“Oh, Keriya.” The understanding in his voice, edging toward pity, was nearly enough to break her.
“Selaras needs you, Fletch,” she whispered. “I’ll make sure you have all the time you need. When this is over, your words will matter more than any magic and any weapon in the world.”
“That’s awfully optimistic of you,” he said, smiling.
“I learned from the best.”
“Do you . . .” He hesitated. “Do you need help? With the dragons? I’ll go with you.”
She shook her head. “I have a plan.”
His glasses flashed as he stared down his nose skeptically. “Really?”
“Swear to Shivnath.”
“Ambassador Earengale?” a voice interrupted. An elf was waiting for his attention.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at dawn, Keriya.” Fletcher gave her shoulder one more reassuring squeeze before turning away.
The last meeti
