Page 98 of Echoes of the Raven
“Thoran,” I call.
My eyelids barely pried open a sliver, I watch him stop at the threshold, silhouetted by the hall light. He throws a glance over his shoulder.
“Thank you.” My words are sincere.
He grunts and nods, then leaves.
Exhausted, I slowly slide back onto the floor, my consciousness shrinking like an echo until nothing remains.
38
VALERIA
“Fancy that! A princess of Castella staying in my inn.”
Francisca Martinez - Castellan Innkeeper - 21 AV
Igrunt as I move and pain blooms in my abdomen. A rush of memories hits me. Calierin attacking me, her dagger piercing my side, the frantic urgency to escape, the searing jolts coursing through my bones with every beat of the horse’s hooves.
And then… nothing.
My hand flies to my neck. Relief washes over me when my fingers wrap around the amulet. The opal feels cool to the touch, comforting.
Slowly, I open my eyes and see Rífíor’s face resting mere inches from mine. His eyes are closed, the fringe of his black lashes swooping upward toward the corners of his eyes. His breathing seems labored. There is no color on his cheeks. His olive skin is actually sallow, making him appear ill. I search my addled mind for a reason, but I can’t remember anything past the pain and my quiet prayers to Niamhara. I asked her to heal me, and perhaps, she listened, eventually.
I glance around, examining the small room we’re in. It seems Rífíor found us a place in some sort of inn. It isn’t much, but it appears cleanand tidy. Sunlight spills through a small window, illuminating the simple furniture, well-polished by time and use.
Pushing the covers down with a trembling hand, I inspect my wound. I’m weak and even lifting my head to see better takes a toll. I collapse back down, wondering who mended me. All that is left is a silver scar, the size of an acorn, so I’m certain espiritu was used.
Was it Niamhara or someone else? Did Rífíor find this inn and a fae healer? Did his actions save my life?
I glance at him once more, the curve of his black eyebrows, the thick line of his lashes, the stubbled line of his jaw that I yearn to caress.
Argh, Val! Don’t be an idiot. If he saved you, it’s because he needs you.
He stirs. I shut my eyes for some stupid reason. Maybe because I don’t want him to catch him staring at him like a fool. Besides, I’m tired, so very tired. He lets out a quiet groan as he stands, his clothes rustling. Maybe Calierin stabbed him too, and I just didn’t realize it. Either way, it doesn’t matter. We’re here now, and it’s all right to rest. It’s all right to…
I startle awake. I must have fallen asleep. I don’t know how long I’ve been out, but maybe it was a long while because no light filters through the window anymore.
At first, I think I’m alone, but then Rífíor peels away from the shadows in the corner, where he sits on a chair that groans as he stands. The light from several candles illuminates his angular face, clinging to the dark perfection of his hair like stardust on midnight velvet. He seems better than he did before, not as haggard.
He stares at me, saying nothing. I wish I could close my eyes and pretend to be asleep, but…
I swallow. The simple action sends me into a coughing fit that makes my side smart. He walks to a small table and pours a glass of water from a metal pitcher. Coming close, he tips the glass to my mouth, holding my head up with his free hand to help me drink. The water is cool, a blessed relief to my heated body.
“You still have a fever,” he says, “but you are improving.”
After a few sips, he rests my head back down. I think of what to say, but my mind is foggy.
“It was stupid what you did,” he says. “You should have told me you were wounded. You could have died.”
“I… had to get away from her.” My voice is scratchy, barely a croak.
“I could have bandaged your wound,” he goes on, “put pressure on it so you did not bleed out. It might have spared us all of this.” He gestures around the room.
Naturally, he’s furious about the time wasted. Without my blunder, he might already have reached the veil—or better yet... Tirnanog—and would finally be free of this wretched realm and its inhabitants, including me.
“Like I said,” I clear my throat, “I couldn’t wait to get away from your…friends.”
