Chapter 24

“Do you have a task for me as well, Honored One?” the dwarf asked.

“Perhaps you could start the evening meal, Einith?”

Einith rose from his seat and sketched a bow to the Archmage before he joined Tae’liamath. Those two moved in a complicated dance as they pulled supplies out of the packs, never saying a word. The dark edge of sleep started to creep into his tired body even as he watched, but Solna found himself amused for a reason he could not name. Tae’liamath spun away from their gear with a bundle of heavy cloth like he was liquid. It wistfully reminded Solna of Vius.

“For you and your Bonded, cousin,” Tae’liamath said as he held out the bundle.

Solna gave him a confused look. Lasra answered instead. “Cousin is the standard designation of all non-elven who bond with elves in their culture.”

“Thank you, Tae’liamath.” For a moment, Solna struggled to shift Vius enough to free up a hand for the bundle, but he managed it. “But Vius and I have not bonded.”