Several hours later, Avery stood holding a basket of fresh fruit and vegetables. They had been gifted to her as she and Core strolled through the village. She nodded and smiled at a young warrior who was looking at her with a mixture of curiosity, awe, and envy. More than once she felt an urge to pinch her arm to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
“They are happy to meet you. The Eastern Mountain clan has always lived in relative isolation, protected by the forest and the mists that surround us,” Core explained as they walked along the path.
“Yet you travel to the main city on Baade,” Avery murmured.
“Each clan has representation on the Council. Teriff rules over all the clans, but he is held accountable by the Council—or at least as much as they can contain him. Prime warriors are excellen
