Part 15 (1/2)

”No,” Tal said, embracing his great-uncle. ”You know what I wish.”

”Hmmph,” snorted Ebbitt. ”I'll be back. Couldn't miss this opportunity, you know. There I was, on my last breath... or perhaps the second-last breath, I can't be sure... and I thought if I die now never see the Ice. Beside, there's those Crones. I like the sound of them.”

Tal let Ebbitt go, but pressed two fingers against his great-uncle's chest. Something moved under the curs, something other than skin and bone.

”Ebbitt!”

”What can I say?” exclaimed Ebbitt. ”It wants to come with me. We've been playing Beastmaker and I'm winning a hundred and six games to one hundred and eight.”

The Codex beat against Ebbitt's chest and the old man hastily added, ”The count is a little in dispute. It could be one hundred and six even.”

Tal frowned. The Codex was too valuable to lose. But there was no guarantee he'd be able to consult it even if it did stay in the Castle. At least if it was with Ebbitt he'd be able to find it when he had to. Besides, Malen was going to stay in the Castle and several other Crones were gong to join her, as part of a permanent emba.s.sy. Tal would be able to communicate with Ebbitt and the Codex via the Crones.

And with Milla, too. There would be much to talk about.

”Farewell, Milla,” said Tal. He held out his wrist, showing the scars of the oaths they had made together. Milla bared her wrist, and they touched scars, cool skin against cool skin.

Milla smiled, a smile that Tal had not seen before. He smiled back and looked into her eyes. In their joined gaze, they both saw everything they had been through together, from their meeting on the Ice to the fall of Sharrakor.

Everyone was silent as they stood together. Time ticked over in Icecarl breaths and Chosen seconds, counted in sparks within their Sunstones. Finally, Milla raised her hand, and Tal's fell away.