I didn't make it a hundred feet before finding Elise, Davik, and Khadrel standing in a small huddle, pulling what looked like blackberries off one of the larger fruit-covered bushes. The instant I saw them, I knew I was about to get sucked into something else, and I really didn't want that right now. I just wanted to get to Tristan. So, I did the first thing that came to mind.

  I tried to duck into a nearby alley.

  "Yoohoo! Alex!" Elise waved a handkerchief at me. "We've not seen you in days! Come over and spend time with us!"

  Shit!

  I was only a few steps away from the alley. I could make a break for it and say I didn't hear them when I saw them again later.

  They'd never know.

  It was the perfect crime.

  "Boy! We'd like to pick your brain!" Khadrel's voice boomed down the street, causing a weathered shingle to fall from a nearby roof.

  I could have pretended I hadn't heard Elise, but not even a deaf person would miss the dwarf's deep rumble. Between him and Renard, the two could demolish a building with their voices alone.

  "It's been far too long!" Davik added, his voice far too friendly to ignore. "We want to spend time with you!"

  Under my breath, I whispered, "Damn it, Davik... You're too damn nice." I sighed. Turning and cupping my hands around my mouth, I called back, "I'd love to, but I actually promised Tristan I'd—"

  "Hey, Alex." Na-Ya's voice came from behind the large vine. A moment later, she stepped out from around it, her blue eyes finding mine. She wasn't smiling. She wasn't frowning either. She just looked at me with that steady, neutral, unreadable expression she got when something was sitting heavy on her. She held my gaze for just a second longer, then turned back to the group, then back at me.

  I knew that look. It was the same one Tristan got when she was worried about something. It was how Na-Ya asked for help without asking for help, the same way Tristan did. They really were so similar at times.

  "Okay, yeah, I can spare a few minutes." With a soft sigh, I turned on my heel and made my way to them. Plastering a smile on my face, I waved and said, "Hey, you all!" in a far more cheery tone than I was feeling. That made me feel a little guilty, though. It wasn't like I didn't want to see them. I liked them a lot, and I wanted to see them. Despite that, I'd barely spent any time with them since they'd arrived. I'd just been busy, and I was frankly just a little peopled out.

  "My wonderful, hardworking, dearest friend," Elise extended her hand. "I'm grateful that you're willing to spend a moment of your busy life with us weary travelers."

  "Elise d'Ranthir. It's been far too long." I took Elise's hand in mine and kissed the back. As soon as I did, I cringed. Did people do that here? Was kissing the back of a noble lady's hand a thing in Reial? I didn't know how to play the damn game! I was just some guy who swung a sword around from time to time. How did one noble?

  "Well, that was something." She giggled.

  Davik laughed. "Wow, way to make a move on my woman right in front of me, friend." He slapped my shoulder. "You dog."

  "Alex..." Na-Ya shook her head at me and visibly cringed.

  "What? I did something weird, didn't I?" I did. I knew I did.

  "I think it's sweet." Elise pressed her hand to her heart. "I'll cherish the gesture forever."

  I sighed again. Loudly.

  That got a giggle out of Elise. "My friend, I would be happy to coach you if you would ever like to learn Istaeran social norms." Her pale blue eyes settled on mine. "Given your well-known willingness to put in hard work when it's needed, I believe I could make quite the king out of you, given a few months of study, of course."

  It was my turn to laugh. "I'm that bad at this, huh?"

  "I can tell that, as always, you're trying your absolute best, Alex," Elise said with perfect diplomacy.

  "He always does," Na-Ya said through a small grin.

  Oh, so that got you out of your funk, did it?!

  "Elise, that's like saying bless his soul!" Davik wrapped his arm around Elise's hip and pulled her close, grinning all the while. "We both know it's like watching a farmer use a sword for the first time!"

  Elise swatted his arm. "You devil!"

  Khadrel ribbed the knight with his elbow. "He's just eager, that's all."

