The horse had no idea of course, and neither did I. I should have thought to grab the looking glass before leaving the castle.
Picking a direction, I headed south toward Grayport.
In my haste, I’d also neglected to bring a lantern with me from the house, but thankfully there was enough moonlight for the horse to navigate the rutted dirt road.
After all we’d been through together, it wouldn’t be right to let him break an ankle because I’d been fool enough to drive Raewyn away.
I let him slow to a trot, and we moved down the road while I prayed I’d chosen the right direction.
No matter. If I didn’t find her in the first town, I’d move to the next. Raewyn only thought she was rid of me.
About halfway to Grayport, I spotted something lying to one side of the road, partially concealed by overhanging trees which cast shadows from the moon.
Slowing Dargan to a walk, I drew my sword from its scabbard.
Highwaymen sometimes laid in wait along the public road. I had no time or patience tonight for any would-be robbers.
“You’ve picked the wrong target, friend,” I warned. “Either show yourself or run away if you value your life.”
There was no answer, and the dark shape didn’t move.
As we drew closer, I realized it wasn’t a robber waiting to ambush me.
It was Raewyn.
“Oh gods,” I breathed and leapt from my horse.
Crouching over her, I rolled her to her back. Her skin felt cold beneath her clothing.
Please be alive, little Wyn, I said to her, then prayed, “Please let her be alive,” to any deity or force that might have been listening.
A small puff of steam came from her mouth, barely there, but there nonetheless.
A much larger breath clouded the air between us as I let out a cry of relief.
Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
But Raewyn wasn’t out of the woods yet. Her body felt like a block of ice as I gathered her in my arms and carried her to my horse.
Draping her across the saddle, I climbed on behind her and turned Dargan around to race back toward the house.
The healer stepped out of Raewyn’s room, nearly running into me as I hovered just outside the door.
“How is she?”
“She’s fine,” she said. “A bit tired.”
After a pause she added, “She doesn’t want to see you.”
I nodded and dropped back into the chair in the hall.
I’d watched Elanor work for hours last night, using her glamour to bring Raewyn back from the brink of hypothermia and death.
I’d only collapsed for a few hours of sleep myself after the healer assured me Raewyn would survive and fully heal.
“What am I going to do?” I asked miserably.
Elanor’s face softened into a maternal smile as she placed a hand on my head.
