“Load of good that’ll do you,” I said, nodding with my chin toward the magic pooling. “The wards are impenetrable. It’s how we lasted so long without help.”
My words did nothing to assuage the fears of the Mages, though, until the green-eyed man gave a curt nod and the magic abruptly faded. The Mages kept wary eyes trained on me and the emerald-eyed man, still assessing for threats.
So, he’s the leader, then.
The thought didn’t surprise me. He carried himself with an air of authority and confidence that I had only ever seen in people in positions of power. Though this man wore it better than I had ever seen—there was a quiet strength about him, almost as if he knew he was the most powerful person in the room but didn’t want to lord it over anyone else.
I cocked my head as I observed him, his eyes bored into my own as he did the same.
“What’s your name?” he tried, ignoring my barbs from earlier.
“Faylinn.” I didn’t want to give him my name, but something compelledme to do so. Probably the fact that I needed to be at least cordial with these Mages, they did come to save us, after all, and we had some families and people who were still badly injured.
The man gave me a small smile before responding, even though I didn’t ask for his name in return. “I am Rohak d’Alvey, General of the Northern Allied Army. A man came on horseback a few nights ago, alerting us to the rebel occupation in Isrun. I’m sorry we weren’t here sooner.” I searched his face for signs of deception and found none.
“Ben . . . made it to you?” My voice wavered and I cleared it quickly.
“He did. It’s the only reason we even knew about your village. He’s a hero.”
“Is he . . . okay?” I hated how hesitant yet earnest I sounded. Undoubtedly this man would find a way to use my weakness against me.
Rohak offered a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Shit.
“He’s receiving the best care we can give him in Vespera. He came to us with the beginning of Mage Sickness,” he said, voice full of sympathy, and my stomach dropped out completely. “We’re doing what we can to make him comfortable.”
Meaning, he’s going to die and we’re just helping to ease his passing.
I cleared my throat and blinked hard before giving Rohak a curt nod.
“If you don’t mind, I have some badly injured Mages. Do you have a Healer that could see to them?” Rohak was cajoling, but expertly switching the topic away from something that obviously caused me pain.
I gave another curt nod. “That’s me. The only problem is I have no more salves, tonics, or clean dressings available. We used our limited supplies first whenyourMages attacked, then when the rebels came.”
I was angry again and the General looked completely taken aback.
“My Mages attacked?”
“Yes. You see those bodies down the way?” I gestured to the location of Holt’s store. “They set a building on fire and then killed any who exited before coming tothisshop”—I angrily pointed at The Curious and Rohak’s gaze followed— “and murdering an innocent man in broad daylight.”
The Librarian’s and Holt’s bodies were removed at some point, though I could still see the stains on the street from where Holt’s blood was drained.
Don’t think about that . ..
Rohak’s brow furrowed and he rubbed his hands over his face before crossing his arms and meeting my gaze again. “That shouldn’t have happened. I would like to . . . debrief with you and any others who saw what happened at some point. But first, we need medical care and to refill our reserves. Is there any other place where we can get you salves? Or the ingredients for them?”
I wasn’t happy that he brushed over the topic of the murdered villagers, but I understood the need to heal first and ask questions later. Priorities and all of that.
“Yes. I have a cottage by the edge of the woods. My personal stores should still be intact. And, if you have the men available, you can search through what is left of the General Store. That is where I sold my salves and tonics for the town. Though, I’m not sure what remains.” My voice was devoid of emotion, my head and heart slipping easily into the role of Healer.
Good. I can deal with everything else later.
The General barked a few orders, the Mages and Vessels who weren’t too badly injured taking off at a jog in the direction of the General Store and my cottage. It would be a bit before the latter returned, so I’d have to make do with what I had left.
“Can I show you my most injured?” The General turned back to me, waiting for me to make the next move.
I took a breath and stepped past the wards. When no one made a move to attack me, I relaxed my shoulders a bit and uncrossed my arms. “Lead the way, General,” I said, gesturing ahead of me.
