The hollow eyes off Elder Iymbryl took hold of her own as she stood from behind her table, “I am ready, Elder.”
When Thorin went to stand, the Elder raised a saged hand, “This trial is one that Princess Ayla must endure on her own.”
Thorin’s eyes narrowed, but he huffed as he sat back, “And what exactly must she do by herself?”
“She must create her bond to the land she will rule.” He answered, his tone light before he glanced at Ayla and turned, “I accompany you to where we begin, but from there you must follow your instincts.”
As he started to walk away and out of the room, Ayla took this as her que to follow and just as she rounded the table, Thorin grabbed her hand, “You can do this.”
She stopped and turned back, her hand squeezing his, “I’ll come back to you this time.” She brough
