I leave Oliver with Veric and Rhayne at the little outdoor table beside the convenience shop.
Oliver is recovering. The leaves and the regeneration potion are doing their work, his color climbing back, his breathing slowing. Veric leans against the wall on one side, pretending to clean dirt out from under his fingernails while watching everyone within thirty feet. Rhayne sits next to Oliver, gloved fingers still resting on his pulse without making a show of it.
Good. Whoever moves on us next will move through Veric first.
"I'll be back in ten minutes," I tell them.
"Where are you going, Sands?" Veric asks without looking up.
"Picking my opponent. You're in charge while I'm away."
His eyes flick to me. Then back to his fingernails.
"Try not to die before lunch."
"Try not to look noble while I'm gone."
I head back toward the central registration stand on the opposite side of the Oathring.
