Facing the Elders

After the Matriarch left, Arran and Brightblade finished their breakfast in silence. That Brightblade had no intention of sharing her plans was obvious — although Arran made a tentative attempt to question her about it, she simply cut him off with a small but firm shake of her head.

That usually wouldn't have sufficed to dissuade him from asking further questions, but today, there was an unusual severity to her eyes. And although she showed no other signs of concern, just that was enough to tell Arran she was more than a little worried.

It was a rare thing for Brightblade to show even the slightest hint of worry, and that she did so now could only mean her plan was a risky one, with the outcome still uncertain.

Still, Arran did not give himself over to pointless fretting. Instead, he passed the day training his sword skills, calming his thoughts by focusing on the familiar movements of practice.