Chapter 48 - Clearing Kael’s Name

Bidding a farewell to the Hollow of Whispered Echoes, we rode out under a waning moon and through a forest that held its breath. I cradled in my arms the sealed box containing the Moonclaw, the vibrations of its proximity faintly discernible to me through the intact wrapping. Kael was striding behind me, each step deliberate, sword hanging from his waist, eyes darting at every slant of shadow. The rest—Mara, Jace, and Elder Mira—rode horseback, scouts stepping beside our line, spears at attention. I sat beside Kael, leather boots dusty from the stone ground of the glade, the cloak drawn close against the chill of morning.