‘Malina’s love is one of the few things I’m really sure of,’ Ralph told him. ‘You can’t get something from a person that isn’t already there.’
Pran raised his eyes at this. ‘Birin, when you speak to the one named Elgar, try to remember what humility is.’ He and Ralph followed Malina, leaving Birin to stand alone.
When Ralph caught up with Malina he said nothing but walked beside her. She didn’t acknowledge him at first, but when they reached the wagon, she stopped, staring at nothing.
‘I wanted to hit him. I’ve never wanted to hurt anything before in my life.’
Ralph shrugged. ‘You were provoked. You just wanted to defend your friend, and yourself. And you did hit him. With words. You did the right thing; he’ll have to take a good look at himself now.’
Still not looking at Ralph, she said quietly, ‘So will I.’