must have heard because he stepped to the side as well.
Alchan found her in her bedroom, fussing over trunks.
“This better be enough for you,” he said softly. “Because it’s the last thing I may ever do.”
She looked up slowly and nodded.
“It’s enough. Thank you, brother. It’ll be nice to have a quiet journey on the road with you. It’s been a while.”
His body lost tension. That was all he needed to hear.
“I need to get ready. I only have three days.”
“That’s right,” she said, chuckling. “I knew you would come around.”
“Thank you for believing in me more than I believed in myself,” he said softly.
He was going to need her belief. He was certain she was the only one who truly did. Now, he just needed to make sure he could keep the belief in himself.
I am worthy, and there is no god or goddess who can tell me otherwise.
35
Trevan
Trevan stood to the side, watching the two wagons get their finishing touches. He’d been asked to stop by in the middle of the night but told they didn’t need his help. He was there to see them off, to stand as a witness to the beginning of this journey. He had already said his goodbyes to most of them, including Mave.
They’re leaving today. I can’t believe it. I didn’t know the Andinna put so much stock in their gods, they would take…quests like this. It’s…moving, really. The Elvasi don’t give a damn about their gods unless it’s a good chance to have a party.
Emerian had explained very rough details to him. Trevan remembered the mutt’s face. He didn’t like it at all, but he respected it. Trevan couldn’t help but feel the same. Trevan watched Andinna he knew well, continue their silent duty as that very mutt walked up beside him.
“So, you’re going,” Trevan said softly. “Leaving me and Dave here to fend for ourselves.”
Emerian chuckled. “It’s not like you two are going to get into any trouble, but yeah. I need to go with them. It’s something I think I have to do.”
“Good luck, my friend,” Trevan said with a smile, turning to face the mutt. The twisted scar changed the male’s face and broke the Elvasi features in just the right way. Now, Emerian looked more like an Andinna than he ever had. The pointed ears were still purely Elvasi, his coloration was as well, but now, Trevan knew his friend had finished the transition from wayward mutt to someone right at home in the wilds of Anden.
It’s been an honor, watching his journey. I hope he gets whatever he’s still hunting for.
“It’s just that…” Emerian groaned, and Trevan still saw a little bit of that sheepish, confused male. It was heartening to know that fateful and failed mission hadn’t totally destroyed who Emerian was. He was just different now, and he took the world more seriously, but he still had some of his old self there. “I swore on my life, you know? I told him I would get her home, and now she’s leaving again. My job isn’t done, and…I don’t think it will ever be done, you know? There’s something…”
“Emerian, who are you loyal to?” Trevan asked, smiling.
“Her,” the mutt answered so quickly, there probably wasn’t any thought process behind it.
“Then you are doing exactly what you should be doing,” he promised.
You’re doing what I wish I could, but I’m not Andinna. This isn’t a journey available to me. I’ll always be an outsider looking in, no matter how much I try to understand and fit in.
“Thank you,” Emerian said, bowing his head. “It means…so much to me to hear you say that.”
Trevan hugged him, squeezing as the mutt returned the gesture of affection.
“This got sentimental,” someone said with a cough. “Can I interrupt?”
Trevan released the mutt and turned to see another one.
“Hello, Luykas. Emerian and I were just pondering how far he’s come since we met.”
“I heard. I didn’t want to interrupt. He gets to leave on this crazy mission, while you and I have to find a spy. We’ll have fun.” Luykas grinned, obviously trying to cover up deeper feelings. “Emerian, it’s time for you to get over there and jump on.”
“Goodbye,” Trevan said, patting his friend on the shoulder.
“See you later,” Emerian retorted with a smile that did nothing to soften the harshness of his scar. He ran for the wagons, helping Mat with a box before they both got into the back.
“Why are they leaving in the dead of night?” Trevan