Rocoram pointed across the cave. “Look who up!”

Honor turned and looked towards the entrance to the greater cave system. Darryn was making his way into the cave with Jaxon’s arm slung over his shoulder, half supporting, half dragging the wounded man. Aureth was pulling on Darryn’s other arm, apparently arguing with him about something.

Honor leapt to her feet and quickly made her way across the cavern. Aureth threw up her hands and walked off as the Steeleyes approached.

“Should’t he be resting?” Honor asked Darryn.

“And hello to you, too, cat,” Jaxon growled.

“Stubborn idiot wouldn’t stay put.” Darryn looked around for an open spot next to one of the fire pits.

“Oh please,” Jaxon groaned. “Don’t tell me you’d want to stay up there in a dark cave by yourself.”

“Mister Jaxon!” Rocoram came up and clapped the injured man on the shoulder. “Is good to see you around!”

Jaxon groaned. “Easy, big man. I’m still recovering here…”

“Will be up soon,” Rocoram smiled. “Is never long with you.”

Honor nudged Darryn, pointing towards an empty fire at the side of the room. He nodded and made his way over, gently depositing Jaxon at the side of the fire, with his back to the wall.

Honor scanned the wounded man. He still looked pale and she could see a slight tremor in his muscles as he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

“Are you messing with my patient, Arushkta?”

Honor turned to see Anaka walking up, followed by her granddaughter. The older woman looked amused, but Honor couldn’t help noticing how concerned Aureth appeared. Her eyes were locked on Jaxon, and if Honor hadn’t known any better she would have said the girl seemed terrified of him.

“Just trying to keep him from hurting himself,” Darryn responded.

“I see.” Anaka looked at Jaxon, her eyes sparkling with humor. “Are you being difficult, young man?”

Jaxon smirked. “Always.”

“I see. Well, if you want to get back on those feet of yours you’d better not move again until I say so.”

Jaxon closed his eyes.“Aw, just a few more hours of sleep and I’ll be good to go.”

“I highly doubt that, young man.” Anaka shook her head. “If this is how your tribe acts, Arushkta, I am surprised any of them are still standing.”

“Some of us are more stubborn than others.” Darryn looked around the room. “Where’s Mik?”

“Is in small cave.” Rocoram pointed. “Wanted quiet place to work.”

Darryn shook his head and started towards the entrance. “I’d better make sure he’s ok.”

“Arushkta.”

Darryn turned as Anaka began following him. Something about her expression made him pause. “Turen a, Narerta?”

“Jaxon….” She took a deep breath. “Is his warsickness dangerous?” 

He sighed and looked back at the fire. “I cannot lie to you, Anaka. It can be.”

“I see.” Anaka was silent for a long moment. “And you take responsibility for him?” 

“I do.”

Anaka nodded. “Then it is settled. You may stay, so long as he behaves himself.”

Darryn nodded and watched Anaka walk back to the central fire where Aureth was waiting. He shook his head and went back to what he was doing. 

The minute he stepped into the entry cave, he knew something was wrong. It was empty. 

At first he tried to come up with a better explanation. Maybe Rocky meant a different cave. Or maybe Mik had gone looking for food again and the others just hadn’t noticed when he walked back in. 

But the ground was disturbed. And worse, there was a bit of blood on the floor. 

Barryn knelt down and examined what prints he could find. Someone had come in and pushed Mik outside after a struggle. Someone with a pronounced limp. 

Eralis had Mik. And there was only one place they could be heading.