He had become used to people joining his circle rather than leaving it, and it was the first farewell he’d had to endure in months. His nerves felt like they were being stretched to the breaking point as he watched Gavoch lead the Salreani humans away. He couldn’t help but worry that there were far more farewells yet to come.
The Smarlindian Tribunal struck out for Korestrach with the remainder of the dwarves and a handful of humans who were alone in the world. These men and women offered their services wielding and rebuilding, and it was agreed that they would be given shelter in exchange for them working and pulling their weight.
The party was slow and subdued on the return trek. Fletcher didn’t have the heart to urge faster movement. There was no real urgency, anyway—Roxanne had sent
