Gwyn brought his party back to the table, and Gravel came to the fore again to meet him. “I confirm a mutual defense pact for our people and an economic alliance,” he said. “What say you, my lady Gravel?”
She flowed forward and took our her ink bottle again to write. This alliance is agreeable.
She turned to George. *We touch to seal an oath. Would you allow me to reach Gwyn in this manner, through you?*
Like a handshake, he thought to her. “Gwyn, she wants to seal it by touch, through me so as not to cause you harm.”
Gwyn placed himself directly before Gravel, and George felt a momentary dread. What would happen if a rock-wight her size were to touch him directly? She was so much larger than Mag, and Mag’s touch could cause great distress.
He put himself between them, but a little to
