The letter took a very long time to reach them. Sent out with the best of those who could travel in this new world, it still had to find its way to someone who refused to stay still. Who couldn’t stay still. When they arrived at the inn though, having doubled back, the letter was waiting for her.

Saoirse opened it with a nail and read it fast. Then her pace slowed.

“I can’t believe they managed to send news all the way from home to here.”

Toiréasa’s words had faded into the background, despite how she stood near Saoirse’s shoulder. “Of course my father wouldn’t do that. Or failed to.”

“My cousin is dead.” From injuries sustained in the new environment. Because he couldn’t hunt as well on his own, more like.

Toiréasa’s attitude dwindled. She made a sound, like the slight exhalation of air.

Eventually, they got their room.