A Mutah shield and roofing tile.
“Shit, what I wouldn’t give to be able to see where the hell I am.”
He debated trying to roll off whatever he was on, then convinced himself not to. If he was on some roof somewhere, the last thing he needed was to fall hell knew how many feet to the ground and kill himself. Or land on something sharp. Or worse, land on something that would permanently incapacitate him, leaving him to lie there to starve to death. Or get eaten by wild animals.
“I’ll remain here until morning. Until I can see where I am, instead of going off blindly. Have patience, Matt. It’s the one thing you hate to do. Wait. But sooner or later you’re going to need to cultivate plenty of it if you’re going to be a battle lord someday.”
He closed his eyes, hoping he’d manage to get some needed rest to face the coming day. He prayed he’d be able to keep his balance on top of whatever he was on until then.
The last thing he remembered was trying to reach his mother one more time. Unsuccessfully. He had no recollection of falling asleep.
20
Morning
Yulen and Atty sat in front of what remained of their home and watched the sun rise. He tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her tighter against him as they surveyed the cleanup going on around them. A lot had been done through the night, but the coming day proved there was an enormous amount yet to be accomplished.
Renken walked up. Like everyone else, he was covered in dirt, dust, and soot. He was also weary to the point of falling down, but he wouldn’t stop. Not now. There was too much to do.
“The horses are ready. We’re ready to go when you are.”
“Who’s going with you?” Yulen softly asked.
“Me, Warren, Luc, Misty, and Fortune.”
“Thank you. I’ll be there shortly,” Atty told him. The man nodded and left.
She reached for her husband to kiss him goodbye. It was sweet and tender, and neither of them cared who saw them. They didn’t say anything further when their lips parted. Yulen got to his feet and helped her to stand. With their arms around each other, they walked past the main hall and into the front courtyard where the rest of the rescue team were waiting.
Mistelle went over to embrace her father. He kissed her forehead and gave her a loving smile. “Be safe, princess.”
“I will. Don’t worry. We’ll bring him back.”
“I have no doubt you will.”
Mistelle stepped aside to give Lucien his turn to wrap his arms around the battle lord. Yulen also pressed a kiss to his son’s hair.
“Watch over your mother for me, will you? She sometimes tends to run off at the least provocation.”
They all chuckled. It was an old joke, albeit true.
“I will,” the battle prince promised. One more quick hug, and they released each other.
Yulen turned to his wife, who went readily into his arms. As they kissed again, he felt her presence in his head and in his heart. A warm, loving spirit he knew he’d never be able to live without. He realized that what they shared was greater than the both of them. It made them stronger as a whole when they were together.
What made him happier was knowing Mistelle and Lucien were developing their own connections with their mates, as well as with their children. Having inherited that trait from their parents was a greater gift than he could ever have willed to them.
Which left Mattox.
Mattox.
Atty lifted her mouth from his and stared into his blue-gray gaze. “I love you.”
“No more than I love you. Be careful.”
“Keep busy. It’ll help keep your mind off things.”
“Send me something of yourself every chance you get,” he asked. “Let me know where you are.”
