Chapter 20: A fire oath.

CURLED IN WARM tentacles, Render dozed. Words rumbled near his head. The alien’s voice brought him out of his sleep.

“Yes. The main reason I am visiting your planet is to learn.”

Daris must be answering Toren’s question, but he didn’t hear the beginning.

“Being here isn’t about visiting Queen Shay, although I enjoy getting to know her.”

Render opened his eyes and scrubbed a hand over his face.

“But you already know everything about Albeon. How much more do you need to learn?” Toren sat next to the alien’s food table and munched on yare-nuts. The monk wore just his underpants. He was clean again, indicating that the Nebos had removed the soot and ash while they slept.

“I have not learned everything.” Daris chuckled. The alien was still in the Nebos bed with his tentacles cradling Render to his chest.