Page 85 of Trial of Thorns
I lay my head back against the bark and pant. He hands me a bottle of water, and I sip it gingerly, wincing with each swallow.
Caelynn doesn’t appear to be anywhere nearby, so I venture a question that might make me sound weak. “Can we camp here tonight?”
Tyadin doesn’t immediately respond. “Maybe. It would be better if we move a bit farther down the mountain—less likely to be spotted and less travel time tomorrow. But if we have to, I’ll back you.”
I nod and swallow, head spinning.
“Where is she?” I ask.
“She said she’d meet us up here. Maybe she’s giving you a little space.”
“Good.” I press my eyes closed, entire body throbbing.
“You probably hurt her pride. She didn’t expect you to do that.”
“Good,” I repeat.
“She was clearly impressed. You should have seen her face. Mouth hanging open, cheeks flushed. It was quite entertaining.”
I swallow but don’t respond. I don’t need her to be impressed. I only need her to not think me weak. Footsteps sound gently nearby, and Tyadin stands, but I can’t seem to open my heavy lids. I continue to breathe heavily, consciousness slipping from me.
My head spins as I try to rouse myself, but finally, I concede and let the void take me.
Caelynn
“Can you get him toeat some of this?” I ask Tyadin as I finish crushing some of the healing seeds into a fine dust. “And wrap his bandages with this?” I hold up the red leaf.
“Me?”
“He won’t take anything from me.” I shrug.
“He’s passed out now.” He nods toward Rev slumped against a maple. “He won’t notice.”
“Fine, I’ll do the wrapping if you do the feeding.”
He accepts the arrangement, and we chat about the next day’s challenge as we work. He helps to hold Rev’s limp body upright as I wrap it.
