos was nestled in the heart of the forest. Charming buildings of dark wood and stone stood among the elevated trees, blending in seamlessly with the greenery. Flowering bushes lined the cobblestone paths, illuminated by glowing lanterns. The elves had made a home here without disrupting the beauty of nature.
Magic glittered in the air, and it seemed to soothe the ache in Dyna’s veins. While they were waiting for the others to arrive, the escort brought them to rest and eat atMisty Hollow, a tavern built within a semi-enclosed cavity of a massive tree. A singular round window above allowed in a natural stream of light. Vines and roots adorned the tree’s walls, lanterns offering an orange glow. Every table on the stone floor was taken, elves murmuring softly to each other in Elvish or in Urnian.
Dyna smiled at Zev sitting across from her. He happily feasted on a rack of lamb. Keena sat on an overturned teacup, her feet kicking idly, as she chatted with Von and Tavin about fairy food.
A tingle swept through the bond. Dyna fleetingly met Cassiel’s gaze. He sat at the next table with his Valkyrie, their wings hidden from sight. She looked away and cut into her blistered tomatoes roasted with herbs and cheese, resting atop a mound of wild rice.
Things had been awkward since the morning.
Well, for her.
Halder, the Captain of the Norrlen Guard, brought them two mugs of wild berry wine. It was added to the other gifts of food and drink that hadalready filled their table. He gave them a nod of approval, then rejoined Lady Aerina, Raiden, and Eldred at the table across from them.
“Aw, they are fond of you now,” Keena said teasingly. Zev shrugged and chugged down the ale. “And all it took was saving most of their lives from the flood.”
“We were fortunate to save the ones we could,” Dyna said as she passed on her mug to Von.
Many of the Rangers and Norrlen guards had also thanked her for treating their wounds. The Melodyam waters had worked. She made a note to study the falls further.
“I hear that both of you are to be commended,” Lucenna suddenly said from behind her. “The escort wouldn’t cease to speak of your valiant deeds all the way here.”
“Lucenna, thank the Gods you’re all right.” Dyna got up to hug her. “Where is Klyde?”
“He’s outside tending to his horse. Commander Camsen had found him.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.”
Tavin suddenly put down his fork and grabbed his bag, making his way to the front door.
“Oi, boy, where are you going?” Von called after him.
“I’m off to find a scribe’s shop.” He waved over his shoulder. “I need parchment and ink to write to my mother. Don’t worry about me. I can find my way back.”
Von and Zev shared a frown, and both rose to follow.
“I better go with the lad in case he finds himself in any more trouble. Could you pass on word to Klyde that he’s with me?” Von asked her.
Dyna nodded. She was glad to see Zev and Von were getting along now.
“Oh, I’m famished,” Lucenna sank into Zev’s chair, and her eyes lit up at the many plates piled with an assortment of food. “And this looks delicious.”
“Help yourself,” Keena said, cutting into a strawberry half her size. “The almond cakes aredelectable.”
Klyde soon joined them, and they ate their fill as they shared their experiences during the flood.
“Are we staying here for the night?” Lucenna asked as Dyna inspected Klyde’s leg with a mist of Essence.
“I believe so. When we arrived this morning, Commander Camsen said the horses needed rest, and he needed to procure a new carriage for Lady Aerina. It’s unfavorable for her to be seen on the open road.” Nodding in approval, Dyna covered the fresh scab with a salve and wrapped a new bandage over it. “You did well, Lucenna. I don’t detect any internal bleeding.” She handed Klyde the salve container. “Rub this in twice a day for the next three days to clear up any infection and ease any pain. It’s made from Echinacea extract and milk thistle. If you develop a fever, come see me.”
“Right, thanks lass.” Klyde tucked it into his coat pocket. “Has Tavin arrived yet?”
“Yes, not a short while ago with the others,” Keena said. “He went to the market with Von and Zev.”
Klyde’s mouth thinned. “Where is the market?”
