Page 263 of Because the Gods Left

“Of course I did.” Misha’s tone was all seriousness, but there was a hint of playfulness at the edge of her lips.

Their clan was together again, and the villagers’ families reunited.

“Where is the First?” Aunt Emadya looked between them.

They all fell quiet, and her aunt’s gaze fell on Iryana. She steeled her heart and opened her mouth to explain what had happened, but her uncle stepped forward.

“Mother didn’t make it.” Uncle Dinhal told his older sister. When Aunt Emadya staggered, her brother wrapped his arms around her fiercely.

The sight was heartbreaking all over again.

Used to so much death and loss, her aunt seemed to tuck her grief away to deal with later, and approached Iryana.

“We have news from the settlement,” Aunt Emadya offered weakly.

“We have news to share, too.” Iryana hugged her aunt tightly. “And we have options to discuss.”

“And after it was over, one of the duchess’s scouts said she saw dakii disappearing into the winds.” Aunt Emadya sat before them all, sharing their experience at Lake Vrasho.

Iryana hadn’t seen any during their return flight, but further confirmation that Thelbiz had done as he said he would was comforting.

They sat in the clearing at the center of the camp they’d built on the side of the valley, the ground muddy and the sky darkening above them.

“And what has the duchess said about the border?” Iryana was still angry with the woman, but she wasn’t sure what she expected from her now. “There is no need for it now if the dakii are gone.”

“The duchess is planning on staying in the Sky Valley until they know what to make of the rest of Istri. She has invited the clans to join them.” Aunt Emadya sounded a bit apprehensive.

The clan burst into conversation, everyone talking over one another as they worked through their thoughts.

“We have another option,” Iryana announced, standing before them. “The 18th offered us homes at the fort, to help them rebuild the city and accept any who wish to settle there. Those who aren’t retiring from the 18th will return to being simply a military force and a city guard.”

They threw out questions, and Iryana answered as many as she could, wanting them to make the best choice. Then she told them, “Whatever thoughts you have, now is the time to share them.”

“We have a long history with the Duchess,” Levek pointed out.

“I don’t think she’s particularly happy with our recent choices.” Uncle Dinhal grimaced.

“The villages in the Sky Valley are still in good shape, based on those we rode past,” Aunt Emadya added. “It would be an easy post.”

“If many of the settlements come to the fort, it will be difficult building a cohesive city.” Darsha was holding Nevedya and Velimik at her side.

“When have the Kleesolds shied away from difficulty? There’s a lot of good we could do there,” Hadima said.

On and on they went, Iryana waiting for them to get it all out.

“I will share my thoughts, but I would ask you all to vote on what we do here. Do we offer our help to the duchess? Take on one of her farming villages in the valley? Or do we join the 18th and help them rebuild there?”

It was time they decided how they would move forward.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Hadima and Misha walked by Iryana’s side through the streets of the fort.

She had shown them some of the abandoned city, the pits where she fought against the dakii and the other soldiers in Karvek’s bloody matches. Explained how the fort had defended itself as they approached the main gate. The number of houses in the city overwhelmed Misha. She had never been to a city, never been somewhere larger than their small post and village. Shock was written all over her face.

The fortress was coming back to life. The streets were brushed, smoke rose from chimneys, and the clanging of swords carried from the barracks.

“The walls are so big,” Misha said in awe.