Claire had spoken with her daughter. She had the chance as they walked the quarter mile into the camp from their home in exile. Ruthvan kept his arm linked in hers, preventing her escape and giving the impression to the children that things were okay. They remained behind, walking in wary silence. It would have been the perfect time for Claire to get away- would have been - if Ruthivan hadn't threatened her before leaving: 'If you try anything, anything at all, I will hunt you down and find you, my love. And I will have to teach you a lesson, do you understand?'
They arrived in the camp, subverting the magics that kept the entire tribe hidden from the world. Every esper face had gathered in the commons, standing and watching them. There were thirtyfive espers, all faces Claire and Ruthivan knew. Many looked at Ruthivan with a solidarity that made Claire sick. Others simply looked on with shock. Ruthivan halted and pulled Claire close to his side. 'As soon as I have my family settled, I will address you all. Suffice for now, it is as Seranfrit told you. I am your new Kra'bat, and Claire is your rightful Kra'ineba, the daughter of Eladrim, making me your rightful Elder.'
'Welcome, Elder Ruthivan. Welcome back, Kra'ineba.'
The entered the tent followed by one of Ruthivan's hand picked wizards. 'We need protections on our home. Kra'ineba Claire is not to leave or use her magic until she learns her place.' The older esper turned his swirling magenta eyes on Claire and nodded.
'It will be as you ask, Elder.'
'Good.'
'Please,' Claire croaked. 'Stop calling me that. I am not the Kra'ineba. You are not the Elder. We are imposters in our own tribe.'
'You see?' Ruthivan said, gripping Claire's arm tightly. 'She has lost her way and needs guideance until she finds herself again.' The wizard bowed and nodded. 'Yes. Kra'ineba has always had a desire to flee us.'
'Indeed,' Ruthivan answered coldly. 'Make your enchantments quickly so I may address the tribe.'
As the wizard worked, Ruthivan escorted Claire to the bedroom. She winced as he tightened his grip and shook her. 'You had better resign yourself quickly to your fate, Claire. This is what we are meant to do. It is our destiny, yours, mine, and our children.'
'This is wrong, all of it.'
'The only wrong is the way this world has treated our kind. And that is the wrong we shall rectify.'
