Chapter 25
They walked along the road that led out of the city, between people who waved from their houses and occasionally offered gifts. Ben found himself somewhere near the end of the line of travelers, Isika and Gavi behind him. And then Ivram was there, smiling at him, lines spreading from his eyes in fans that reached down his dark cheeks, his grizzled hair glowing in the morning light. Ben stared at the beautiful silverwood staff in his hand. It glowed slightly, though it was harder to see in the bright morning sun.
"I thought we could walk together for a time," Ivram said. "To talk."
Ben nodded, intimidated despite himself. The elder was so tall, his body bent slightly at the shoulders as he leaned his head to talk to Ben. His silver head matched the gorgeous staff, and the deep
