I stared down at the now-emaciated man. He’d refused all food for days now, barely taking sips of water. How much longer could this go on?
“Please,” he gasped before emitting the most gut-wrenching sound I’d ever heard.
My legs felt so weak I had to sit back down. Looking at his wasted body curved in the fetal position, I tried to imagine fulfilling his request. My mind and body instantly revolted. I couldn’t do it.
But I had to dosomething.
“I’ll get Raewyn,” I said and left the tent, struggling to blink back tears.
Spotting Raewyn near the stream with the girls, I strode quickly to meet her. She looked up at me, alarm visible on her face at seeing my purposeful stride.
“What is it?” she asked.
Realizing she probably thought she’d missed her father’s final moments, I reached out and placed reassuring hands on her shoulders.
“Not that,” I said and shook my head.
She closed her eyes and let out a breath. They flew open again when I told her what I’d come to say.
“I’m leaving—for just a little while. The last time I hunted, I ranged out a bit farther. I spotted a small village up the mountain.”
Raewyn looked up to where I was pointing. From down here in the valley, the village was hidden by the slope and folds of the mountains. It was the remotest of remote locations, a place that wasn’t likely to be found unless you knew where to look.
Her eyes widened. “You’re going into the village?”
“They might have a healer,” I said.
Raewyn shook her chin slowly, her big eyes swimming with tears as she glanced behind me to the tent.
“I don’t think anyone will be able to… you know.”
“I know,” I agreed. “You’re right. But I’m hoping I can find something for the pain—oil of valerian root maybe. Something to let him… be in peace instead of agony here at the end.”
Glancing at the little girls wading in the water nearby, I said, “It’s hurting them, too.”
In a softer voice, I added, “It’s hurtingyou.I can see it, Rae. I can’t stand it—I have to try.”
She looked over at her sisters then back at me, and she nodded. “Okay. But what if the healer is an Earthwife?”
“I have money to pay her,” I said. “And if that doesn’t work, I’ll sway her.”
She nodded again, and I turned to go saddle Cimmerian, but Raewyn stayed me, placing a hand on my arm.
Then she stepped close and wrapped her arms around my waist, pressing her ear to my rapidly beating heart.
“Be careful, Pharis. And come back quickly.”
My heart swelled almost painfully. I had to clear my throat before responding. It ached and seemed to be blocked by a boulder.
“I will, Wildcat. It’ll be a quick trip on horseback. I’m leaving the daggers and my bow. If you see or hear anyone coming, though, run for the trees. Your father will be camouflaged in the tent.”
Neither of us mentioned the obvious fact that Wyll’s loud sounds would give him away instantly.
There had been no sign of anyone in the remote area the entire time we’d camped here, which was the only reason I even considered leaving them.
Raewyn stepped back, looking up into my eyes. And then she said something I’d never expected to hear from her.
“I’ll miss you.”
