Finley tightened the last tie on Vael’s food bundle. 🌱
THE BOOK OF TAD
PAGE 121
THE MESSAGE HOME 🌱
They would stay while the chamber held and Pip was satisfied with Glint’s condition. A shifting barrier, a dangerous change in the water or a worsening injury would mean deciding again.
TurboTAD agreed to the arrangement. Glint could see that he disliked it.
“You don’t have to look pleased.”
“Good.”
That earned the first small smile since the attack.
Vael prepared to leave. He would tell the builders to inspect the broad doorway, then take the checked supply route home. The journey needed daylight, a rest on the known branch, and the following morning.
Finley helped secure his food.
“Tell Sora exactly what happened.”
“I will.”
“Not just the useful parts.”
Vael looked across at Glint, lying beside his green lantern.
“I know.”
The message was plain: Glint was injured; Pip was with him; the chamber could be supplied from the protected side. Nobody should follow the old expedition route into Krail’s corridor. They needed wrapping weed, food and the builders’ help with a door.
Zale passed Vael the last filled bowl before he went.
“For the heroic journey to people who have proper meals.”
Vael ate it there. Then he left through the gap.
TurboTAD took the first watch. Behind him, Pip asked Glint how the support felt. Glint answered in his own irritable voice.