  Running my hands through my hair, I tried to wipe away the cringe, but I had a feeling there was no hope for me. Knowing that, I realized it might not be so bad to take her up on her offer. "You'd actually be willing coach me?"

  Elise curtseyed. "Of course I would! You are, after all, one of my dearest friends."

  I'd never thought of our relationship that way, but considering she'd burned every bridge to help me out a year ago, I supposed we were good friends, in a way. And I did like Elise, despite our weird past. She meant well. "I would appreciate that, Elise. Truly."

  "I'm eternally grateful that you talked some sense into me back when we first met. I was awful back then." She inclined her head. "Thus, I will always be here to serve you, my future king." She added extra emphasis on the final word.

  I cringed again, but for a different reason this time. How the hell was I going to pull this whole ruling thing off?

  Davik pressed his fist to his chest. "If you're going to get tutored by her, you should work with me, too. I can teach you how to be a proper knight!"

  Khadrel nodded. "And I can teach you how to talk to my people." He nodded to the west. "While the dwarves are not so common in Calvareth, they are the dominant race in Tharoven. As such, you'll need to know how to speak to them once you rule this land."

  Considering each of their offers, I eventually said, "I genuinely appreciate the offers, all of you. When we get back from Embermist Keep, I'll be sure to take you up on them."

  "I'm glad." Elise's lips tightened. "As not only your friend but also a former favored daughter of the Duke of Istaera—Goddess burn his soul—I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help you ascend to the throne."

  A wave of anger entered my heart at the mention of her father. After what I learned two months before, I knew we'd eventually have to have a long talk about how the duke had been helping the Hands of the Fallen operate in the region. While I was sure it would likely be a painful conversation for her, she needed to know everything I did. Then, maybe, we could all find a path forward. "Elise, your father—"

  "Is a bastard, a cheat, and a liar." Flicking her wrist, she spoke simply, as if she were talking about the weather.

  I hadn't expected that response. "Wait, what do you know about—"

  She held her hand up. "While I could talk at length about that subject, please, let us not spoil our limited time together by talking about such dark matters. There will be plenty of time to have those conversations in the coming days." She put a smile on, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Perhaps, when the hero arrives, we can all broach that subject together?"

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  I nodded. "Fair enough."

  She hooked her arm in Davik's and asked, "Shall we all take a stroll?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned and began walking away.

  Despite being only nineteen or twenty, Elise really was the picture of a noble lady. It was impressive, really. Holding my arm out, I asked Na-Ya, "Shall we?"

  She laughed, said, "Yeah, sure," and hooked her arm in mine.

  ***

  Together, we all strolled through the city for a good hour, taking in the sights and sounds. Eventually, when we hit the edge of the marsh, Elise and Davik sat on an old stone bench, and Khadrel got interested in the water.

  Only then did I look down and realize how distant Na-Ya still seemed. It was time to address that. "Hey," I whispered. "You alright?"

  She was quiet for a moment. Then, "I'm okay. I'm just thinking."

  "About?"

  Rather than answer, her blue eyes swept across the street.

  I followed her eyes and took in the vines and trees and bushes, which were all heavy with fruit. The crystals, which were pulsing softly in the afternoon light. The few people who were flitting to and fro. The ruined structures of a city that, just two months ago, had been forgotten by time.

  When she still didn't say anything for a long time, I asked, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

  "It is." A soft smile played on her lips. "It really is." Looking up at me, she whispered, "I've been thinking about this." She pointed around at the various sights. "About all of this. About what it means, and about what should come next." She paused. "About what it means to do right by us, the city, the people, and my grandma. And if it's even possible to do right by them all.

  I looked to the others, who'd gotten distracted by a small group of skitterslinks. The monsters were dancing for nuts. Everyone seemed so relaxed. So happy. "I think it's possible."

  Slowly, she nodded. "You've spoken with both of them. Elise and Khadrel. Right?" It wasn't quite a question. She already knew the answer.

  "I have."

  "What do you think of what they've proposed?"

