"Madoc. Osmund," Finn called out. "It seems your people will have to wait a little longer."
Madoc and Osmund frowned immediately. It was a subconscious reaction, and one that was completely warranted. They had been waiting for years, generations upon generations for this moment. And now, at the final step, they were being told to wait a little longer again.
Madoc was the first to rein in his disappointment, followed quickly by Osmund. Despite how they obviously felt, the two were well experienced individuals. They knew there must be a reason for this. And Finn had only said they would have to wait a little longer. He had not said it was impossible.
What was a little while longer when they had been waiting for so many years? They quickly reoriented their psyche, and Finn noted the change with a pleased nod. He could see their discipline as they straightened their backs and accepted the delay with a stoic resolve that reflected their status as fragment bearers.
