The bells were still silent when Martin returned to the Sunken Belfry.
Thirty Sairren were now beneath Forest Hidden's roots, six offered places remained empty, and nothing disastrous had happened since the first group arrived. Considering what counted as normal lately, Martin was willing to call that good news.
He returned with Alexandra and Rias after confirming the group had settled into the temporary housing. The Sairren route-keeper who had accompanied them was still deciding whether to remain at Forest Hidden through the first review period, so Mireva had not waited for him before turning to the next problem.
The Belfry still had other route-keepers. What it did not have was a resonance network anyone trusted.
Katherine met them near the upper infirmary after spending most of the previous day helping Sairren healers with those still recovering from the assault. Elisebeth stood beside her and took one look at Martin.
"You look exhausted."
"Feels worse."
