Isdra knelt at his feet to finish removing his boots. "It was to honor you."
"And I was honored." Epor took a deep breath, and I gave him a sharp look. He was suffering,I could see that. I offered him the cup. He took it, and drank it down quickly, with only a lightwrinkling of his nose at the taste and continued where he'd left off. "It was then my turn. I satbefore the weaver, and at the first touch of his needle…" He paused dramatically, "I screamedlike a baby."
I laughed at the image. "Really?"
"Oh yes," Isdra sat back on her heels. "He carried on, weeping and wailing, saying that tobond with me was worth any pain, any suffering. He had the weaver and the watchers and thewitnesses all laughing so hard they cried."
"Who can I mock, if I cannot mock myself?" Epor asked hoarsely.
"I will let no one mock you, my brave warrior." Isdra's voice broke as she stood and finishedstripping Epor. His energy was waning before my eyes. Never before had a patient weakenedso visibly, so fast, even as the beads of sweat gathered on his face. I'd lost the others. I'd notlose him.
Isdra folded his clothes off to the side as I helped Epor settle into the bed. She went to placehis weapons at his side, but Epor stopped her. "No."
She looked at him, startled, then over at me. I shook my head as well. "If he raves…"
She gave a sharp nod, and placed the weapons, all of them, in the far corner by the hearth. Thewarclub she set down last, as if to guard the others.
"You must bind me." Epor's voice was low and rough.
Isdra balked at that. "I can control—"
"No. Take no chances with this enemy. Remove your own weapons, Isdra. For I am adangerous and clever opponent."
Isdra nodded, unable to answer. My own throat closed as we tied his wrists to the bed frame,down at his sides. He insisted that we secure his feet as well. Only after testing the strength ofthe bonds did he relax onto the bed, his eyes closed. We covered him with a blanket.
Isdra moved off, removing her own weapons as instructed. I gathered the necessary vials, andpulled two buckets of water closer to the bed. I wrung out a cloth and started wiping his faceand chest. Isdra did the same. We were silent for a few moments, when Epor's eyes flutteredopen. They were vague and unfocused, telling me that the lotus was starting to work. Hefocused on Isdra and smiled. "You are my bonded, my heart's fire, and I am yours, to thesnows and beyond."
"Do not speak of the snows." Isdra whispered as she wiped his chest.
"You must promise me…" Epor cleared his throat. "You must promise me to remain at theWarprize's side for as long as she needs you."
Isdra looked off, caught my eye and looked at the floor.
"No." Epor tugged slightly at his bonds and Isdra reached out to cover his hand with hers.
"Promise me."
She leaned down, her lips close to his ear. "You must fight this, Epor."
"I will." He gave her a smile, a far shadow from his normal grin. "But you must promise."
Isdra closed her eyes. For a long moment, the only sound was Epor's breathing. Then her greyeyes opened, and she nodded slowly. "I promise."
I should have listened to the old healer, should have heeded her warning. She was right. It wastoo fast. Too fast for the medicines to take effect. Too fast to break the fever. Too fast for usto be able to balance his humors, replace his fluids.
It started well. The lotus seemed to calm him. But the Sweat was a vicious enemy, and as fastas we eased his fever the heat would rebuild in his skin. We labored hard, changing bedding,and using fresh water and rose oil to wipe him down. At first he'd respond to both of us, obeyingour commands to swallow. But as the fever built, his eyes would only open at Isdra's call, andthey held no awareness. Even that reaction failed in time and Isdra could no longer rouse him.
But worse was to come.
"Where is Isdra?" Epor mumbled, testing the restraints.
Isdra leaned closer. "I'm here, Epor."
Epor's eyes opened a crack, but his gaze slid right past her to me. "Where is my bonded? Whyisn't she here?"
Isdra sucked in a breath, but I moved forward to answer. "She's right here, Epor."
"No, no, she's gone, my bonded has left me," Epor started to fight the restraints with apassion, shaking the bed. "Where has she gone?"
