Taste of Darkness

She blanched and the wrinkles on her face deepened. At that moment, she appeared to be in her early sixties—ten years older than her true age.

“Even though we’re in enemy territory, we have Kerrick and should be able to avoid a run-in with unfriendlies,” I said so she wouldn’t panic.

“If he’s not too exhausted from doing guard duty all afternoon.” Quain smirked.

I ignored him. All but Flea had roused at Estrid’s cry. I checked on him. No sweat on his brow, or other symptoms of a fever. No mumbling or agitation. He appeared to be in a deep sleep. I searched my memories. When he had awoken Quain from the stasis, he’d gotten sick to his stomach, but hadn’t acted tired.

I debated touching him. He’d refused my help earlier, but if he was this worn-out, we couldn’t leave tonight as planned. Plus I was responsible for him. Placing my fingers on the back of his hand, I sought signs of an illness, and, finding none, I shared my energy with him. I pulled away before he could drain me dry.

As he woke, I straightened.

He stared at me with confusion for a moment, then asked, “Is it time to go?”

“Soon. How do you feel?”

Flea sat up. “Better. Hungry. Is there any stew left?”

Glad he didn’t flinch because of my proximity, I said, “Just save a bowl for Kerrick.”

“He must be starved. I’ll go relieve him,” Quain said.

“He won’t come in,” I said.

“Why not?”

Aware that everyone’s attention was focused on me, I did a little creative explaining. “He’s keeping track of the enemy patrols with his tree mojo, and if he comes inside, he might lose them.” I smoothed my tunic. “I told him I’d bring him a bowl.”

Loren said, “Once Flea’s done stuffing his face, I’ll take it out.”

“Hey,” Flea protested around a mouthful.

“In the meantime, we should prepare to go,” Loren said.

Since I hadn’t unpacked, I waited by the fire as they rolled up their bedrolls and Flea finished his stew. When Loren was ready, he brought the pot out for Kerrick.

The events over the past day repeated in my mind. I hoped the rest of my team had escaped the blockade.

“Did Odd get out?” I asked Quain.

He shrugged. “Don’t know. Once we realized you weren’t following us, we changed direction to find you.” He glanced at Estrid. “We were mad that you’d run off, but, considering the outcome...”

But at what price? We’d lost a number of soldiers in the battle to escape the manor house.

Loren returned. “Time to go.”

We doused the fire and filed out. The moon was a bit brighter, and the air had turned quite crisp. Eva and the guys had donned their cloaks and Estrid wore mine. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders. Memories tugged. Not the first time nor, I was sure, the last that I’d used my blanket as a cloak. Knowing I’d warm up once we were underway, I ignored the chilly breeze.

Kerrick scouted ahead as we hiked northeast at a cautious pace. Estrid’s bumbling seemed overly loud and I thought we’d be marked for sure. No one talked. Throughout the night, off notes and crunchings of others sounded closer than I’d liked. A few times, Kerrick stopped us and we hunkered down until the danger passed. At those times, my heart pumped hard as if I’d just sprinted uphill.

By dawn, we twitched at every unexpected noise. Kerrick found another cave for us to hide in.

“Lots of patrols around,” he said at the entrance. “No fire this time.”

“What’s the watch schedule?” Quain asked.

“I’ll stay in the forest. No one’s going to get close without my knowledge,” Kerrick said.

Quain looked at Loren.

“Sounds good,” Loren said, ducking inside. I followed and set up my bedroll for Estrid to use. Then I joined Kerrick outside. “Did you tell Loren what happened to you?”

“Not all of it, but he trusts me.” Strain shone on his face.

“Kerrick, relax.”

He held out his hand. I laced my fingers in his. He dropped his normal camo and I turned foresty.

“You did more than scout, didn’t you?” I asked.

“Cellina’s army is determined to find us.”

Not good. “Us in particular, or the members of Ryne’s attack teams?”

“I don’t know, but they’re being very methodical.”

“Then you need to rest.” I tugged him down to his bedroll, spooning in next to him.

He smoothed my hair off my neck, then draped his arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “I’d hoped to consult my prophetess on my future.” His voice sounded husky and his fingers slid under my tunic.

“Can you sense other people in the forest while you’re sleeping?” I asked.

“No, but the living green sends me a...pulse, a warning of danger if anyone comes near me.”

“Did it do that before?”

“No. What does this have to do with my future?” Kerrick’s hand moved lower.

I grabbed his hand, trapping it on my stomach. “The prophetess says you will sleep now because it’s vital.”

Kerrick made a small huff of disappointment.

“You’re guaranteed to get lucky when we’re safe. Better?”

“Oh, yes.” He kissed my neck and nibbled on my ear.

“Behave or I’ll sleep in the cave.”