Returning to Mirath ended up being more difficult than Damon would have liked to admit.
Not because of the distance.
Eir opened a direct route for them to the western edge of her territory, reducing hours of walking to little more than forty minutes.
The problem was that Ester had interpreted "you need to rest" far too literally.
"No."
Damon looked at the wide tree trunk she was pointing toward.
"You want me to sit down."
"Yes."
"We're leaving."
"In twenty minutes."
"We can rest when we get to Mirath."
"You said that in Vermillion."
"It worked."
"You entered an underground facility, held a door with your sword, crossed maintenance corridors, and spent several hours walking on stone with three broken ribs."
"They're cracked."
"One was broken."
"It probably isn't anymore."
Ester stared at him.
Damon sat down.
"Excellent conversation."
Xue Mei passed by carrying two bags.
"Did she win?"
"I chose to sit."
"Of course."
Xue Lian passed a moment later.
"He lost."
