Page 73 of The Lost Guard's Healer

Rourk has no intention of revealing what he knows. He sees it as not his business.

My mind races with jumbled thoughts. Our elders have been puppets to the true leaders hiding among us. My father kept so much from me I don’t think I ever really knew the man he was. I wonder if my magic has become clearer and stronger after the battle, and if that had a hand in my recovery, accounting for how I’ve been healing so fast. Have I also become more connected to Rourk? There is a great deal I need to explore once my head stops spinning.

“We hope you can join us,” Colm says to Arthur and Clio. “It would be our honor to host you.”

“I’m afraid we must be going,” Arthur says. “We have a very challenging time ahead and lots to take care of.”

“We are in talks with The Kingdom,” Clio’s voice is smooth. “We may have a chance for a peace treaty. The first of its kind.”

Rourk straightens beside me. “Peace between The Oathlands and The Kingdom? Is such a thing possible?” The tension in his voice tells me he doesn’t fully support the idea.

“The Kingdom is open to discussion,” Arthur says. “The last few days have changed everything. The Oathlands and The Shanti People coming to their aid. This could be the dawn of a new era of peace.”

Rourk raises his brows, bewildered. “The world keeps changing.”

“It is time for us to return home,” Arthur says, turning towards the griffins that are grazing in the field, waiting for them. Curious children watch and play with them.

It suddenly dawns on me that Rourk will be leaving. My throat catches and my chest tightens. Rourk keeps his arm around me.

“It would be a shame to leave before the celebrations,” Rourk tells them.

Arthur grins at him. “You have also changed, brother.”

“The world is a new place,” Rourk says. “We should all get used to change.”

Clio is watching us closely with a small smile. “We could stay for some of that stew that smells delicious.” She nods to the cauldron over the central campfire, where sister wives are preparing a meal.

I wonder if she suggested staying for the stew because she sensed Rourk’s apprehension about leaving.

Magdalena and Colm are happy to host them for a short while before they return home. Jonah asks if Clio could show them a magic trick, which makes them laugh.

A wave of nausea hits me when pain flares in my stomach. Rourk supports me with his good arm.

“I’ll join you in a bit,” he says to the others. “Galene should rest now.”

“I can take her,” Leila says.

Rourk gives her a small, reassuring nod. “I’ve got her.”

Leila straightens, her eyebrows rising. She gives us a look that says, Oh you do, do you?

Rourk nods to Arthur and Clio. “It really is good to see you both.”

Clio gives Rourk a knowing smile. There seems to be a lot of unspoken words between her and Rourk.

“We are glad we could help,” Clio says. “Now we know of the Shanti People here, we would be happy to build a trade route and share resources, to help each other.”

“Actually,” Rourk says. “The Shanti People pride themselves on their independence and prefer to stay out of the affairs of the rest of the world. It’s their way.”

“Well,” Madgalena says. “My mother is an elder, and she was telling us how they have been looking to make some changes. I believe they would be very happy to open channels between us and The Oathlands.”

“Please, let us discuss this more over some stew,” Colm says. “I will bring the elders. They will be happy to meet you.”

Rourk looks stunned. “I guess the world really is changing,” he mutters.

He helps me back to my family tent, where we can be alone.

Chapter thirty-three

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