Chapter 81. Dejection

CAIVAN

“What do you reckon would have happened, what news Seirmon bears? Something bad? Do you think those raveners had gotten to them?” I groan at the thought; I’d avoided it altogether back at the plateau when I had looked out over the plain. Inevitable, it seems.

“If it’s bad, Charlin would let us know. Or you’d smell it on her, the anxiety,” I state, and she scoffs.

“I’m good at masking my emotions,” she chips.

“And she wouldn’t be making jokes,” I add.

Father’s hut looms in front of us like some ill bringer of doom. It certainly has played the part over the years…since mother’s death. I fervently hope Seirmon doesn’t bring more than we can bear.

Inside, I spot his dark sienna hair behind a dining chair, and look around instinctively for a body. There’s none, and I stifle a tremendous sigh of relief.

Gylen pats him on the shoulder as he turns, his mouth quite full with what looks to be shellfish. He looks perfectly fine, thank the god