Page 47

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WE HAVE BEEN traveling for quite some time when I realize that Wodred is flagging. His steps are getting slower and heavier, his breathing a little more labored. It’s not surprising. He rode all night last night, survived a storm, an avalanche, and a tunnel collapse, all while caring for and carrying me. He cannot last much longer, and I don’t want him to take more bloodroot. I was serious when I said that it is not good for his heart.

So I am relieved when we pass a tunnel to the right that is blocked further down by a cave-in. There’s only one way in. It's a defensible position where we can rest.

Turning in Wodred’s arms, I say, “We should stop here. It’s likely night outside, and wearing ourselves out won’t help in the long run.”

The orc regards the blocked tunnel to our side, likely seeing the same things I did. But, ever cautious, Wodred put me down and instructs, “Stay here while I check the integrity of the tunnel walls.”

I don’t argue, even though I can see moss growing on the caved-in stones, showing they have been there for a long time, and stay where he put me while he walks cautiously in the stretch of tunnel. He puts a hand on the rock walls and pushes, but the stone doesn’t budge. When Wodred seems satisfied that the ceiling won’t collapse on us in our sleep, he gestures to me to come forward. I do so, walking back so that I am right next to the caved-in section of the tunnel.

“You should sleep,” Wodred says. “I’ll take the watch.”

“That’s not necessary,” I say. “I’ll seal us in with a protective circle, and we can both sleep.”

“A protective circle? But your mana is low,” Wodred points out, frowning. “You were not able to rest before because Grazrath invaded your dreams.”

“I have been resting while you carried me,” I state firmly. “Besides, it will only take a small amount of power. Most of the magic is in the runes themselves.”

“And if you draw this protective circle, what will happen?”

“Nothing will be able to cross it without invitation,” I explain. “Either physically or mentally. It should also keep Grazrath out of my dreams, so that he cannot see where we are or know what I know.”

Wodred absorbs my words solemnly, then finally nods. It must be a testament to his fatigue that he is not arguing further with me.

“What can I do to help?”

I warm at his offer. He is always so supportive and never questions my gifts or powers. I never realized what a blessing such support could be before I interacted with Wodred and got it without even asking for it.

“Just stand back,” I tell him. “This will take some concentration.”

Wodred does as I ask without hesitation, stepping backward so that I can work. I reach into a pouch at my belt and pull out a piece of chalk and a long string that I always carry with me for spellwork. The floor is mostly carved stone with some dirt, but I should be able to draw on it. I get measuring with the string, drawing the circle, and placing the correct runes at the right points at the perimeter. When I’m done, I breathe out a small incantation and the circle lights up with a dim glow before fading. Though the light is gone, it is still active. Not my strongest work, but it should hold.

Wodred has been watching me intently while I work, and as I finish, he says, “Let us test it.”

“All right,” I agree. “Try to enter the circle.”

The orc steps forward, but is blocked by my invisible shield. He pushes against the barrier and is blocked as well. Then he pulls his axe off his back. With a brutality that surprises me, he slams the butt of his ax against the barrier, only for it to bounce off. This seems to satisfy him and he nods, putting his ax back on its harness.

“Your skills, as always, are impressive,” Wodred says solemnly. I know that he means it.

I feel shy at his praise, perhaps more shy than I would usually be. But only a few hours ago, I was in his arms, coming undone, and now I don’t really know how to act with him. Are we courting now? What are we?

“Thank you,” I respond, banishing my wayward thoughts. Now is not the time to worry about such things. “I also added noise dampening to the circle. Any louder noises will be hushed, so we don’t have to worry about making sounds in our sleep.”

“A good thought,” Wodred nods.

“You are invited to enter, now,” I tell him. “But be careful not to smudge my lines.”

The orc steps forward, this time crossing the threshold, but he steps gingerly, avoiding my chalk lines. He goes to lie down, taking off his ax and javelin quiver, laying them on the floor in easy reaching distance. Then he looks up, his face unreadable.

“We should stay close,” he says, pulling back his cloak in silent invitation. “To share warmth.”

My shyness increases, and I can feel myself blushing, but this is no time for maidenish behavior. Though it is warmer the further we get into the tunnels, it is still quite cold, and we have only one heat charm. There are practical matters to be considered. I nod and climb down next to him, crawling under his cloak so that we are both lying on the ground, my back to his front.

Wodred surprises me by putting an arm around my middle and tugging me closer to him so that we are pressed together front to back.

“Is this acceptable?” he asks, his voice sounding hoarse.