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That was not what I’d expected. I turned, opening my mouth in surprise when Sinsha cleared her throat, and everyone stopped talking.

“There are only two choices if you wish to avoid the Gates of Lehon,” she said, reclining on a cushion covered in white fur, likely fashioned from the hide of a bear like those we’d ridden down the mountain after our first visit. “There are the mountains, which are impossibly treacherous, unless you happen to be part goat?”

“No, Your Excellency,” Galan answered with a smile. “I’ve been accused of being many things, but a goat was never one of them.”

Sinsha laughed. “Which means there is really only one choice, and that is up.”

I furrowed my brow. “They’ll be watching the skies for long distances.”

“She means Astridon,” Torvo said from Rivven’s side. “It is a short flight from here above the tip of the tallest peak.”

“All I saw were clouds.” Even as I spoke the words, I realized that’s exactly what the kingdom looked like from below. When had I ever seen the actual floating island from land? I hadn’t. We’d passed through clouds to get there when I’d first met Torvo, riding Ash to the trials.

“It’s not safe,” Torvo continued. “The king is in control of it now.”

“We have little choice,” Rivven countered, biting off each word.

“The gates will be easier than the sky kingdom,” Torvo answered evenly, turning his attention on the man beside him.

“Maybe,” Rivven countered, “But then there are the forest elves. They will not be happy to see us either. The journey through Astridon is shorter and gives us only one more location to pass through.”

The two stared at each other for an uncomfortable minute, jaws locked. I could almost smell the tension in the air. I glanced at Sinsha for help since Rivven was none too happy with me at the moment, either.

“We have contact with someone on the inside,” she said, taking a sip from the horn that had made its way over. All eyes turned to her.

“You’ve interacted with humans?” Rivven asked. I could make out the undertone of hurt in his voice. This was where his mother came from, and they’d turned their backs on her when she mated with a human. The mountain elves were known for their reclusive nature and intolerance of visitors. They were his kin but had never contacted him or his family.

My chest ached, and I reached for his hand. He let me squeeze it but kept his focus on Sinsha.

“Indeed, since you visited, we have sent scouts in all directions. We realized that there are some humans who may be worthy of collaboration.” Sinsha nodded at me, and my face burned. “Stubbornness is not helpful when facing a common threat. As it happens, there is a resistance building on Astridon, and we will alert them of your arrival. All you need do is stay cloaked and head for the point furthest from the rear of the palace.”

I was speechless. Both Rivven and Torvo remained silent, jaws moving as they ground their teeth.

Luckily Galan was never afflicted with silence. “Thank you for your help and hospitality. I wish we could stay longer and get to know your people better.” He glanced at the woman beside him who shifted slightly, twirling a long strand of dark hair around her finger.

Beside me, Kendara averted her eyes. “Perhaps when my mother has the king’s head,” she said, taking a puff of the smoking contraption. Then she passed it to me. “I will accompany you on your quest.”

I froze, hands around the bulbous part of the object as she held the other side, meeting my eyes. What I saw was pleading. Was it a distraction from whatever happened that kept her lover away from our circle? I shook my head slightly. Whatever she was thinking was not a good reason to go on what might be a suicide mission.

Her eyes narrowed. “I have scouted to Tromodia before. I know the way and those along it who will be helpful.”

“It isn’t necessary⁠—”

Kendara’s hand, so large it swallowed Rune’s slim fingers, rested over mine, warm and calloused. She met my eyes, pain wavering behind her umber irises. “Terra has not returned from our last mission,” she whispered before swallowing hard.

A heaviness settled on my chest. “What was the mission?” I matched her quiet tone as the others continued speaking around us.

“We accompanied a group of rebels to the Astridonian palace in an attempt to get information on the evil one’s plans. We were separated. I’d been with the half tasked with creating a distraction. Her half never returned. I need to go back. If she somehow made it out with the others, she would be with the same group you are headed to meet. I can’t ask through messenger birds. We keep the messages short. Only urgent plans. Please.” Her body seemed to curl in on itself as she pleaded with me. Her grasp on my hand tightened as I considered this.

I remembered well the feeling of helplessness when I’d been trapped in Rune’s mind, and I hadn’t known Rivven’s fate. We could use help, and if there was any chance Terra was there... I swallowed, then nodded my agreement, raising my voice again to be heard by the others. “We thank you for your guidance.”

“Your Eminence.” Torvo’s deep voice cut through the conversation.

Sinsha turned her attention to him. “We do not use such human terms, Imrati Champion. You may call me Sinsha.”

“Thank you,” he said, nodding. “Have your people noticed any unusual happenings? Perhaps earthquakes, or excessive storms?”

A hush fell over the circle, making me shift uncomfortably side to side. Finally, Sinsha spoke.