“Wait,” Mór interrupted what she knew to be the beginning of a farewell. “Yoen, how do we know that we don’t err by forcing a role upon him? You yourself once told me that the prophecy of the Rhuin Fá might be nothing more than a tale to keep our hopes alive. Perhaps we are giving this Akaran an importance he shouldn’t have, putting our faith in someone who may not deserve it.”

Though he only had his eyes to express emotion, Mór was sure she could see the look of fatigued love Yoen had so often showered upon her. “Dearest, how do you know that’s not how prophecy works?”

That question was still circling through Mór’s mind half an hour later, after she had parted with Yoen, bade the vessel farewell, and worked her way back down under Avina. Tunnel led the way. Dariel’s cell was changed so often, and she was so distracted with managing the People’s myriad concerns, that it was comforting having Tunnel’s broad gray back to follow. They arrived at Dariel’s new room before she knew it. Tunnel turned and studied her, concern on his face. She had hardly said a word to him as they walked. She realized he had no idea what Yoen had said to her. Considering his obvious affection for Dariel, it was insensitive to hold to her silence.

“It’s all right,” she said, reaching out and touching the brawny bulk of his forearm. “I have no orders to harm him. He will just be tested further.”

Tunnel lifted his chin, a gesture that seemed to have a variety of meanings for him. This time, she thought it indicated relief, acknowledgment of reason, and a slight hint of “See, I told you.”

“Yes, Tunnel knows.” She touched her palm to his muscled chest, pulled it back quickly. “Go in. Let Skylene know she may proceed as we discussed. She can answer his questions. I will listen from here for a time.”

Once she was alone in the cramped passageway, Mór leaned against the stone wall next to the door. As in all these abandoned regions, the door was old and half rotten. It sat slightly ajar, tugging at hinges that probably would not hold much longer. There was enough space that Mór could listen, knowing she was hidden from the speakers inside.

Tunnel’s entry stopped whatever they had been talking about. He greeted the prince merrily, like an old friend. He even audibly slapped him on the back. They spoke foolishness for a few minutes, although within it Mór recognized that Tunnel was conveying her permission to finally educate the Akaran. It was time, as she had already discussed with Skylene, to tell him the truth of things.