Chapter 12

His mother didn’t seem to mind. Her tone had been a bit too motherly for a twenty- three season old son.

“Sartin, the hardest thing about being Alewar is that everyone depends on you.”

“I never asked for that responsibility.”

“No, you didn’t. It is the work of the Princess, the Alewar in your father combining with the Alewar in me to create you.” Ballad paused for a moment. “I suppose it’s easier for me. Once you were born, my place in the pod was secure.”

“But you are a healer.”

“But so is Big Brandt.”

“You had no idea I was Alewar?”

Ballard chuckled. “You were my first and only child, so I don’t know if Alewar babies behave differently in the womb.”

Her logic and his silly question made him laugh as well.

“You should sleep. I think Belzer will ask you to lead the pod with her on the Journey, and you will need your rest.”

This caught his attention. “How do you know?”

“She asked if you’d be strong enough in five sleeps when we’re supposed to leave.”