“Kelley!" Oliver shouted, overjoyed. He sprang out of his chair and seized his friend in a tight hug. For a moment, Kelley just hung limp in Oliver's arms. But then, with a disbelieving laugh, he hugged him back hard.
When they broke apart, Oliver surreptitiously brushed a budding tear from his eye. “Sorry," he said hoarsely. “I didn't know if you were alive."
“You took the words from my mouth, Ollie!" Kelley said, seeming just as overwhelmed.
Oliver looked around, a nasty prickle of fear suddenly worming its way through him. “What about Aldric?"
“He's safe," Kelley assured him immediately. “Got a nasty cut on the shoulder last night, but otherwise he's fine."
Oliver let out a sigh of relief. “Sit down!" he said, gesturing to Odeile's vacant seat.
Oliver hardly waited until hi
