Darian arrived at Haven at dawn.
William met him at the gate, his face calm, his hands empty. The former leader of the old Council's supporters stood before him, his gray hair disheveled, his clothes travel-worn. He looked like a man who had not slept in days.
"This is it," Darian said. "Your village."
"This is Haven."
Darian looked around. At the houses, the fields, the children playing in the streets. At the smoke rising from chimneys, the laughter echoing off the walls.
"It's not what I expected."
"What did you expect?"
"A fortress. A camp. A gathering of warriors."
"It's a village. Just a village."
Darian was silent for a long moment.
"I don't know how to live in a village."
"Then learn."
---
William walked Darian through the streets.
They passed the healing house, where