  I hesitated. When they arrived, Khadrel and Elise had both asked me if I would establish trade relations with Khozad'Thar and Galden, respectively. However, I told them that I had to consult with the real leader of Caer-Elath-Sylnareth before making that decision. The problem was, I never had the time. It looked like they'd found her for me.

  I shrugged. "Well, they're friends, and I don't think it's a bad idea to have allies. Plus, we're eventually going to need more supplies than the temple can handle." The temple had done much since we'd come here. Hell, Khadrel and Elise had, too. "But it's not my city, so it's not up to me."

  The corner of her mouth moved. Not quite a smile, but not a smile either. "Still. You're going to be king one day, and you're my edán, too. I'm always going to want to hear your opinions, Alex." She patted my cheek. "We all will. We need you."

  Since all this had started, I'd never wanted to take her autonomy or authority away, so I'd been holding back, giving her the space to be her best self, and to learn, grow, and make decisions. I never once thought that she might want to know my thoughts, or that they might bring her comfort.

  Thinking for a moment, I turned and raised my voice, calling out to the others. "Elise. Khadrel."

  They both turned.

  "Walk us through your proposals again. What exactly are you each bringing to the table?" I wanted to hear it here and now. To put it on the table so we could finish it. "How can we all help one another?"

  Elise's eyes flicked to Na-Ya first, obviously reading her the way only someone raised in a noble court could, then back to me. Whatever she saw must have satisfied her, because she straightened and spoke plainly. "Simply put, Galden is a cultural center. Art, education, law, and trade networks that span the length of the Istaeran coast. Since the Scion's War, Galden has been the only major city in this part of Calvareth. We have people, skilled people, in abundance, spanning every field and trade."

  "That makes sense." Galden did have a bit of everything. We would need a bit of everything as we expanded. "Okay, so what do you need from us?"

  Her expression sobered. "The Baron's War left hundreds, if not thousands, of refugees crowding our streets. Families are without homes. Craftsmen are without work. Scholars are without purpose." She shook her head. "Being situated between two mountains, Galden has limited space, and Khozad'Thar is much the same." She spread her hands. "I would ask that you take our refugees."

  I looked at Na-Ya, whose brows were knitted.

  "I will not pretend that relocating settlers here wouldn't ease pressure on Galden. But I also will not pretend that those settlers wouldn't bring real value to this city. Because they would." As Elise spoke, she walked up to one of the larger crystals. Brushing her fingers along its surface, the inner light swirled inside the crystal wherever she touched. "Most just want a place to call home and a sense of purpose. I believe Caer-Elath-Sylnareth could give them that."

  Na-Ya said nothing, but from her expression, I could tell she was thinking deeply.

  Khadrel picked up where Elise left off. "Khozad'Thar is still recovering from its time as the Dregs. While we have crystals, ore, and skilled craftsmen, what we lack is food." He crossed his thick arms over his chest, his expression blunt and businesslike. "In return for it, we can offer much. Our mines run deep, and the dungeon offers us crystals and materials not found elsewhere. Likewise, our craftsmen build goods that last centuries." He looked at Na-Ya. "Thus, I would offer you our craftsmen. Smiths. Masons. Engineers. I have those who would help you build a city that will last forever." He glanced at the crumbling facades still visible down several of the side streets. "But to do that, I need to be able to feed my people."

  Na-Ya was quiet for a long time. Remaining silent, she walked up to the same crystal that Elise was touching. Reaching out, she brushed its surface and smiled as the light within swirled under her fingertips. "It's funny. My grandmother spent her whole life building this place. She poured everything she had into it. Her magic. Her knowledge. Even herself. And then she was gone." She let her hand fall. "And now I'm standing in the middle of it, and I don't..." She swallowed. "I don't always know what I'm doing, and I don't know how to best honor her sacrifices." She looked at Elise. "I feel paralyzed, because I'm afraid to make the wrong choices. Is it right to give our resources away? Will we need them one day, especially when the rest of the people come back to life?" She shook her head. "I just don't know."

