Redtail Rise israfel

The call of his mother is distant, a quiet whisper carried on the air. Despite the distance he can hear the emotion in her voice and knows it is his duty to answer her; he cannot, and will not, abandon her.

He mutters under his breath and begins the trek across the Rise to reach her.

The tension amongst the congregation is almost palpable as he arrives.

Silently, the boy stops and lingers alongside Carrion, managing to catch the bulk of the announcement. The vitriol in Avicus’ voice alone could have said it all. Lilia had denied her Wealda. The news surprised him, the thought of anyone else holding the rank left a bad taste in his mouth. Their ship was sinking, that was certain.

His exterior is stoic. Beneath, ironclad devotion simmers—hardwired into his blood. Perhaps it was the most tangible thing his father had given him.

Wealda was always hers.

Wealda would always be hers.

Then, her plan; she wanted to leave, with, or without them.

There was so much for him here. He should be on Lilia’s side; she had done leagues more for him than Avicus ever did. Augur was the closest thing he had to a father figure. The Rise was tight-knit, it was a toss up as to who else would leave. It went against all better judgment to leave. 

But those thoughts didn't even process in his mind. He betrayed them all in a heartbeat. 

All because he believed his mother would do the same if it were him.

They were undeniably bound by blood.

And he joins the group at last.

I'll come. His words are sinking stones, heavy and definite.