The night passed in a unique fashion only in that Mohani did not attempt to force herself on the monk. Collectively the mood was subdued. The weather had warmed and Orrock warned against a fire, so they huddled in a circle, enjoying more of the Guar’s salted dragon meat.

“I will pray tonight,” Orrock said, chewing his food. “I will pray for our safety, and the safety of the captives. I will pray for our success.”

“I appreciate your prayers,” Tanin said, consumed with thoughts of Memine, of battle, and of death. He wasn’t in the mood for a philosophical debate, though he was sincere in his appreciation; while he felt the monk was completely wrong in his beliefs, in truth he’d done no damage. Even his decision to lead them away from the Charic was motivated from a place of concern. It was arrogant and presumptive, Tanin thought, but not malicious.

Mohani laughed at Tanin’s words. “At last you have a convert, monk.”

Orrock gestured with his food. “I have attempted no conversion. My actions are my testimony.”

“I’m no a convert,” Tanin said. “Just appreciative.”

Orrock nodded toward Iona. “Her arms are whole. How do you feel, wood witch?”

“Please call her Iona,” Tanin said, lifting his eyes.

Orrock bent his head deferentially. “Iona.”

Iona held up her hands and wriggled her fingers. Her knuckles did not quite bend fully into fists yet, and brown patches of what looked like bark still dotted her forearms, but for the most part her limbs had recuperated.

“I am well, Orrock Guar.”

“How does it work?” Mohani asked as if suspicious. “That magic of yours.”

“Yes,” Orrock said. “Where does your magic come from, if not from Anyi?”

“It comes from the earth, Orrock Guar. It works as all things work in nature, Mohani Agnise. It works because it is so.”

“His ways surely are mysterious,” Orrock said, stretching his mighty arms over his head.

“Or perfectly understandable given enough time to make sense of it,” Tanin said, not unkindly. He held up a hand before Orrock could argue, which is exactly what it seemed the monk was preparing to do. “We should rest. I’m sure you aren’t worried, but to be perfectly truthful, I’m very frightened right now and don’t know how I can sleep, so I want to start trying now.”

Orrock finished his meal with a nod.

Tanin arranged his quilt and eased to his side, but hesitated, propping himself on his right elbow. “Thank you. All of you. For doing this. I know you don’t have to. And if by morning you are gone, I’ll understand. Thank you for bringing me this far.”

No one replied. Tanin rolled to his other side and forced his eyes shut. He heard only the faint whisks and shuffles of the others making their bedsites, and then, gently, Iona’s voice.

“May you be peaceful, Tanin Fell.”

He didn’t respond or move, and kept his tears to himself.

# # #

Get two free novels when you sign up for my email list:

https://bit.ly/2TomNovels

$5 a month gets you personalized advice, tips, and guidance on your writing at https://www.patreon.com/tomleveen

You're already on YouTube anyway, take a look at my writing advice with authors like Michael A Stackpole:

https://youtu.be/4UCVinfjpgo