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“The cat, is Dude okay here?”

“Aye… I told them the cat travels with me and he is a good mouser. They will let him stay.”

Dude curled at the foot of the cot like a guardian, his chin on Torin’s ankle.

Torin’s eyes grew heavier.

The monks withdrew with quiet nods, leaving us with a low fire in the hearth, one candle burning in the now darkened room, and a mug and a pitcher with liquid.

I sniffed the contents.

Torin muttered, “Tis… ale?”

“That’s what it smells like…” I sniffed again. “Yes, ale. Are you sure you need some?”

“After battle a warrior must hae ale or how else does he celebrate his havin’ survived?”

I poured some in the mug and held it in front of his lips, he raised his head and sipped. “Verra good.”

“I need to get to our first aid kit, but… it’s growing dark.”

“They will bring m’bags in later, ye will hae it.”

I nodded, then gulped down half the ale and wiped my mouth. “I guess I needed that.”

“Ye were in battle too.” He tightened his clasp on my hand.

Then he patted beside him. “Ye need tae come lie on the bed.”

“Really? Is it scandalous?”

“Nae, we are married, mo leannan.”

“True.” I slowly, carefully crawled across him to his good side, the inside, near the wall. I placed my head near his, taking a tiny corner of the thin pillow.

He mumbled, “Comfortable?”

“No, but I’m good, this is perfect. You’re here. It’s warm, dry. You’re alive…” I rested my hand on his chest. “Is this okay?”

“Aye.”

“I can feel you breathing, it’s necessary.”

The closeness eased something tight in my chest. The dark encroached, but we were safe, and for the first time in hours, I let myself breathe.

But not for long — I was so hungry I could barely think.

4

ALEXANDRIA

1308 - I ATE HIS PORRIDGE

Afew moments later two brothers entered carrying our bags on their shoulders, quietly piling them in the far darkened corner. Dust and the scent of horse wafted across the small room. A third monk entered carrying a bowl with steam rising from it. There was also a spoon.

Torin was deeply sleeping.

The man nodded as he placed the bowl down on the side table. I caught a glimpse inside — it was porridge. I loved porridge. I wanted that porridge.