There’s something different in her tone. Almost as if she’s been drinking in the Minea’s house. I flash her a cocky smile and shrug. “I don’t see why not. A few days here wouldn’t be so bad. Why? Are you in a hurry to get somewhere, Little Sparrow?” I eye her, not knowing where we stand. Surely she’s still furious that I was working for my father, but her face looks calm. Happy, even.

She shrugs one shoulder and scrunches her nose. “No hurry at all, Braizen.”

Night falls once more. Music thrums through the thickets and briars, and Torrent is dancing again. Of course. The man couldn’t say no to a celebration even if he tried. Lin and Lorna haven’t returned, but after a few queries, I learn they’re still within the orbs’ perimeter and safe.

Nuri speaks with Rianne in hushed whispers. Idalia is smiling, perched on the grass beside the dancers. She claps her hands and laughs as the Idunn villagers twirl, and Torrent almost squashes them all. I don’t mean to stare at her, but I can’t help it.

Everyone cheers as Torrent downs an enormous barrel of ale. When he finishes, he chucks it over to the side and wipes his mouth on his forearm, sending Nuri a crooked grin. She appears receptive, which only the gods can explain.

Idalia’s eyes turn to me. With its golden undertones, her smooth skin gleams in the light from the orbs. Her nose is a deep red from the cool wind. I shiver, even in my cloak.

Breto interrupts my gaze with a shove. “Ale in a bottle?” He holds out a skinny glass container.

Puzzled, I take a gulp. “This is amazing. How’s it so cold?” I exclaim.

“We chill the bottles all day in the stream. It makes all the difference, no?” He smiles proudly and plops down next to me.

“All the difference in the world! Say, I’m sorry things got so tense earlier; we really mean no harm.”

Breto waves a careless hand. “We know how little Baellileans appreciate being called names. It was an expected response. Besides, if any of you even try to do something funny, you’ll be taken care of before you even swing a fist.”

“I believe you. Nuri alone terrifies me,” I laugh.

“As she should. She terrifies us all. The way she lugs around that mace, and her visions…” He shudders. “It’s enough to scare any man.”

I drive an elbow into Breto’s arm.

“Those visions, are they an Idunn thing? Are you all prophets or part of the Minea Herrah?”

“Oh, no! Prophets are pretty rare around here, and the Herrah don’t collect many new members. In fact, Nuri is the only prophet Idizina has known in ages. As for the Mineas, only one has joined since I’ve been here.”