Chapter 11
ApprenticeNian
Jauer woke during the night, took some of the ale Elainya had left for him, and then fell into a more natural sleep. Nian sat on the floor next to the boy’s pallet and watched for any sign that the blow had harmed his mind. Elainya said he would recover.
She would know.
It had taken every ounce of his will not to kill Jeiwan when he’d seen Jauer fall from the blow. Elainya had handled the situation with her typical calm, efficient manner, every bit the traditional Draska.
And what was he?
What had he become?
The first of the new Draska? Some strange malformed throwback to an extinct race?
He shook his head and stroked his beard. Elainya was right — best to forget the past.
Leaning his head back against the stone wall, he fell asleep, one hand on Jauer’s s
