Page 73 of Because the Gods Left

“Was the summit successful?” the First asked, voice stiff.

Iryana nodded. “Yes.” But was it worth it? She could only hope so.

She slid the signed agreements across the desk for her grandmother to review.

“I want you to fill me in on everything. But first, you’re ready for your ceremony tomorrow night?” The First sounded tired.

Iryana swallowed. She wasn’t sure she ever would be, but… it didn’t matter. “Of course.”

She would have to be ready.

Iryana was trying not to feel defeated as she left her grandmother’s study. It was clear that the First wasn’t as encouraged by the agreements the summit made, and that she wasn’t happy about losing the time with Hadima, even though she didn’t come out and say it. The First was trying to let Iryana find her own way, but Iryana felt like she was failing.

She found Hadima in her workroom, sorting through piles of dried herbs and roots.

“Hey.” Iryana forced herself to her sister’s side.

“We’re ready for the ceremony tomorrow.” Hadima turned to face Iryana fully. “How did the summit go?”

She took a steadying breath. She’d think about the ceremony later.

“The Vyukovold Clan was… not really interested in working with anyone else. And there was only one way I could get them to take part, to feel like they were getting something out of it.”

“Oh?” Hadima asked softly, not picking up on the nervousness in Iryana’s voice yet.

“They apparently haven’t had a healer at all for a while, forged or otherwise.” Iryana hesitated, watching calculation and understanding flicker across her older sister’s face.

“I see.”

“I hate to ask it of you, Hadima…” Iryana swallowed. “But I need you to spend some time at Cavta Post training one of their clan to be a healer. It will only be a short while, a week or two. They have plenty of injured there for you to treat as part of the training.”

Hadima was quiet for a moment before a weak smile lifted her lips. “Of course. I’m happy to do my part.”

Gods, Iryana felt terrible for asking it of her. And it wasn’t like they could spare much, and even that would make things difficult. But Hadima was also good with people, and Iryana knew she would win the Vyukovolds over. It’d be the best thing for their clans to work together.

“Thank you. Do we have enough supplies here to cover you for that long?”

“I’ll make sure we do.”

Iryana nodded.

“You’re leaving?”

Iryana and Hadima turned to find Misha standing there in the doorway, jaw clenched and hands curled into tight fists.

“No,” Hadima quickly soothed, reaching for the girl, but Misha just stepped back. “I’m just going to visit the other post. Just a few trips here and there. To help them out.”

“So, you’re leaving.”

“I would never leave you. Don’t you dare even think it,” Hadima snapped. “You’re my biggest priority in the whole world, and no one could take us away from each other.”

“What if they don’t want to give you back?” Misha asked in a wavering voice.

Hadima was already shaking her head, but Iryana cut in. “It’ll only be a week or two. I’d never allow another post to take her. I would march there myself and bring her back.”

“Don’t worry, little bee.” Hadima pulled Misha into her arms. “Plus, isn’t it exciting? We don’t get to travel much anymore. Don’t you want to see more places? Next time I can bring you with, and we can make an adventure of it.”

“Okay.” Misha peeked out from Hadima’s arms, and she gave Iryana a gut-souring look.