The woman sighed as though accustomed to the fairy’s blunt opinions.
“As you wish.” The woman gestured toward the largest building in the settlement.
“I will take them there,” Fiora said and flew in front of them to lead the way.
It stood near the center of the settlement. Built of pale stone and dark timber, its tall windows reflected the fading sunlight. Flowering vines climbed portions of the walls and broad stone steps led to large wooden doors.
It was not grand. It did not need to be. Something about it commanded respect without demanding it.
Bria found herself slowing as they approached. Somewhere inside waited answers about the Wise and about why the council had summoned her with such urgency. And she could not help but wonder if she truly wanted those answers.
Fiora flew circles around Bria as they approached the largest building in the settlement.
“The one with the silver hair is…” the fairy began, then zipped away and returned just as quickly. “…and do not let that one fool you because?—”
Bria smiled and nodded while Fiora hurriedly detailed each council member. By the time they reached the door, Bria felt more comfortable meeting them.
Kaelan brought her to a halt at the door and got an annoyed look from Fiora. He ignored it.
He turned to Bria, bringing their joined hands up to rest against his chest. “Our hands will remain joined. You will go nowhere without me. You will trust no one. You will remember you are in Driochmor.”
“Are you a fool?” Fiora snapped, annoyed. “This is the safest place in Driochmor. It is where the safest and best of magic resides.”
“I don’t care what you say. My wife does as I say or we leave now.”
Fiora flitted back from him. “Calm down there, Thornek.”
Bria saw what frightened the fairy and had her referring to him by his tribe’s name. Kaelan’s eyes shimmered gold. She hurried to calm him with her comforting touch, placing her free hand on his shoulder. She almost yanked her hand off him, his anger was so intense, but she didn’t. She kept her hand there and let her patience flow into him.
“Worry not, husband, I will remain with you, not to appease but because I want to,” Bria said softly.
His anger faded quicker than Bria expected. Though it continued to simmer, at least it was not near to breaking loose.
“I appreciate that, wife,” Kaelan said, relieved, and kissed her lips gently.
“Now can we get on with this?” Fiora asked.
“Do not keep us waiting,” Kaelan urged with a slight smile.
Fiora muttered and flew to the door, opening it with the wave of her tiny hand.
The room proved much like the settlement itself. Simple, welcoming, and far more beautiful than Bria expected.
Sunlight streamed through tall windows, bathing the stone walls in a warm golden glow. Thick timber beams crossed the high ceiling overhead and the scent of woodsmoke mingled pleasantly with herbs hanging to dry near the massive hearth. Long tables occupied the center of the room while shelves filled with books and scrolls lined portions of the walls.
It was not a place of rulers but rather a place of wisdom.
Five people rose from a table near the far end of the hall.
A smaller table nearby had been prepared with platters of bread, cheese, fruit, and steaming mugs.
“You have had a long journey. You must be hungry,” the silver-haired man said. “Please sit and eat.”
Bria thought it a wonderful idea, especially since their last meal was yesterday.
Kaelan did not.
“That can wait.”
