It was cause for concern with some that Birin was in possession of no certain information as to when successive evacuations would or might occur, but once again he informed them that such knowledge was dangerous, and could leave to disaster for future evacuees. Such knowledge in the wrong hands could mean ambush and slaughter.
For his part, Birin elected to live in a stone house built near to Ralph’s smithy, which Birin often referred to as “the armoury.” His appropriative interest in Ralph’s efforts often drew a groan from Ralph when he saw the Elf Captain approaching, as Ralph had work enough to do locating ore and suitable fuel, let alone supplying everyone’s needs. His daily training as a soldier, too, left him tired to the point of exhaustion at the end of each day. His only consolation on that score was that Gannet had failed for the past week to knock him off his feet. But it was consolation he paid for dearly, for Gannet repaid his dogged obstinance with attacks that left him quivering with exhaustion, bruised, and aching for even a single chance to repay the big Elf in kind.
For her part, Deborah’s illness had seemed to become manageable with Éha’s presence. She and the dark-haired Pixie spent much time together, wandering often within the bounds of Wel’adai. They shared a room together in the house built by Ralph and Pran, and would often stay up late at night, talking.