Page 45 of Heart's Keeper

"A what?" Krel asked.

"It's a place where those from another territory reside in a different territory outside their own home, " Elise chimed in. "To help those from their homeland—or world in this case—in the new territory."

"Still," Gyrix replied. "It will be difficult to convince others to come."

"Maybe at first," Lana said. "But I will talk to the council."

Gyrix tipped his head in a shrug, and Xilya turned back to Lana.

"This place could have more than just the vrisha," she said. "I've thought about it for some time now, since the fight ended. This world could also help my friends stuck hiding in Xolis."

Lana's eyes widened. "You mean have them come here?"

Xilya bowed. "I think it could be the right home they need. It is far enough from Xolis and is large enough to accommodate. Those of the city claim they wish to build a place with no more boundaries between races. If they are true in their word, I see no reason that they would object to my friends settling here."

"As long as no one followed them," Nezka said from across the fire. "You wouldn't want those in Xolis to catch their trail."

"They are well hidden," Xilya stated. "And those who join them can be thoroughly checked. I trust my friends are able to sneak those wanting to get out of the empire away safely. And besides, I have a feeling no one is going to be looking for them. As of yesterday, I received word from my friends that Nihl has fallen entirely. And many cities which the nillium ruled are revolting." She looked over to Nezka, her eyes reflecting the fire. "Including, I hear, the city your old master, Vesra, once dominated. With his and the nillium's hunters now defeated, I think it's safe to say no one is in a position to command or to track those fleeing Xolis."

Nezka's eyes narrowed as he considered her news. "He won't lose his city easily. He'd burn it to the ground before he'd allow someone to claim it."

"If that is true, then I will have to warn my friends," Xilya said. "Hopefully, some lives can be spared in the rebellion."

With that said, Lana looked over at Elise, who met her gaze. Elise placed a hand on Nezka's shoulder. "We would love to help, more than anything," Elise said. "But we have one mission we want to finish first. After that, we'd be glad to return."

"Where will you go?" Xerus asked.

"We look for my own kind," Nezka answered. "If there are any left."

"That sounds like a long mission," Lana said.

"Depends on how far and wide we look," Nezka said, taking hold of Elise's hand and knitting her fingers with his. "But yes, it may very well be."

"How long ago did you lose sight of your kind?" Gyrix inquired, studying the hunter.

"When I was very young," said Nezka. "I don't remember any of them. I was alone when I was found."

Gyrix seemed to think on that but said nothing more.

"I'm sorry to see you go but understand that you must," Lana said. "To the rest, I am grateful for your help. I think it's time for me and Xerus to return home. Come tomorrow, we will prepare the ship. Those who come with us should be ready. Those who stay should gather their things. We will talk to Bo tomorrow about having you remain here to guard them as well as speak with the council to bring aid."

"Just focus on getting home," Xilya said. "And fix your predomis. We don't want another incident like before."

Lana glanced at Xerus, giving him a sad smile. He was looking at Xilya with an expression of sly amusement mixed with annoyance. "It is good that you are staying here. My queen might be able to forgive your actions, but I won't forget your attempt to keep me detained while not informing her, despite the circumstances. I would challenge you if it were not below me to throttle one of low rank such as yourself."

"It is good that you go so that I won't experience such an embarrassment to my person," Xilya said honestly, though her eyes were also bright with amusement.

"We will do all that we can here, Risa," Aryus said. "While you're away."

"It's a pity it's such a small settlement," Krel mentioned as he observed the city from afar. Blue and yellow lights glowed out in the distance from the few buildings within. "Not even half the size of a small haven on Tryth. They'll have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to achieve a real city of impressive size, made to accommodate all."

Lana squeezed Xerus’ hand as she gazed out toward the small city with its half-broken wall and few dozen buildings, several with burnt sides, to its simple lights and small park with a handful of trees.

She smiled. "It's a start."

Chapter Sixteen

They took off from XL-08 to travel back to Tryth two days later, this time with just her and Xerus and their crew.

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