He handed her a glass hawk. “Opal made these. Apparently, they contain magic that you can use to communicate with other magicians. Yelena thought you might be able to reach her in the fire world with these.”
Irys stared at the statue with a rapt expression. “It’s beautiful. Is that why you took off so fast?”
“Yes. I remembered she had given three to Leif and three to Gale.”
Irys jerked in surprise.
“Yelena?” he asked.
“No. Leif. We’ll have to take turns trying to reach Yelena. Who else has one of these?”
He set the last one on her desk. “Give this one to Bain. I’ll get the others from Gale. Zitora should have one as well.”
“Third Magician is in the infirmary. She was seriously wounded in the fight.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Yelena also mentioned someone named Dax. I can see if Gale can use the magic inside. If not, are there others who can use them?”
“We’ve a number of magicians who are strong in mental communication.” She wilted. “We had. I don’t know who is left.”
“You will. Remember when we defeated Brazell?”
“Yes.”
“It took me, the Commander, his advisers, and Ari and Janco three months to get everything sorted. Just take it one day at a time.”
“Thanks, Valek. Speaking of the Commander, can you please let him know that the Sitian Council would like to reestablish a relationship with Ixia?”
“I will send a messenger.” Plus, he needed to check on Gabor and Brigi.
“Oh? You’re not returning to Ixia?”
“Not until Yelena is back.”
“Won’t the Commander?—”
“I don’t care.”
She studied him. “You helped save Sitia. You’re welcome here. In fact, you can stay in Yelena’s rooms.”
Better than the couch in the safe house, but the simmering in his heart flared to a blaze. Would sleeping in her bed without her be too painful? “Thank you. I’ll also help where I can.”
“What about your companions?”
“I will give them the choice to stay in Sitia or go home.”
“They’re excellent fighters. We’re going to be sending units of soldiers to root out all the Daviians and could use their help. Cahil has volunteered to lead this effort.”
“You trust him?” Valek asked in a neutral tone.
“Yes. He allowed me to read his thoughts with my magic. He made a big mistake, but he recognized it and made amends by fighting on our side.”
“Uh huh.” Valek still wanted to kill him.
“I need him,” Irys said, correctly reading his expression and flat tone. “His people are highly trained.”
“If he sets one toe in Ixia, he’s a dead man.”
“I’ll let him know.”
