Fire-heart (Tales of Alterra, the World that Is) by C. S. Marks

Author:C. S. Marks [Marks, C. S.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Parthian Press
Published: 2013-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14: SOME DEBTS REPAID

The Company rode swiftly for several hours, placing as much distance between themselves and Al-Muniqui’s stronghold as possible. It soon became clear that no immediate pursuit was forthcoming, which puzzled everyone except Hallagond, who simply shrugged it off. Gaelen and Rogond had expected to be fighting off Al-Muniqui’s forces by now, and they asked Hallagond about it. “This is the third time I have expected pursuit and found none,” said Gaelen.

“You forget—they think they are in the grip of a dreadful pestilence. They have far greater worries than coming after us. Most of them don’t even know what’s happened yet. I’m not concerned.” He reined in his mount, and they all stopped for a breather. He then displayed his usefulness by working Nelwyn’s manacles open with a stout pin of steel—apparently there were few locks that could foil him—and she felt truly free for the first time since Sajid’s treachery.

Malvorn regained his breath as Eros rolled briefly in the sand, lurched to his feet, and shook himself before attempting to rub his head on Rogond. “I know, old fellow. You’ve been sweating under that bridle, and you’ve got an itch,” said Rogond, reaching obligingly underneath the headstall with strong fingers. Eros was so delighted that he nearly knocked him over.

“If they are rested, we should move on before the sun rises,” said Gaelen, swinging up on Finan. “That is, if Nelwyn and Galador can tear themselves away from one another long enough…” She hadn’t fully realized how much joy could be had from saying those simple words, and she smiled, turning her mount back to the deep desert.

Nelwyn and Galador were lost in the relieved joy that comes with being reunited at last. Bint Raed likewise reveled in her liberty, for she had not felt the free air in many, many years. The only member of the Company that seemed disgruntled was Malvorn, who struggled to keep up with the swifter horses, burdened as he was by Hallagond, who was a large, heavy, and somewhat unbalanced rider at present.

His left arm had been badly slashed during his encounter in the palace, and had received only minimal attention. He pulled up, slowing Malvorn to a walk, as he felt shaky and light-headed.

Gaelen turned Finan about almost without touching him, for they were developing so close a connection that she had only to think of where she wished to go. She cantered back to find Malvorn standing head down, with Hallagond weaving slightly in the saddle.

“Aiyah!” she cried, even as Rogond rode up behind her. They both went immediately to Hallagond’s aid, though he tried to wave them off. He was soon lying under the waning moonlight on the sand among some tall stones, his feet propped on Bint Raed’s mysterious bundle.

“He hasn’t eaten, and he is nearly exhausted from running and fighting,” said Gaelen. “We need to bind his arm and get some food into him. Then he’ll need rest.”

“Look who knows so much about healing,” muttered Hallagond as Rogond gave him a long drink of water and honey.

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