‘I saw you pass thought, and I thought I may as well follow you—’ Vesta’s words were too glib, too light-hearted ‘—and see that no harm came your way.’ Vesta cleared her throat and straightened further, turning finally to look at Zhira.
‘The road’s as good a home as any,’ Zhira replied quietly, glancing once more at Rhyode.
‘We have little time to spare. We have to move,’ he said and turned, walking back to the horses.
With his departure, despair seemed to settle over Vesta and she made a wild lunge for Zhira’s hands, clutching them tight to her chest.
‘Please, Zhira, I can’t – I can’t. Please don’t make me go back to Taren, don’t leave me here!’
‘We’re going to the Spire.’ Zhira felt drained. The adventure seemed less bright. ‘It’s going to be a long journey,’ she admitted. What
