“After I defeated Audrian, Cyril never forgave me,” Runa said. “Despite Audrian trying to kill both of us, Cyril was convinced there could’ve been another way. He tried to duel me, but Leopold stopped us. Leopold wasn’t there to see what happened with Dimondaise, but he took Cyril’s side. I’d saved the Mountains—possibly more—and Leopold told me that was the only reason he didn’t arrest me. That, and our history.

“And so I left. I joined the Dooling championships. I took assignments far from Cyril. We’ve passed each other on a few occasions since then, but this is the first time we’ve worked together since it happened eight years ago. Eight years might seem like a long time, but it certainly hasn’t felt like it.”

Now Barclay understood why Runa had looked so scared during their last lesson. Barclay had been angry and bitter because he thought being an Elsie made him weaker than everyone else. Runa must’ve grown worried that Barclay might start thinking like Audrian too.

But that would never happen. Barclay would always feel hurt that Dullshire had thrown him out, but he didn’t want to make them fear Lore Keepers more than they already did. He wanted them to understand that Lore Keepers weren’t as terrible as they thought they were. And if they never believed that, then Barclay would still protect them. He didn’t belong in Dullshire anymore, but a part of him would always consider it his home, even if Root was his home too.

“So you see,” Runa finished, “Cyril’s story was true. But we don’t see eye to eye about what happened. And I’m afraid we never will.”

“But if you were both friends, isn’t there a way you can—” Barclay started.

“It’s better to be wronged by an enemy than betrayed by a friend, isn’t it?” Runa said sadly.

Barclay did know a thing or two about betrayal. From Dullshire. From Ethel and Abel in the Woods.

“I’ve never told anyone about this, other than your father, Tadg,” Runa said. “And up until now, I didn’t realize that Cyril had either. He’s hinted, certainly, but for him to tell his apprentices—I think he and I need to have a word.”

Then she walked out the door.

“Wait!” Viola said, jumping to her feet. “We have something else we wanted to talk to you about!”

But Runa didn’t turn back. She stormed down the staircase to where Cyril and Edwyn spoke by the fire.