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“Let’s deal with the funeral first. We need to stabilize the mountain tribe before we deal with outsiders that may eventually come,” Elora said.
“As soon as that’s handled, I recommend that you read Kargassa’s book, study the maps, and look at Marli’s book of myths. There may be clues.” Odson nodded toward Marli, still clutching the book from the library.
“When are you going?”
“Now.”
“So soon,” Marli breathed.
“You don’t need me here for the funeral.”
“It would be a powerful show of support to have you at Jori’s back during the ceremony,” Elora said.
Odson considered this. “Maybe. Having Stenlen and Eamerson behind him will be a stronger statement. I can be of better use outside the mountain.”
“Because you don’t intend to stay here anyway,” Jori said.
Odson shook his head.
The disappointment was palpable in the room. Not just from Jori, but from everyone there. But no one tried to argue Odson’s decision.
“You always were a wild card.” Elora reached up to pat Odson’s cheek. “Don’t stay away too long, brother.”
Odson gripped her fingers, kissing her hand. “Visit me at Black River, Elora. Heidi would love to see you again.”
There was nothing more to say other than share their goodbye-for-nows, and hugs in some cases.
He left the council room for the terrace and was gone.
Marli rubbed her hands over her face and back through her hair. “That was intense. I feel like I’m not quite sure what just happened there.” Everyone else seemed to share the sentiment.
“I need some air,” Jori said.
Kymri’s expression turned pained as she dropped her voice. “I can’t help if you get into trouble again. My shifting is too unstable now.
“I can do with some air, too. Mind if I join you?” Marli strode forward, slinging an arm across Kymri’s shoulders. “We’ve all been cooped up in here too long.”
Jori grinned at Marli. “Oh! Yeah, you can teach me how to do the barrel rolls I saw the guardians do. Kymri refused to—”
“No!” Kymri and Sten said at once, shaking their head.
“What?” Jori said, eyes wide and innocent. “It’ll be fine.”
Chapter 14
Sten had flown with Jori before. A bunch of times now.
He drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, rolling his shoulders.
Jori needed to learn. That’s all there was to it.
“I’ll go first, you follow. We need to already be in the air so that he has room to launch, and in case there’s trouble.” Sten instructed Marli.
Jori rolled his eyes. “It’s not that bad anymore, Sten.”
“Anymore.” Sten gave Jori a meaningful look.
Marli laughed. “Don’t be so dramatic. He was doing okay earlier.”
