Page 63 of A Legacy of the Light

“Is anyone hurt?” I ask and look away from his intense gaze taking my hand back.

“Yes. We lost fifty men. Father and I will speak with their families tomorrow.” That burden must be so heavy to bear.

“I’m sorry, Tavish,” I say as I ring out the cloth in the bowl.

“Why are you sorry?”

“That some of your men died, and that you need to have that conversation with their families. It can’t be easy.”

“Dealing with death is common when you lead armies.” His tone is flat and emotionless but I can’t fathom that. Tonight was more than enough for me. How many times has Tavish done this?

I continue to clean his face and he closes his eyes again.

“What about the people in the city? Was anyone else hurt?” I ask.

“Yes. Some of the citizens nearest the forest have been badly hurt. We’ll know tomorrow if they will heal. But it could have been a lot worse.”

“I hope they do.”

“Me too.”

Tavish hisses when I reach the cut near his temple.

“Sorry. Is there a first aid kit anywhere?”

“No need. It’ll be healed by morning. Seelie heal quicker than humans.”

I nod and stand to get him another drink of water. He finishes that in a few gulps, too. Now the blood and grime are gone, I can see the tiredness lining his face.

“I was so worried.” The thought comes out before I can stop it.

“About what?”

“The Dorche. Finneus told me that they’re powerful. I was worried you would get hurt.”

The last part of my confession is hushed. Tavish lifts his head to look at me and smiles again.

“This is why we train so hard, so we can defeat them.”

“Why did they come?” I ask him.

I need to know why. I can’t shake the feeling it’s connected to me.

“We don’t know. A few prisoners have escaped so I expect it has something to do with that. But we’ll find out.”

We sit in silence, staring at each other, and a thought occurs to me. “When Eòghann came in, you asked if he was with them. Who did you mean?”

Tavish’s brows draw down over his eyes. “Callahan. He’s the leader of the rebels.”

“Was he with them?”

“Yes,” Tavish growls.

“Where is he now?” I ask tentatively, fear trickling through my veins.

“He escaped when the dungeons were breached. I had to secure them.”

“Why would it matter if he’s here?” I push.