Wethe gave her patient an exasperated look and shrugged. “It’s hard to say,” she hedged. “Tonight? Next week? A few months? That is in the hands of those that watch over us.”
“Enough. I really don’t have time for this.” Xydell coughed, then waved her hand to regally dismiss the healer. “Ask Bercie to come to me.”
“Of course,” Wethe bowed to Xydell. “I will return later to check on you.”
“If I’m still here,” Xydell muttered.
Roth ushered her out, took a long look around the courtyard, and then closed the door.
“Our guards still out there?” Orval asked.
“Aye,” Roth threw the bolt. “Still not sure if they are here to protect us or kill us.”
“So much anger,” Xydell whispered. “So much hate.” She sighed, plucking at the blankets. “We’re finally alone?”
“Just us,” Orval pulled up a stool.
“Bercie was my dear lady’s maid,” Xydell smiled briefly. “But she has grown as bitter as I have. I fear for you all, after I am gone.” There was no joy on her face now.
“No, I am sure—” Orval started.
“Don’t pretend otherwise, you’re not stupid,” Xydell snapped, a little of her old fire burning in her eyes. “Listen to me. My Jerrold cached things around the Keep and its surrounding. A pouch of coin, a dagger, or a sword. A few trail rations.” She drew a slow, harsh breath. “He always said that you never know when you might need one or the other at hand.”
“You should rest,” Orval said. Her paleness worried him.
“Fool,” she rolled her eyes, “I’ve more than enough rest coming. Bercie knew of some hiding places but not all. My Jerrold was canny. He marked these caches.” She paused. “I wish I could remember, but—” she shook her head. “Tell that boy to go exploring. You might need whatever he finds.”
“I will, I promise,” Orval said.
“If he forgets, I will remember,” Roth added.
“Good, good,” Xydell sighed. “At least you have a few smart people around you, Orval.” She took another breath. “Amari—”
Orval stiffened. “Aunt Xydell, I won’t let you—”
“Hush,” Xydell frowned. “Amari,” she held out a hand toward his wife.
Amari moved forward and gently grasped the old woman’s hand. “Xydell.”
“I heard,” the former Lady Baroness said, then took a few quick breaths. “I think I heard…is it true? What you did for Kara?”
Orval exchanged a glance with Roth in consternation.
But Amari plunged ahead. “Yes. But it’s also true that I had a child with Eijer.”
“Dalan is Eijer’s boy?”
“Yes,” Amari confirmed.
“Ah,” Xydell said. “A good bloodline, but watch out for his mother.”
Orval raised his eyebrows. Was she wandering in her wits?
“I am sorry, lass.” Xydell’s fingers grasped Amari’s so hard they turned white. “I said awful things to you, and I regret them. Forgive me, child.” She gasped a bit, trying to catch her breath.
“All is forgiven,” Amari knelt down and wiped the tears from Xydell’s face. “Do not fret.”
“I regret so much,” Xydell whispered, still weeping.
