Page 112 of Veinblood
“On the chair by the table.” She moves to steady me as I sway. “But you’re going to collapse if you don’t?—”
“I’m not going to collapse.” I bat her hands away. “I’m fine!”
Vorith’s jaw tightens. “You arenotfine. You’ve been unconscious for hours, your power is completely drained, and you can barely stand upright.Sit down.”
“No.” The single word comes out flat. I’ve made up my mind, andnothingshe says will change it. I spot my tunic and lurch toward it, ignoring her warnings.
As I pull the tunic over my head, my hand brushes against the dark lines of the mist stalker, where it’s resting against my ribs. Relief at seeing it turns me lightheaded. Even with my power drained, it’s still there.
“Slow down.”
“He needs to see that I’m all right.”I need to see that he’s all right.
“He’ll see that better if you don’t collapse before you reach him.”
I ignore her. “What is the situation with Ashenvale? Is it secure? How many of our people were wounded in the fighting?"
“Elowen—”
“I need information! Sacha will want to know what he’s walking into.”
Vorith sighs, finally realizing I’m not going to stop. “The city is celebrating. People are in the streets, tearing down Authority symbols and raising the old banners. As for ourwounded?—”
“How many?” I pull on my pants, followed by my boots.
“Surprisingly few. Seventeen injured, three seriously. They are in the main garrison near the plaza.”
I nod, filing away each piece of information, while Sacha’s presence grows stronger, more distinct. He’s definitely getting closer.
“What about the soldiers who surrendered?"
“They’re being held under guard until it’s decided what to do with them.” Vorith moves closer, clearly preparing to catch me if I fall. “Elowen, please, just slow down for one moment.”
“Ican’tslow down.” The bond pulses again, stronger, and a rush of anticipation floods through me.
I’m going to see him. After everything we’ve been through, I’m going to see Sacha again. “Don’t you understand? He’s been separated from this place for over thirty years! I want to be there when he realizes what we’ve done.”
I evade her hands, and lurch toward the door.
“Wait—”
But I’m already pulling the door open, and stumbling into the hallway beyond. Corwin jumps to his feet from where he was sitting against the wall, hand dropping to his sword before he recognizes me.
“You’re awake.” Relief covers his face. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I look around, frowning. “Where are we?” Everything looks the same—carved walls and archways that I’ve never seen before.
“Still inside the Spire. Fifth level.” He moves to steady mewhen I sway. “Master Vorith thought you’d rest better away from the noise below.”
“I want to go to the throne room.” I set off down the hallway in what I hope is the right direction. “I need to make sure everything is ready for when he gets here.”
“He? He who?”
“She wants to go to the throne room to prepare for the Vareth’el’s arrival.” Vorith’s exasperation is clear. “Despite the fact she can hardly walk.”
“Then we go to the throne room.”
I flash him a triumphant grin, and move forward again. I make it maybe three steps before my legs give out. Corwin catches my arm.
