Uien had come back for him. She had killed twice to save him, even while her own life was in danger. She, a healer, who would not harm anything or anyone, had killed for him. Falowik, you old fool, she loves you not to please herself, she simply does. He was amazed. And chastened. Get out of your self made jail, old man, and live in the open!
Uien was bleeding - for him - and feverish with it, murmuring and whispering in a delirium. He touched her face, softly, gently, and found tears.
"I am cold." Her voice sounded far away. Falowik did not have the art to use Uien's packet of herbs and cloth. He had to get her back to the others. He slid his arm around her waist, and she absently placed her right arm around his shoulder. Holding a sword in his right hand, Falowik guided her slowly, carefully, as noiselessly as he could; there were still two villains left. She rested her head on his shoulder once when he paused, and his heart melted again. He would see her through this, and never let any doubts come between them again.
"The stones! The stones!" she moaned, and swerved around him, losing her balance, and fell into his arms. She struggled up and tried to move back into the depths of Fornost.
"Uien!" he whispered. "We must go back to camp!"
|