It was only after she had been treated with bloodmoss, had creams and ointments rubbed on every bruise, and been handed a cup of vile tea that Amyu worked up her courage to ask. “How does Kalisa?”
Master Eln snorted as he handed a cup of the same tea to Joden. “The only thing wrong with her is old age and attitude, neither of which I have a tea for.” He glared at Amyu. “Drink.”
Amyu took an obedient sip, then shared a glance with Joden, who shared a grimace with her.
“I fear it comes down to just that,” the Warprize said softly, casting a look at the door behind her. “Her family told me they had never seen her so angry as she was before she collapsed. She’s not really been coherent since they got her here, and she’s not eating. I fear her time is near.” She narrowed her eyes at Amyu. “I haven’t pressed for more information. She gets upset and agitated when we do. Why were you asking her questions about airions?”
The door burst open, and Prest ducked into the room. He dropped his armful of chain armor, leathers, and weapons on the table. “Joden,” he said, then nodded to Amyu. “Rafe told me of your need. We are of a size.”
“P-p-prest,” Joden exclaimed. “Wh-wh-wh—”
Prest waited patiently.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” Joden finally got the words out.
“Guarding a stubborn Warprize, who insists on coming to the Healers without proper escort,” Prest growled. “One that needs to return shortly to nurse the babes.”
Lara gave them an impish smile. “I sneak down in healer’s robes and a cloak and no one is the wiser. But he’s right, I need to get back to the castle. Answers can wait. I will say my farewells to Kalisa’s family while you dress.” She slipped out the door.
“Rafe said your leather trous were torn.” Prest handed Amyu a bundle from the pile. “This is from him, he is closer to your size.”
Amyu took the bundle with a nod of thanks.
“I must keep an eye on my charge,” Prest said. “She is as slippery as a snake, and I do not trust her.”
“She is the Queen of Xy,” Master Eln said with a huff. “Her people love her.”
“I do not trust them, either,” Prest said, as he disappeared out into the hall.
“I am going to make up packets of tea to take with you,” Eln said, as he too went to leave. “Dress quickly. I need the room for people who are actually sick.”
Joden started dressing, feeling better at the touch of cloth and the weight of the chain on his shoulders.
Amyu was quicker, pulling on leathers and tightening her belt. She fussed with the buckle, not looking up. “The visions,” she said quietly. “You did not tell them.”
Joden adjusted his own sword belt, making sure both dagger and sword were secure. He shrugged, not willing to try to speak.
“You saw Eloix die?” Amyu spoke in the barest of whispers.
Joden glanced at the table, which thankfully remained empty. He nodded.
Amyu bit her lip, frowning. “The next time it happens, put a hand on my shoulder. No one needs to know until you are ready to tell them.”
“M-m-my thanks,” he managed to get out.
Amyu gave him her soft smile. “Ready?” she asked, looking around the area.
Prest stuck his head in. “Come, quickly. The Warprize is ready to leave. Rafe and the others are waiting.”
Joden felt morelike himself with armor over his chest and a sword and dagger at his side. The weight of the chain and the leathers was a comfort.
Not to mention boots.
Even better was the lack of visions as he went toward the Castle of Water’s Fall.
They’d slipped through the back streets with Lara leading the way, over Prest’s protests. But even Prest had to admit that she knew the ways better than he, but that didn’t stop him from grumbling.
Once through the gates of the castle walls, Lara took them through the gardens toward the kitchen. “I’ll get Anna to feed you,” she said as they crossed the yard, past a sparring circle. “I need to check on the babes.”
