" She closed her eyes; she was going to be sick." She closed her eyes; she was going to be sick. "Please," she said, not sure to who or what. She walked over to the wing, her eyes blinded by tears. "Oh, god." "This way, sir! I heard it over here!" She turned at the voice. startled, and waited. A horse was crossing the woods, followed by more. She seized the knife in her hand and shouted "Don't come any closer. Any one of you bastards tries to touch him and I'll kill you!" "M'Lord," the rider of the lead horse shouted. "Over here." Another horse rode up, this one ridden by a melMephit in a red robe and a light, mesh chainmail. "We heard the screams of an animal, M'Lady, and came to investigate." "He's not an animal! He's my friend," tears welled in her eyes and she said, quieter, "and he's dying." "Healer!" the Mephit shouted. "Attend to the creature." "M'Lord?" A Tindal in the back replied. "I've no learning for dragons." "Do what you can." The order was direct, the voice commanding. The Mephit dismounted and made a visible show of leaving his swordsheath on the ground. He opened his arms wide and said, "We can help. Please. Kitty's resolve wavered. She dropped the knife and dropped to her knees. "Please," she said, exhausted, crying. "Please, save him." "We shall do what we can," the Mephit said, walking forward and crouching next to her in the wet grass. "What is your name, M'Lady?" "Kitty... Kitty of The Hall." The Mephit smiled at her and said, "Then we are kindred spirits, M'Lady. I am Aaden of Tleil, of late, Lord of Degranni. It is not a role I cherish." Kitty looked at him; he was smiling, but behind those eyes she saw honest concern. One of the other riders walked over and said, "M'Lord, you should see this." "Will you be well, Kitty?" "I think so." "Then excuse me; I have to attend." "I'll come," she said, rising from the grass. Aaden nodded; the Uncia guard led them to where Pendor lay, by his head. The guard pointed to the remains of the creature that had attacked them. "Elahedrel, M'Lord." Aaden turned to Kitty and said, "Your attacker was a Fell beast, a creature of seeking, Kitty. Do you know what he sought?" Kitty shook her head. |