“A protocol is like a rule that everyone follows.There are probably a hundred or more protocols, but some of the most important are no fires unless you’ve cleared an area and know you are safe.If possible, don’t engage any Hollows alone.Always go back for your team.”
He said something to the other Zulenii.
“What did you tell them?”I asked.
He didn’t answer.
“That’s annoying.”I opened my pack and took out my herbs and mug.If Finnrey did manage to send food and water, I would be ready.“I answer your questions.But you’ve told me nothing about Zulen or what I’m walking into.”
He shrugged, not even trying to deny it.“You are not ready to hear.”
“What does that mean?”
“You mourn what you have lost.You are not yet looking forward.”
“Perhaps if you told me what I was to expect, I might be able to look forward.”
Yung made a small sound and pointed to the wall.A basket was being lowered over the edge with a long rope.I began to rise, but Taio pulled me back down.Yung went and returned with the basket.It was heavy with a pot of hot water, a loaf of bread, and a pot of rice and beans.Yung took his own utensils from his pack and gave everyone equal amounts of food.Between the five of us, it was not much.At least we wouldn’t have to dip into the food the kitchens had sent with us.
I held out my cup and Yung poured steaming water into it.I didn’t know how much of the herbs I should add to it, but I was in pain, so I added two pinches.I let them steep and tried to force myself to eat the food slowly so it would last longer.Everyone rinsed bowls with the last of the hot water and then I sipped my medicinal tea.It tasted awful, but it would be worth it if it took some of the pain away.
“That smells like dung,” Taio said.
“It tastes like it too,” I said.“Perhaps if you hadn’t choked me unconscious, I wouldn’t need it.”
“You and your sister left me with bruises too.”He touched his side, and I wondered how hurt he was.No one had looked him over or given him anything for pain or injury.I’d noticed the bruise on his chin where I’d hit him with the back of my head, but I couldn’t see the injury on his ribs where Cameed had kicked him.I handed my mug to him, but he didn’t take it.“You drink it,” he said.
“I’ve had plenty.You drink some too.It will help with pain.”
He looked at the mug then at me.In the darkness, I couldn’t see the expression on his face, only the movement of his eyes.Then he took the mug and drank the rest down.“Ergh.”He handed it back.“Vile water.”
I laughed.“It really is.”I slapped at a biting insect and Omira handed me a wooden pot.“What is this?”
“Ointment,” she said, removing the top.“It keeps insects from biting.”
I sniffed and raised my brows.It smelled fresh and clean, not at all like the putrid stuff we covered ourselves with on patrol during the wet season when the insects were the worst.“It smells good.”
She dipped her hand in and smeared it on her hands and her face.Not wanting to be rude, I did the same.The texture was smooth and the feel of it light, not sticky.I handed it to Taio, who used some, and then passed it to Kintle.The feeling of belonging among the Zulenii was strange but also reassuring.Perhaps Zulen would not be so awful.
“I’ll take the first watch,” I said.
“No.I’ll take it,” Taio argued.“Then Omira, then Kintle, then Yung.”
Well, so much for belonging.Apparently, I was not to be trusted to do a watch.“You forgot me,” I said.
“You sleep, Princess.”
I might be a princess, but I would do my part.I wasn’t lazy or indulged.“I will sleep when I’m not on watch.”
“And if you are on watch, no one else will sleep,” he said.
“So you don’t trust me.”I already knew that, but now it needed to be said.“My life is as much at risk out here as yours.”
“I will not change my mind.”
Of course he wouldn’t.The man was so stubborn.“Fine.Then I will do my watch with you.”
He shrugged.“If that is what you wish.”
