The guard’s wariness seemed to meld into annoyance as he shrugged. “Twenty or so.”
“Twenty? Why so many?” Krujha asked, forcing an incredulous tone. “If it were up to me, I’d just kill them all. Why bother keeping around that many mouths to feed?”
“Are you an idiot?” the guard scoffed, frowning at him. “They’re for ransom. Leverage. Why else?”
Krujha grimaced, adding a bit of confusion to his face for good measure, and hoping that he looked appropriately cowed. “Well... I guess that’s why I’m not in charge.”
“Obviously,” the guard muttered, rolling his eyes. “Go on, then. No one’s allowed in unless they’re bringing food or supplies.”
“Right,” Krujha said, stepping away before the guard could get any more annoyed with him. He didn’t think Alwyn would be with the others—Zesh had said they would keep him separated—but he also doubted that he would be kept very far from the rest of the prisoners. It would make things much too inconvenient, as far as bringing food and supplies, not to mention spreading their guard force thinner than necessary. He made a quick circuit of the row of surrounding tents, including those behind the larger prisoner tent.
There was a cluster of smaller tents there that seemed promising; a single guard sat in front of the row, sitting on a stool but clearly paying little attention. Krujha ducked into the narrow alley created in the space between both rows of tents, leaning close to the back wall of each to listen for any signs of activity inside. The first two were silent; but the third gave off a faint sound, like someone might be pacing nervously inside—someone with a much smaller gait than any adult orc.
“Alwyn,” he whispered against the fabric. “Is that you?”
The pacing sound stopped, then Krujha felt something like static wash over his body—it felt almost like a more subtle version of the aura given off by the druid. After a moment, a hissed whisper came from the other side of the fabric wall. “Krujha, I’m here. Where have you been?”
“Hold on,” Krujha whispered, leaning back to peer over at the guard that sat a few yards away on the other side of the row of tents. But the orc hadn’t seemed to notice him, as he idly tossed an orange from one hand to the other. Krujha ducked down,pulling out the knife at his hip, and cut a slit in the back of the tent—not a full opening, but enough that he could crawl in quickly.
When he crawled inside, there was barely enough room for the both of them to stand comfortably. Alwyn’s hands were still bound at the wrist, and a bruise had bloomed on his cheek where the orc had hit him.
Krujha realized he’d lifted a hand to gingerly brush his finger against the bruise in concern. Alwyn winced, and warm color rose on the other cheek, but he didn’t pull away.
“Are you alright?” Krujha asked, frowning.
“I’m fine,” Alwyn said, his voice clipped. “What did you find out?”
In hushed tones, Krujha explained what had happened. Zesh truly did have a druid working for him, and they planned to question Alwyn the next day. The elf seemed more annoyed that he was to be left to his own devices for so long.
“I don’t know what this druid is capable of, Alwyn, so you need to be careful,” Krujha said. “They’re secretive about the extent of their abilities as a whole, so you shouldn’t underestimate him. Make sure you can shield yourself properly, the way we practiced.”
Alwyn grimaced. “Do you think they’ll let me out once I see this druid?”
“I couldn’t say. If you convince them you’re on their side, even just temporarily, then maybe. I don’t think you’ll get a free run of the camp regardless, but I don’t think they’ll keep you here the whole time, either.”
Alwyn sighed, visibly deflating. Krujha’s chest tightened with sympathy; he wished he had better tidings for the elf, but there was just too much they didn’t know yet. And he still had to meet with their contact in the camp—with how much bigger it was than he had expected, that could take him days.
The elf met his gaze, regarding him silently for a moment. It was impossible for them to do anything together in this situation, but the intensity of Alwyn’s eyes on him sent a pulse of desire coursing through him. If only he’d been able to get the elf into his bed sooner.
Part of him wanted to reach out and hug Alwyn—to crush him close to his chest and keep him safe there—to kiss the top of his tousled hair. But that seemed like an overstep, and he still had his own mission to focus on. The little sorcerer had wedged his way into Krujha’s heart against all odds, but he knew the hourglass of their relationship was already running out. It was a shame to waste what little time they might still have together, but it couldn’t be helped.
“They should bring you food before nightfall,” he finally said, his voice coming out rougher than he meant it. “Try to get some rest. I’ll do my best to keep tabs on where you are, but I might not be able to see you again right away.”
Alwyn’s brow furrowed at that, another look of worry crossing over his face, before he could school his features back into elven stoicness. “Well... I guess it doesn’t matter. It’s fine. Just try and keep me updated when you can, I suppose. And I’ll be careful around the druid.”
“Good,” Krujha said, but his throat suddenly felt tight. He would truly be leaving Alwyn behind to his own devices now. He could only get away and check on him so often without arousing suspicion, and he had no idea what might happen to the elf in the coming days. But he’d promised Alwyn he would keep him safe, and he still had every intention of doing so, even if he didn’t quite know how.
“You said you’re on cooking duty?” Alwyn asked, and Krujha nodded. Alwyn managed a small, wan smile. “Maybe you can bring me some food. Use that as an excuse to come see me.”
Krujha chuckled. “I’m not sure how well that will work out, but I’ll see what I can do. I’ll be the lowest rung on the ladder, though, so I bet you anything they’ll put me on onion duty.”
Alwyn’s nose wrinkled. “I see.”
“I should go,” Krujha said quickly. “I’ve already stayed too long. Be careful, Alwyn. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe.”
“Why?” Alwyn asked suddenly, brows furrowing.
“Why what?”