  The street went quiet in the way streets do when everyone in them decides at the same moment to listen.

  She stroked the crystal again. "I these crystals," then she brushed her fingers on a nearby vine, "and I these vines. I can feel my grandmother's spirit within them." She looked up. "She's everywhere in this place. She's a part of this place's history. She's deep within its bones. And she's watching me, even now. But these..." she laughed, "... these trade agreements, and city planning, and negotiations..." She shook her head. "I grew up in a forest. I spent most of my life talking to trees." She looked at me sideways. "I never thought my life would end up like this. So please, forgive me for not being as decisive as I should be."

  Khadrel began nodding as she spoke.

  Na-Ya's eyes found the crystal again. "I want to honor her. To do that, I want to help people who need help." She smiled. "That's all my grandmother ever wanted, too. She built all of this," she gestured again, wider now, sweeping her arm out over the entire city, "because she believed people deserved somewhere safe. Somewhere good." Her voice was soft but steady. "And I want to share it. I want everyone to share in her light."

  As she spoke, the crystal flared.

  Na-Ya's breath caught. "Thank you..."

  "Aye," Khadrel whispered. "I feel the same as you do, girl."

  Davik nodded beside him. "She's a good one."

  When Na-Ya finished, Elise remained quiet and still. She wasn't looking at any of us. Her hand stayed pressed to the crystal, and her eyes remained locked on the light within. Then, finally, she said, "Do you know how many negotiations I've sat through? My father used to bring me to them when I was a girl. He said it was an education. That I'd need it if anything ever happened to Sophia..." She frowned. "To my cousin." Letting out a short, humorless laugh, she continued, "In every negotiation, every person at every table wanted something, and none of them would say what it was out loud. It was all subtext and implication and careful, careful wording." Finally, she looked up and met Na-Ya's eyes. "I got very good at it, telling what everyone really wanted. And then I met Alex, and he just... said things. Out loud. Exactly as he meant them." She laughed again. "It was the most alarming thing I'd ever witnessed. And now you're doing it too, Na-Ya."

  Na-Ya blushed. "I am?"

  Elise nodded. "You are."

  "It's not so bad." Davik offered cheerfully.

  "It's not." Elise let out another laugh. A real one this time. "It's not bad at all. It's the most refreshing thing I've ever witnessed, actually." Elise's eyes darkened again. "I have spent my entire life surrounded by people who wanted things while pretending they didn't. But you people..." Her eyes found Na-Ya and me again, "... All of you... you just say what you mean. And what you mean is good. I didn't know that was something I was missing until I found it." She ended her words by looking at Davik. "It's all just... good. And I like it."

  Khadrel stroked his beard. "I saw it the first time I met the boy." He gave me a quick nod. "But I didn't think much of him at first." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "He was just another young man with big dreams and no power to see them through." He smiled at Na-Ya. "But here we are, in a city that's been brought back from the grave, talking about future kings and trade routes and doing right by the people." He patted Elise's shoulder. "I've got my old title back, and I have a great partner up in the city above. And I think we can make something good together, because you have the same look as he did," He said to Na-Ya. "You've got the same eyes. All of you do. Even the Slasher does these days."

  Na-Ya met his gaze. "You can tell from our eyes?"

  "I'm over two hundred years old," he said flatly. "I've met a lot of eyes. Yours are good."

  That got a real smile out of her.

  Davik, who'd moved back to lean against a nearby wall, and with his usual grin in place, said, "Man, I'm glad we're all friends."

  Na-Ya was quiet again, but it was a different kind of quiet than before. She was lighter, somehow. Slowly, she considered each of us in turn, me, Elise, Khadrel, Davik, and then she took a slow breath. "Okay," she said simply.

  "Okay?" I asked.

  "I've made a decision." Her fingers danced on the crystal, which flashed and swirled under her touch. "We're all going to thrive. Together."