Ephemeral and Fleeting

“Of course, I expect Reigna and Eden will be handling matters going forward, but I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for the great work you’ve done in preparing things here so quickly in anticipation of our trip to Shimeron. Your attention to detail is most appreciated. At this time, there’s not much left to do, although I understand that Adele could use some assistance in packing up the rest of the kitchen this evening.”

She glanced about. “For now, given Saga’s death,” she said, her eyes flickering in Reigna’s direction, “all I’ve got left, is to finish going through some books. One way or another though, I’ll finish that up tonight so that we can be on our way first thing in the morning. If any of you would like to assist me, I won’t turn you away.” Again, she looked to the twins. “Would you two like to take it from here?” she asked them.

The sisters rose. Then, with Mara between them, they made their way to the front of the room.

Reigna spoke first. “Actually, Eden and I don’t have anything for now, but Mara has a request she’d like to make,” she said.

“Yes, thank you.” She faced the crowd. “There are a couple of things that have come up, with which we need your help. First, we’ve decided to leave a small group behind—here at the compound—in the event that Carlie escapes from Chiran and finds her way back. Are there any volunteers?”

A few Oathtakers raised their hands.

“Very well, Georgiana, thank you. I’ll feel better knowing there’s a healer here. And thank you too, Macall,” she added turning to the other volunteer before glancing back at Nina. “Will that be acceptable to you?”

As she nodded, Jules reached for her hand.

“Second,” Mara said, once again addressing the crowd, “I’d like to send a couple Oathtakers into Chiran again.”

“What’s this about?” Lucy asked, sitting up straighter.

“Suffice it to say, it’s necessary.”