Valkoron, Two Days Before Departure
The courtyard of Valkoron was alive with movement. Armor was being polished until it gleamed, saddle straps were checked twice over, and crates of provisions were lashed tight for the long journey to caelmont.
Vaelric darted between the warriors like a restless wind, the hood of his black traveling cloak flapping behind him. He carried more enthusiasm than the small satchel slung over his shoulder.
"Careful with that sword, boy!" Rael Stormbane called from the other side of the courtyard, grinning as Vaelric nearly tripped over a training spear left lying on the flagstones.
"I wasn't going to drop it!" Vaelric protested, cheeks red.
"You were going to stab the cobblestones," Kaelen Thorn said dryly, adjusting the clasp of his own armor. "A poor first victim for a Stormborne blade."
Therion, tightening his bracers, glanced at Valerian with a raised brow. "Are you certain about bringing him?"
