When dawn broke, Aeron was already awake. He gathered his things and prepared to leave with Varek for their village, Varnmoor.
Varek was badly hurt and could barely sit on a horse, but when Aeron asked him to rest, he shook his head. "I can manage," he said, though his voice was weak.
They did not bother to greet the royal family. Neither the king nor the queen had the courage to face them. Even Nyella could not bring herself to see Aeron after what he had told her the night before. She stayed in her chamber and wept quietly.
Only Ser Devic came out to see them off. He looked at Aeron and said, "This might not be what you expected or how you wanted things to turn out but you have to take it easy on yourself… and on those you think have betrayed you."
Then he turned to Varek. His face softened. "I hope you make it to your village, old friend, and stay with your people one last time. Are you certain you don't want me to ride with you?"
