Page 126 (1/2)

"I’ a weak smile "We were attacked by the Arch-Rike’s forces and had to flee Tyrus brought us to Silvandom, but we split up because one of us ounded--"

"The Prince?" Khiara interrupted, her face draorry

Phae shook her head "No, he is safe There was a man we met in the mountains of Alkire who sheltered us Evritt is his name He was injured in the Arch-Rike’s attack and they took hi the Arch-Rike’s minions We found our way here I think you all knohat I am"

Annon stared at her in awe "You are Dryad-born"

Phae nodded "I ah I do not kno ain Or the Arch-Rike for that matter Annon, would you join me? The others must wait outside the rilanced at her in concern and hesitated, his fists clenching

"I will be safe with Annon," she whispered, squeezing his arestured for Khiara and Lukias to retreat the way they had co into the woods Phae studied the young man, as barely older than her He stared at her in return

"You look like Tyrus," Annon told her, shaking his head She wore a ribbed shirt and trousers with a thick leather belt It was not the look or the fashion of Wayland, but he had seen those from Stoneholloear such clothes before It was a dusty place, thick with stones Her hair was lighter than his, but still bore the telltale sign of their fireblood She looked fit and hale, her hair clean and slightly damp Her clothes were a bit tattered and frayed

"Is that a co her brow

He approached her and took her hand with both of his "You’ve seen your father, then?"

"I have"

He closed his eyes, relieved beyond words "I thought he was dead"