Page 106 of The Washwoman at the River’s End

The shadow moves forward, the outline of a body appearing, and then, I am awake.

I sit upright in a cold sweat, bile rising up my throat.

“Hello. Are you alright?”

I jump. Someone’s here, but that is not Brennen's voice.

“It's only me,” they say. The sound scratches at my mind, and I find that even though I cannot place it, I don’t feel afraid. I smooth my hair down and peek through the tent flaps.

Theo stands on the other side of the fire, his brows creased with concern.

“I thought I heard shouting. Is everything okay?” he asks.

I sag with relief. “Theo, hi. I was having a nightmare. That's all,” I clear my throat. “Is there something I can help you with? Brennen isn't here, if you're looking for him.”

“I ken. He asked me to check on you if he wasn't back by yesterday. I havenae seen him, so I thought I should come by.”

“He had urgent news for the Cutter.” I try to sound calm and confident, but if Brennen had warned Theo to come if he hadn't returned, did that mean he was anticipating danger?

“May I?” he asks, gesturing toward the almost extinct fire. His breath comes out in white puffs, and I hurry over to it, throwing on some kindling.

“Of course. Please, sit,” I say, leaning forward.

Slowly, I exhale, blowing onto the wood. It ignites instantly, and Theo's eyebrows arch in amusement.

“The Washwoman can breathe fire?” he asks. “That isnae a part of your tale.”

“Well, seeing as I wasn't able to do it until I took Brennen's dàn of warmth, I suppose that makes sense.”

He leans back, surprised. “You really took his dàn?”

“Well, I didn't mean to,” I say. My voice comes out defensive, and he raises his hands, laughing.

“Even if you did, why should I care? Looks to me like he has more dàn than the rest of the village combined. Seems fitting for him to share some of that power.”

His voice is light and jovial, teasing, and I relax, my defensiveness melting away.

“Well, when you put it that way.” I throw a few more logs on to keep the fire going.

“I brought you something.” He tosses me a bag.

There's a crinkling noise inside, a clacking, and I open it hesitantly. Inside are assorted sweets, licorice, and hard candies, along with other types I've never seen before.

A wide smile breaks out across my lips.

“Felt it was time I repay you for helping me all those years ago,” he says, his smile matching my own.

“I was happy to do it,” I say. I don’t wait, popping a glossy red piece into my mouth. The sweetness of the sugar almost makes me cry, and I press it between my tongue and cheek, savoring it. “Would you like one?” I ask.

“No. You keep them; I have plenty more. Do you know when Brennen will return?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“He left so quickly, he didn't tell me much at all. Why do you ask?”

Theo clears his throat, looking away.

“The Cutter's men arrived this morning. I have near a dozen of them seeking lodging in my tavern as we speak.”

My heart starts to thunder, my eyes darting around the tree line.