Chapter 70

Siana and Naerin shared a look and left, leaving Rana to berate her tree in peace. They made it as far as the verge where Naerin stopped to do something to the barrier that surrounded Winter Haven. There was nothing there as far as Siana could see, not even the smoke-like magic that was usually present when Naerin was working. When he straightened, he offered her a hand and a gentle smile.

“I didn’t see anything,” she reached back for his hand. “Why wasn’t there smoke like there usually is?”

“The wards for Winter Haven are tied into the earth beneath the town.” Naerin started walking, tugging her gently along. “The reason that you see nothing is because I am pulling from the earth rather than the aether. You are looking in the wrong place.”

Siana nodded, still fighting the crazy, over-energized urge to dash away, and run until she was tired again. “I think I understand, I’ll try looking down next time.”