She pushed herself up with a groan. Damn, she felt terrible—weak and shaking. Her stomach twisted on itself. When last had she eaten anything? She needed to find food. Nim’s ginger tea. Something to settle her stomach.
There was a cup of water beside the bed, and she drank it in long swallows. Then she swung her legs over the side of the bed and pushed herself to her feet.
A shower of bright stars exploded across her vision, and she breathed heavily, leaning over to support herself with her good arm just as Rafe appeared around the screen.
“Keely. Sit down, for gods’ sake.” He strode forward and firmly guided her back down as she wiped a shaky hand over her face.
It was terrifying to be so weak. Not knowing what had happened. “Rafe… is the baby okay?”
He smiled warmly, the corners of his purple-blue eyes crinkling. “Baby’s fine.”
Good. That was good. She slowly met his eyes. “And Tor?”
He nodded. “Also fine.”
“Thank you.” It came out as a hoarse whisper as she sagged down, pressing her palms to her eyes. Trying not to cry but failing. They were safe. They were all safe. Bard. The sudden relief was almost too much.
She took long breaths as Rafe patted her arm. Eventually, she was able to ask, “Where are we?”
Rafe rested his hand gently on her forehead and then moved his fingers to the pulse at her throat while he talked. “The barracks at Staith.”
“How did we get here?”
“After we left Tor to go down to the camp, I rode back, and Jos flew. He caught up to Alanna and Val just as they reached Staith and warned them. Alanna went on to the barracks with one squad of Blues, and we came back with the other squad. We were planning to spend the night in the gully at the top of the mountain path, but then we saw the flames and knew we’d better take a look.”
Rafe filled the cup again and passed it to her. “Jos and Val carried you and Daena out while the rest of us ran. The horses were only a couple of minutes away.”
“Daena’s okay?” Keely asked softly.
“Yes.” The answer was clipped, irritated even.
She frowned up at him, about to ask why Rafe—probably the nicest, least judgmental person she’d ever met—would sound so annoyed about someone he hardly knew, when she heard a sharp bugle call from outside, followed by the tramping of boots splashing through puddles. Many boots. It was the sound of soldiers leaving.
She immediately pushed herself off the bed, swaying as the blood rushed from her head. Damn. She didn’t have time for that. She needed to move.
She shook herself, trying to clear her vision, and used the bed as a support as she took a step and then another. She had to get to him. See him, before he left.
“Whoa, let’s get you back down.” Rafe took her arm and tried to guide her back to sitting, but she shook him off.
He ignored her muttered curse and stood, blocking her way as he folded his arms. “You’ve been unconscious for more than a day, and you’re not in any shape to go rushing off.”
“I have to—”
“No. What if you have a fall? What about the baby then?”
She narrowed her eyes and gave him her best death glare, reevaluating her earlier opinion of how kind Rafe was. “I have to get to Tor.”
“I told you, Tor’s safe. If you just sit down for a moment—”
“Yes, but what’s that noise?” she interrupted, pointing to the window.
Rafe pinched the top of his nose and sighed. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Those are the squads going back to assess Andred’s encampment. The scouts reported back that the heavy rain and sleet over the last day has put the fire out and it’s safe to try the path.”
That was exactly what she was worried about. Commands were called in the distance. She heard a sharp whistle and then marching feet; they were leaving. She had to convince Rafe to let her go. She had to see Tor.
“Please, Rafe. I have to talk to him before he goes.”
Rafe chuckled, still blocking her way. “He’s not going with the squads, Keely. He’s not going anywhere.”
