"Xiviyah! You can't do that. They swore to follow you," Elise gasped, staring at me. Her soft, amber eyes widened in startled surprise. Fearful, maybe.
"For a season, perhaps. But many of them left friends and family behind, on a quest for vengeance against the church and Circle. They've grown strong in their many battles, with few remaining beneath third-level, but they've also grown tired. They're ready for home."
"But that's...you're serious, aren't you." She rubbed her forehead, staring at the scroll. At last, she looked at me again. "They're really going home?"
I nodded. "Just as soon as I convince them I don't need them anymore. I'm hoping Bethiv will help."
"If Bethiv were to go back, it would be far easier to...no, I still haven't said I'd do anything," she said, shaking her head vehemently.
"Why not?" I stood, walking over to the window and looking out over the gardens. "You said it yourself, you won't be accepted in Sylvarus or Ornth."
