AYLETH
"I have a bad feeling, Falek," she whispered.
"The Father of Lights smiles on Etan, Ayleth," he replied. "Focus on your role in this and allow him to do his."
She nodded again, cursing herself for needing reassurance, or any kind of reminder at this moment.
As they walked into the shadow of the great Castle—Ayleth using the correct entrance, rather than climbing a trellis—they were met with four guards gathered at the gates to debrief and change shifts.
Falek muttered at her to wait, and called out to them. "Hail, brothers."
"Captain!" All four turned and saluted as soon as they noticed him.
"We are only just returned to the castle," he said, his voice warm and casual. Ayleth was stunned by his ability to hide the tension she knew coiled within him. "Can you tell us what has happened these past days while we have been in reflection?"
