Page 114 of The Study of Fire
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Valek returned to the infirmary. Ari and Janco were helping with the wounded. He told them his plans to stay until Yelena returned. “You can return to Ixia or remain here.”
“What would we do here?” Janco asked.
“Irys said she could use your fighting skills to help round up the Daviians.”
“That sounds fun.”
“What about the wounded?” Ari asked.
“I doubt you will leave right away. I’m sure you can work here in the meantime. Up to you.”
“We’ll talk it over and let you know,” Ari said.
“All right.” Valek checked the patient rooms. He hadn’t known about Zitora; who else had he missed? Each one contained at least two beds. Some had three.
He found Gabor in one of them. His left arm was bandaged and secured to his chest in a sling, but he was awake and sitting up. Unlike his two roommates who were unconscious.
“How are you?”
“Other than a broken arm and clavicle, I’m fine. The healers normally wouldn’t waste their energy healing my injuries with magic, but since I’m a Sitian hero, they will. But I have to wait until after the serious cases are taken care of first.”
“And Brigi?” Valek asked.
“She wasn’t injured.”
“Good to hear. What have you been doing since I left?”
“Mostly, we laid low. Pretended to be going about our business. We heard a rumor Yelena was spotted at the market and after that there were murmurings of a group of people planning a revolt. Brigi and I made some inquiries, but when we saw Ari and Janco dressed as merchants and leading the revolution, we joined up.”
“How did the riot go?”
“At first, we had the element of surprise and the momentum. The guards at the gate were no match for us. But then the warpers showed up and it turned into a bloodbath.” He shuddered, then winced. “After that, it was a blur. One of the warpers used his magic to pelt us with anything he could find—rocks, sticks, and one small stone statue that hit me right here.” He touched his left shoulder. “I fell back and blacked out. Woke up here.”
“Where’s Brigi?”
“Probably at the council’s stables, soothing the horses. With all that noise and the smell of blood, we could hear how upset they were. Brigi loves horses more than people.”
“More than you?” Valek guessed.
“Well, let’s not get too crazy.” He grinned.
“When you’re healed, come find me. I’ll need you to take another message to the Commander for me.”
Gabor groaned. “No rest for the wicked.”
“You and Brigi can take some time off once the Sitian Council is back on their proverbial feet.”
“Thanks, boss.”
Valek left to search for Gale. The government residences behind the Council Hall all had flags that represented the clans. The one for the Stormdance Clan was easy to figure out. It had two lightning bolts and storm clouds in the center.
Councilor Stormdance opened the door and peered at him with suspicion. “Can I help you?”
“I’m here to talk to your wife.”
“Why?”
