Chapter 46

When Shay arrived back at her cabin after spending time at her mother’s grave, Fiere was waiting for her. His horse was tethered nearby. He had about twenty soldiers with him.

Shay ran to greet Fiere and they embraced for a long time. Then finally she held him at arm’s length. “Is it over? I had no idea you came back.”

“Part of it is over. Algwad’s army has surrendered. But Algwad is still free. We believe he is headed into the Ischlo Mountains seeking the jewel that will grant him almost unlimited power. He must be stopped.”

“If he has the jewel he may not need an army,” Shay commented feeling unease in her stomach at the thought.

“Tell me first, how is your mother? I heard all about the fact that your mother was in the dungeon. I can only imagine how relieved you are that your mother was not Maica after all. I hope you can forgive me for the judgment I made of you believing that your mother was Maica.”

Shay looked away trying unsuccessfully