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She laughed, handing over a bundle of bread, cheese, and some meat stew. “For you and your moody companion upstairs,” she winked.
Returning to the room, Beldor was relieved to find Eldrion looking much more presentable, the musk of the road replaced by the fresh scent of soap.
“There’s word from the Halls of Jewels,” he said as he set the meal down, then he handed the letter to Eldrion.
His commander scanned through the message quickly before returning it to Beldor.
“Galodir has summoned us back to the Halls of Jewels,” Beldor voiced as he read it.
“I’m not going. Not yet. I won’t leave without her.”
“They believe we may need to face the possibility that Anthea . . . We might have to consider this mission a failure.”
“She’s alive, Beldor. I’d know if she wasn’t.”
“Eldrion, we have our orders. We cannot afford to linger here much longer. It’s only a matter of time before someone takes note. You’ve killed too many Iron soldiers. The stakes are too high for us to falter now.”
Eldrion’s jaw tightened, his eyes turning stormy. Beldor had seen that look countless times on the battlefield—the fierce determination of a warrior unwilling to yield. But here, in this small room, the intensity of his friend’s gaze was all the more pronounced.
“I am well aware of our orders,” Eldrion shot back, gritting his teeth, the simmering anger evident in his voice.
Beldor held his gaze steadily, both of them challenging the other, locked in a silent standoff.
Eldrion broke the silence first, his voice a low growl. “You will return to the Nephrite court and give them an update. I’m staying here.”
“You’d defy the king’s direct orders? For her?”
“I’m giving her three more weeks,” he said, every word deliberate and resolute. “If she hasn’t emerged by then . . .” He trailed off.
“Three weeks?” Beldor echoed, incredulity evident in his voice. He studied Eldrion’s face, seeking any sign that this was just a fleeting impulse. But there was none; his high commander had made up his mind. He sighed, “think this through, El. There will be consequences, even for you.”
Eldrion’s gaze remained unyielding, determination burning in his eyes. “I have.”
