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“Who has that decision now?”
“Reivaka. She approves all changes to active roads, including orders from me.”
Reivaka gives the council her brief account. The bridge has been repaired and inspected. Replacement notices reach the junctions before traffic is released. Senna confirms that the Ilden paid her delay charge; Harl says he has crossed twice since the repairs without being held for another keeper’s order.
I keep my hand beside Daurek’s on the table. He could have made these answers longer. I know how many years of neglect and stubbornness he is holding inside a plain admission.
Surevai turns to Reivaka.
“Your road still moves.”
“So does your pass,” I say. “Karev’s own records show rockfalls and switchbacks. Reivaka’s now show the same thing his do: who made the decision and when the wagons could move.”
Surevai considers me for a moment.
“When the Ilden cannot provide a way through, the wagons use my pass. Maintaining it costs money.”
“Then travelers who use it pay you,” I say. “And the Ilden should pay its share when our failure sends them there.”
Daurek nods. “I accept that.”
The eldest adjudicator speaks with her colleagues. When she turns back, she leaves control of the road with the Ilden. Reivaka’s notices and safe passage will be the standard; repeated failures can bring the question back before the council. Surevai’s court will be paid when its pass carries diverted traffic.
I take Daurek’s hand. He lets out a slow breath, and I feel his fingers relax around mine before I reach for the bond.
As Edrin gathers the signed decision, Surevai turns to me.
“And the Karath position?”
“I’ve written to decline it.”
Karev confirms that Ziku delivered his copy yesterday. Surevai inclines his head.
“You would have done well there.”
“I think I might have.” I look at Daurek. “I wanted this life.”
His hand closes around mine, warm and sure. Nothing moves beneath the pavilion. He only turns toward me. The pleasure in his face is enough to make me forget the people waiting for Edrin to finish.
Outside, Daurek puts both arms around me.
I step into him gladly. His chin rests above my head, his breath stirring the hair at my temple. He has been careful for the whole morning. I feel the moment he stops trying to keep the relief small.
“You can kiss me,” I say against his chest.
“I was going to.”
He does. One of the council clerks passes behind us carrying a stack of papers and says something I do not catch. I hope it was nothing I needed to answer.
When Daurek lets me stand properly again, Reivaka is waiting beside the path.
“They have the signatures they need,” she says. “Go home.”
“Are you coming?” I ask.
“As soon as Karev returns my map.”
Behind her, the road-master is trying to roll two maps around the same stick. He stops when she holds out her hand.
