“What do you want me to do?” Dr. Fulton asks.
What would Elowyn want?
Rominy glances down at her pale face, usually so full of life. Her reaction to the doctor yesterday fills Rominy’s head. Is there even a question?
“Get her ready to travel,” Rominy says. Then he calls for Jonas, who appears in the doorway.
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“I need to send a telegram, and I need to commandeer the rail line between here and Feressa. And we need to move fast.”
I Can’t Do This Alone
Episode 61
Asthemorningwearson, Cerian’s apprehension builds. He can’t explain it. It’s just there. This growing unease that something is terribly wrong.
He pulls Arisanna through the woods behind him until she stumbles.
“I’m sorry,” she says as she rights herself. “My humanness is showing.”
Whistling wind. What is he doing to her, making her keep up with an elf?
“I know I’m slowing you down.” Frustration clouds her voice, and he pulls her into his arms.
“Forgive me. We...we’ll go slower.”
The thought nearly upends his stomach. But she can’t keep up with him. What else is he supposed to do?
It would be faster to carry her.
He could do it, couldn’t he? He’s an elf. He’s strong, and he’s quick. He’d tire faster, but at least Arisanna would be all right.
Tugging the knapsack from his back, he hands it to her. “Put this on.”
Her brows wrinkle, but she doesn’t question him.
His fire magic is quiet with all the worry filling him right now, but he drains some of it anyway before turning to her again. “Climb on my back.”
Her eyes grow wide. “Do what?”
“Please. We need to hurry. Something is wrong. I can feel it.”
She searches his face before nodding, and as she approaches him, he eyes her skirt. If only she were wearing trousers.
She doesn’t hesitate, though, hiking up her skirt before climbing onto his back as he wraps his hands around her legs and shoves his fire magic away.
“I’ll put you down if anyone approaches,” he says.
“As long as my mother doesn’t see us, I think I’ll survive.”
Her words make him smile, cutting the tension surrounding them.
“Thank you.” He takes off much faster than they were managing. She clutches his shoulders, but she says nothing.
And he just keeps running.
Bythetimetheyreach the edge of the Wildthorne Woods, the sun has passed its zenith, and even Cerian’s elf strength seems near its limit. He breathes heavily, and his steps slow.
