“Narthing,” Janella scolded.
“She came back alone,” Ricard continued. “He followed after a while, looking morose. Well, more morose than normal.”
“When was the Chaosreaver here?” Narthing demanded. His stomach clenched
against the tightness in his chest, and he set the broth back down.
That got him surprised looks all around. “The day after you were wounded,” Ersal said. “Didn’t the Lord mention it?”
“He did not.” Narthing closed his eyes and breathed through the pain.
“You’re hurting,” Ersal said. “Let me fetch Dominic and—”
“He’s gone to Edenrich for the day,” Narthing said. “He’s being considered for a position in the Church.”
“Good riddance,” the constable muttered.
“He’s a skilled healer,” Janella said.
“He’s an arrogant prick,” Ersal replied.
“And I’m to eat something before I can take more for the pain,” Narthing said. “How long was he here? The Chaosreaver?”
“Never left the courtyard, and gone just that quickly.” Ricard reassured him.
“Thank be to the Lord of Light,” Narthing offered up a heartfelt prayer. “But why did he come?”
“Lord Verice didn’t say,” Ersal said.
Narthing sighed, and picked up his broth again. “There’s nothing good at hand when that one roams the world.”
“The seer was with him,” Janella offered.
“That’s no cause for comfort,” Narthing managed a sip. The broth was warm and flavorful, but it was still just broth.
“Lord Verice must have done something, said something to her,” Ersal said. “You should talk to him.”
Janella rolled her eyes. “He didn’t listen to any of us for months after the attack. Warna is here for what? A week? Ten days? And she’s got things returning back to normal.”
“Except for the keep,” Ricard pointed out.
“Except for the keep,” Janella agreed. “But it’s only a matter of time.”
“Do you think it was the humans? From the village that was destroyed?” Ersal asked. “Did they say something to upset her?”
“I don’t know,” Ricard shrugged. “But she seemed odd after she talked to them.”
“Now she’s humming sad songs under her breath,” Janella said. “All the time.”
“The Festival’s in just a few weeks,” Ersal said. “What are we going to do?”
“Nothing,” Narthing said firmly.
“Nothing?” Janella stared at him. “But—”
“Lord Verice’s relationship with Lady Warna is none of our concern,” Narthing said, only to be cut off by Janella’s glare.
“I think she’d be good for him,” she declared, as others agreed.
