The quiet didn’t last long. A few minutes later I had nurses getting me hooked up to an IV system, and drawing blood for more tests. I managed to doze for a bit once they were done, waking when Xen returned with a tray filled with a rich-looking stew, bread rolls, and some mixed fruit.
Xen sat with me while I ate, though we didn’t speak much. My mind replayed the last spell casting over and over. “Tomorrow shouldn’t be so traumatic,” I said as I finished eating. “I’ll be starting fresh, and so will the bridge team.”
“Your sister is worried for you,” Xen said. “She and Minister Brek have been arguing about the prudence of this plan.”
“I get that. And believe me, I would rather she was with us when this happens. We’ll be fine though.” I smiled with more confidence than I truly felt. “You
