Chapter 46: Clouds

Late the next morning, Tavin finally awoke. He had once again found himself spending long hours in bed, his mind caught between the dangers looming ahead and the kiss from Valina, unable to get any truly restful sleep. He pushed himself up and peered out the windows; the sky was covered in dark gray clouds. He got dressed, gathered his things, put on the bladed wristband, and left for the heart of Varenwald.

As Tavin entered the square, he once again saw a small gathered group of people, Bennett and Mayor Harstead among them. Most of them carried packs as full as they could manage, but some carried nothing.

“Good, you’re here,” the mayor said when he spotted Tavin. “We were about to wake you.”

“Sorry,” Tavin said plainly. “I had trouble sleeping last night.”

“Many of us have,” the mayor said.

“This is the last group to evacuate,” Bennett said, gesturing to those with packs.

“What about the others?” Tavin asked.