Kaelan took it with a nod of thanks, then handed it to Bria as he led them to the stone cropping the troll had pointed to.
It turned out to be a cave, not too deep, but with enough height that Kaelan could stand comfortably.
After Kaelan searched all the nooks in the cave, making certain there was nothing there that would surprise them, he returned to Bria standing at the opening.
“I am going to get firewood and get a fire going just beyond the entrance here. It will offer us some heat for the night and discourage any creature from visiting us. I won’t be long.”
Bria nodded, already feeling the emptiness of his absence creeping over her.
He brushed his cheek against hers and whispered, “Parting will grow easier. It is the early times when it hurts the most.”
“I thought perhaps you did not feel it as strongly, knowing what to expect.”
He pressed a faint kiss to her lips. “It is like a stab to my heart parting from you.”
Bria returned his kiss though it was far from faint. “Hurry back, husband.”
“That I will, wife,” he said, and left the cave.
With her legs aching from the endless day of walking, Bria lowered herself to sit and as soon as she did, a shimmering goldlight flew into the cave. It darted around the cave until it came to an abrupt stop in front of her.
It was the tiny fairy who had made herself known to Bria. Her delicate wings shimmered in the fading light as she flitted in front of Bria’s face.
“You worried me being caught up with Ogga. She’s a mean one, even with her powers curtailed. But I see you haven’t entirely freed yourself of her. Henry is with you.”
“Henry?” Bria asked.
“The troll. His name is Henry.”
So, the troll had a name, which meant…
“And your name?” Bria sked.
“Fiora, but there is no time for pleasantries. Your husband will return soon, and you need to know that the council waits for you and not patiently.”
Bria turned a puzzled look on her. “Why me?”
“You woke the Wise.” Fiora flitted closer. “Though there are those who suggest you rose them from the dead.” She laughed. “Foolish. You have a long way to go to be Wise, if you are at all.”
“I most certainly did not wake the dead,” Bria said, just the thought of such a suggestion was ridiculous. “I have no such powers and I know nothing of the Wise. I am a simple comfort healer.”
“That is the problem that confronts and confounds the council and is the reason they must speak with you immediately. I can guide you to them.” Fiora gave a quick glance toward the entrance of the cave. “But first, you need to ditch Henry.”
“First, I will discuss this with my husband.”
“There is no time to delay,” Fiora urged. “Foreign forces try to divide Driochmor. The Wise could be of help.”
“And at risk since the king’s decree of death to all Wise still holds true,” Bria reminded.
“You need to speak with the council,” Fiora said. “Driochmor grows restless, more restless with each passing day. Some wish Driochmor restored to what it once was, others seek revenge.”
“And which side does Ogga fall on?”
Fiora snorted. “Ogga will do anything to rule Driochmor as its queen and the council fears she has already set that in motion.”
“That she has,” Bria confirmed.
Fiora’s head snapped to the side. “You husband returns. Hurry and get to the council.”
