Page 51 of Wind and Water
I stare at him, waiting. Honestly, with the events of the last few days, I’m not hopeful.
With a little pressure on my arm, Adhar spreads her wings and lifts into the air.
“How do you feel?” The suspense creates a knot in my gut.
Head lowered, he stretches his arms and legs, then presses his hand to his chest. “I feel fine. Actually, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this good in my life. Not one ache.” He stands and twists his waist one way and then the other. Rolling his shoulders, he shifts his head from side to side. “If the things written in the books are correct, leighis berries can only be found on the far side of the Cumbachdach Mountains. The giants of those mountains are said to covet the berries, and rarely is one seen in the elven cities. Where in Domhan did Adhar find one here?” He looks across the terrain.
“They grow on bushes?” I can’t help wishing he’d come back and sit beside me, but I subdue the thought before he senses it.
“Yes. Low brambles with long thorns. They tend to prefer shaded areas near the midmountain elevation.” He shrugs. “At least that’s what the books say.”
Scanning the terrain, I don’t see any mountains. “Well, either the books are wrong, or Adhar is more than she seems.”
“Perhaps we shouldn’t tarry here. If the raven sped your recovery, it must be for a reason.” Corell gives orders to the centaurs to move on.
Offering his hand to help me up, Liam’s smile is private and just for me. “I, too, would prefer to lie here beside you for a while.”
I move to grab my duffel, but Liam pulls me into his arms and holds me for a long moment. “One day, I will relish the moments we can tarry, and hold each other, and make love, Wren.”
“The things you say, Liam.” After a quick squeeze, I push him away and sling my pack over my shoulder.
Chapter Twelve
Liam
The ride to the river will take two days if we ride hard during the day and rest only at night, but I fear that’s a grueling pace for Birdie and even tough on Wren. They are my responsibility, and for the first time in my life, that means more than just keeping them alive. I want them healthy, and as happy as possible. My entire way of thinking has shifted since they came into my life. If I could spare Wren this journey, I would. Safe in the human world is where she should be, but even the idea of her leaving me burns a hole in my heart.
Honestly, I never considered I could feel anything so intense for anyone. Even so, I’ve closed off our mental connection. Now that I know she can break through the walls I’ve put up, I know that if she needs me, she can reach me.
Curiously, she’s managed all that she has these last few days, never having used magic before.
We stop in a young wood. The trees here are only forty or fifty suns old. Compared to the forest where the centaurs lived, where the trees had stood for hundreds or maybe a thousand suns. Trees like those can communicate with each other. Their soulshave evolved. These young trees are silent but afford good cover, and there’s a stream nearby where we can wash and replenish our supply.
Several centaurs have gone hunting. Birdie insisted on going with them, claiming she is a fair shot with a bow and arrow.
I set up bedrolls for Birdie and Wren, then hesitate before setting up my own a few feet away. There are more critical things to worry about, but every moment away from her is torture.
Walking to the stream, I find Jadar standing with his back to the water about twenty feet away. He blushes. “Wren wanted to bathe.”
My body’s instant reaction is no surprise. “You can go. I’ll keep watch.”
Jadar looks more relieved than I would have thought. Perhaps he knows this is one woman who is not for him despite his attraction. He trots toward the camp.
I hold my desire in check and step closer, keeping the row of low shrubs between me and my view of where she’s splashing. “May I join you?”
There is a louder splash, then silence.
“I can remain here if you prefer privacy, love.” Even if my desire screams something else, it must be her choice, this attraction between us.
“I thought Jadar was keeping watch.” Her voice is soft but without fear.
“He’s gone back to camp.” My blood rushes through my ears and to other places as well.
The water gently splashes. “You can join me.”
I round the shrubbery. She’s on the opposite side of the small but deep stream and facing away from me. Her bare shoulders peek out of the water, smooth and pale against the shadows on the water as the sun begins to set. I untie my boots and toe them off before stripping out of my shirt and trousers.
“Why did you send Jadar away?” She keeps facing away from me.
