I took it, a wooden coin with the carving of a snake in the middle. How appropriate.
He continued. “It’s a transfer token. You use it to get back. You can even keep it as a gift from me for saving my prince. All you have to do is hold it tightly in your hand and think of home, then you’ll be there.”
A transfer token. Very few people in my realm possessed one of those. The majority of those who had permission to travel between the two realms did so through the use of uniquely assigned runes that needed to be traced to specific locations to gain access. For my rune to work, I had to go to Steinberg Bridge and trace it on the wooden railing. It was a pain, so I’d always wanted a token, but now that it was in my hand, I wanted to fling it into the fire. I thought I’d have a few more days with Kalyll, but instead, they were kicking me out.
Maybe it was better this way.
I set the plate down on the ground and stood. “No time like the present, I suppose.”
Kalyll jumped to his feet, looking alarmed. “Must you leave so soon?”
“I’m afraid so. The sooner I get back, the sooner I can put my life back together.”
He lowered his head, looking embarrassed and apologetic for the damage he’d caused.
I turned to Jeondar. “Do you still have my belongings?”
“Certainly.” He rose and walked away.
“Prince Kalyll, there’s something I must talk to you about before I leave.”
His attention bounced back from the fire and focused on me. He inclined his head.
“In private, please.”
Kryn watched me with narrowed eyes. He probably thought I was about to throw myself at his prince and beg him to let me stay. Either way, I didn’t care. He could think what he wanted. He would soon be out of my sight, after all.
Jeondar returned with my messenger bag. I took it and turned to the group. “I wish you all the best.”
Looking stern, Jeondar took my hand and pressed it between his. “If you ever need anything, I am your humble servant. There will never be a deed too big to repay you for what you’ve done.”
“Thank you, Jeondar. You are an honorable male.”
“Um,” Kalyll appeared uncertain, something I’d never seen. “In the beginning, I said that you would be compensated.”
I shook my head forcefully. “No, please.”
He put both hands up. “I know. I know. I’m sorry.”
Arabis and Cylea walked over and hugged me.
“We are so very grateful,” Arabis said.
Cylea gave me a radiant smile. “Come back and we’ll party all night.”
I had no words for them and only a head nod for Kryn to match his. Slinging the messenger bag over my shoulders, I walked away from the fire, Kalyll following me. When we were far enough from everyone’s earshot, I stopped and stared into the dark forest that surrounded us, unable to face Kalyll.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and I startled. I turned, and it took all my strength to stand in front of him without breaking into tears. He waited. I tightened my fist around the token.
“There is something you must know,” I began.
Kalyll took a step closer, looking eager, making me wonder what he imagined my words would be.
“It’s about something I had to do when I healed you.”
“Oh.”
“When Silver stabbed you, it was too much for my healing powers. I tried, but you… you died.”