Moonspear phalanx

She didn’t think she recognized his name. When he mentioned that he had been one of her mother’s suitors, Treepie’s heart throbbed in a different way. How many lovers had left her anaa behind? She called up the memory of her pale face the last time she’d seen it, so soon after striking up new bonds. Pie knew Sialuk probably missed her just as much but, gods, she was so much better off away from this place.

It probably didn’t make sense to insist on staying here herself, though Treepie shoved that thought aside to say, Sialuk isn’t here. She swallowed past a lump in her throat to say aloud, And for her sake, I hope she never comes back, as much as I miss her. I’m her daughter, Tiuttuk, and I stand here in her stead.

As she said the words, her spine stiffened and her head rose a little more. She couldn’t claim Sialuk’s title—that belonged to Alaric now—but there was no one here to refute her if she proclaimed herself a leader. Least of all the man before her.

I don’t know if you’re still interested in joining without her here, Pie said levelly, but if you are, you should know that loyalty means everything. If you’ll just end up leaving again, this isn’t the place for you.