At the hostel, Kael cheerfully agreed with the hostelier that on his return to Tire, he would share the attic with Mikey. The fleetwalker held another chunk of bread ready to dip into the bowl of soup they were sharing.
‘But tell me, Irenya, have you come here for the fair? You are not native to these parts, I think.’
‘No. We’re … um … on a journey. North.’
‘To take your brother to Ilkyrie, to touch Aristar?’
‘I thought the stone was … is kept at Holdfast.’
‘It was. Chaval has recently passed Aristar to his son. Henceforth, it is Elaaron’s task to seek out those with the MageGate Gift. And now I must be away.’
Mikey tore his attention from the food, dribbling soup across the table. ‘Ya leaving already?’
The sound of voices distracted them. Men and women were crowding into the foyer.
