Chapter 21: Akton
Talfryn wasn’t talkative. Akton made their excuses and then went to collect their things, stopping to eat something quickly and for Talfryn to stitch up what remained of his pack. Akton watched him sort through what he had left, potion bottles mainly, needles, a couple of packets of something that had been pinched between bottles. Talfryn took a sip from the half-full bottle of sun water, looking crushed. Akton wanted to tell him they’d buy him another pack somewhere and he’d restock, but even that seemed like too much.
“Ready?” asked Talfryn at last, standing and swinging his tiny bag up to his shoulder. Akton figured he’d hang onto the pack of shifter furs, at least until Talfryn was steadier on his feet.
They made their way down the worn path they had avoided the ni
