Chapter 19
Irian and Kerrin recover the same evening, both starving. The monks are more excited to see Irian. Even Aldach joins the general good mood.
“It’s like I’m apok chaff,” Kerrin sniffs, “and I’m the one who found my way here without the line.” She’s on her eighth bowl of stew.
“That’s two of us,” I say.
We’re sitting at a table in the corner. The stools are easier to tolerate if you can lean your back against the wall. I have one wall. Kerrin has the other. She’s been a bit friendlier since she learned I was the one who carried her back here. Hasn’t sworn at me yet. At everything else? Of course.
Irian’s eating in the center of the common room. The monks mill around him like a cloud of concern, not knowing what to say or do. When he’s only half done with a bowl of stew, one wi
