The queen's windlike voice echoed louder, stronger.
"Tell me, is the cost of those potions worth more than my life?"
The grove fell still. Birds stopped chirping. Even the leaves seemed to pause.
"Was saving my life -and the lives of your leaders- not worth a few vials of liquid mana?"
Her voice was laced with thunder now.
"Is the Runewood itself worth less than your precious stockrooms?"
None dared answer.
Auren stood still, stunned. He hadn't expected her to defend him so fiercely.
'Well damn,' he thought, fighting a grin. 'They're cooked.'
He could already imagine the complaints swirling in those elven heads. How they were probably hoping he'd work off his debt- maybe even become their little alchemy servant.
But Elarya's declaration changed everything and in his mind were the words:
'Thank you!'
The Queen continued, her tone softening.
