Chapter 11

What We Carry

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Sylvarra Mayor's Office

Thank you for the report, Mayor Marrow.

His Majesty will be briefed tonight.

Was there something else?

I wasn’t sure it belonged in the official report.

I thought... you should have this.

Thank you, Hobb.

I’m truly sorry, Chancellor.

There was no warning.

The guard did everything they could. But...

They did what they had to.

If Captain Nocturne hadn’t surrendered, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

We would be counting the dead.

Now that the dirty business is concluded... would you care for more tea?

No, thank you.

I should be off to Caelion.

General Asher will leave protection here. And whatever aid Sylvarra needs.

Food and supplies will continue coming from the capital.

Sylvarra will not be forgotten.

You have my word.

Thank you, Chancellor.

The next morning.

Kaze..?

Did you even sleep?

I slept enough.

You’re leaving today.

Yes.

Darius—

No.

You don’t have to come.

Yes, I do.

You were going to leave without waking me?

I was going to tell you.

When?

I didn’t want to drag you into this.

You’re not dragging me anywhere.

Darius—

No.

We are in this together.

Where are you going?

The Wind Temple.

Today?

Yes.

And after that?

We find the Empire.

For an instant, the room vanished.

Then I’m coming with you.

No.

Selene, you saw what they did here.

I’m not letting you walk into that.

They attacked my home too.

You don't understand Selene...

Neither do you.

I can’t just stay here while you both walk into danger.

Selene, we don’t know how long this will take.

Or what waits beyond the temple.

I know.

Selene... your mother needs you here.

If the road ahead is that dangerous, then you’ll need a healer.

You’re both still injured.

Kaze can barely stand without trying to hide the pain.

And you were thrown into a mountainside hard enough to bruise half your back.

I'm going.

She’s made up her mind.

If you’re coming, you need to prepare.

I know.

I’ll gather supplies from the clinic.

And I need to speak with my mother.

Do not leave without me.

Then we wait.

Sigh...

Sylvarra Clinic

You’re packing for the road.

We’re going to the Wind Temple.

With Kaze and Darius.

They’re leaving soon.

And you mean to go with them.

They’ll need a healer.

They may.

But that is not the only reason.

I don’t know how to explain it.

What did you see?

I don’t know.

Not clearly.

Something in me won’t let them leave without me.

Then do not dismiss it lightly.

But do not mistake a feeling for certainty.

You have treated bruises, fevers, broken bones.

You have learned well, Selene.

Better than I could have hoped.

But any healer, especially on the road must learn something harder.

Not everyone can be saved.

Then I need to be there for the ones who can.

Then I will not pretend I can keep you here.

Mother…

Take what will keep.

Tonics, clean wraps, feverroot.

Leave the tinctures we need most here.

Of course.

Use these sparingly.

And never give the red tonic on an empty stomach.

I remember.

I know.

My old robes.

From before Sylvarra became home.

They carried me farther than I thought I would ever go.

And brought me safely home again.

If you are going...

go prepared.

Thank you.

Hold still.

There.

Come back to me.

I will.