Chapter 76. A Soldier’s Farewell

Celeste’s POV

I tried with all my might to contain the rising flood of emotion behind my eyes, but in the end the tears escaped despite my best efforts. Before I could even reach for my sleeve, the Goddess Rene had produced a neatly folded piece of soft cloth and offered it to me with a gentle nod. I accepted it gratefully and dabbed at my cheeks, sweeping away the salty drops until my vision cleared. My heart still throbbed, though, betraying the turmoil I felt inside.

A few paces away, Eryndor was leaning closer to Luneth, speaking in hushed tones about some pressing matter. I couldn’t catch every word, but I saw that he was handing Luneth a tattered scrap of parchment.

“Here,” Eryndor said, “give this to the High Seer. He’s sure to know what it is.” The paper was old, creased from age, and partially obscured a curious, small orange gem affixed to its surface. Luneth slipped it carefully into his satchel without a word, his brow furrowed in concern.