“There are some two-hundred thousands on our tail, child,” said Florin quietly. “And they are only the vanguard. Those headed west and southeast are without number.”
Éhal was stunned. She looked desperately about, trying to see. “I must do something. I must do something. Help me to see, I beg you.”
“You will rest, child,” said Florin. “There is nothing you can do for now. Baldric will send for you presently.”
Éhal went back into her tent and lay down. Her muscles quivered from little exertion, and she was sleepy already. She tried to think... to plan. Sleep quickly overcame her.
She was awakened by a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Come, miss. Baldric wishes to speak with you.”
She looked about, finding her surroundings in near darkness. Getting up, she found herself stumbling into things. “Why is it so dark?” she asked. “Are there no fires?”
Florin took her arm, leading her. “It is quite light outside,” he said. “It is mid-afternoon.”
Shocked, Éhal stopped in her tracks. She felt her face, as though expecting to find something obscuring her vision. “Florin, what is wrong with me? I am becoming blind.”
“I do not know, child,” he said. “This is not an uncommon occurrence with an injury such as yours. I am very sorry, but I do not possess a cure for this affliction.”