'Usually, of course, the maiden rescues the unicorn,' Shalkan commented, and Kellen was pleased to see Vestakia smile gravely.
'As for what I was doing there in the first place: that was my home, up until today. A month ago, someone started stealing my goats. I couldn't let that go on, so I set a trap to catch the thief, intending to give him a good drubbing and get my goats back—any of them that he hadn't already eaten, at least.
'But there was Demon-magic in the air, and I wasn't paying enough attention. I twisted my ankle, and he cornered me. If you hadn't come along when you had, I'd be dead now. And so he has all my goats, and my hut as well! And I wish him much joy of them, whoever he is.'
Kellen finished wrapping the bandage at the top of her knee and tied it off to hold it fast. He held up her boot, and Vestakia slipped her foot into it.
Both of them looked up as a shadow fell across them. Jermayan was standing over them, holding cups of tea. The Elven Knight's face was a stony mask of disapproval. Kellen realized that with Elven rigid-mindedness, Jermayan still didn't believe any part of Vestakia's story— though he'd certainly heard all of it—despite all the proof Shalkan had given him.
Idiot. He's as blind sometimes as Lycaelon. If Idalia ever got wind of his behavior—
— if we make it home again —
—she would be sure to give him a well-deserved piece of her mind.
If he amends his behavior, I'll consider not telling her.
Kellen rocked back on his heels, wincing at his own soreness, and reached for the cups. Reluctantly, Jermayan placed them in his hands. Kellen passed one of them to Vestakia.
Kellen sipped the tea in silence. Considering everything, Kellen didn't think he was going to tell Jermayan that he'd been led to save Vestakia by the Wild Magic, or why the Wild Magic had exacted that particular price from him, as satisfying as letting the haughty Elven Knight know that Vestakia's rescue was the price of his own healing would be. It would only irritate Jermayan further, and Kellen didn't need Jermayan any more irritated and upset right now. He needed Jermayan alert and cooperative.
'There's soup,' the Elf said reluctantly.
So that's what took him so long. Kellen forgave Jermayan slightly.
'We'll need to eat,' Kellen told Vestakia. He got to his feet and handed his cup to Jermayan. He knew Jermayan would want tea as well, and they'd only brought two cups. And he was sure just by looking that Jermayan wouldn't want to drink out of a cup that had been used by Vestakia.
'After we eat, we're going ahead, as far as Vestakia can lead us. From the way she was feeling before Shalkan dosed her, the Barrier must be close by, and the animals can't get up the rock, so we'll have to leave Valdien, the mule, and everything we don't absolutely need here, and hope it's here when we get back.' If we get back, Kellen added silently.
For a moment Kellen was certain Jermayan was going to refuse, to demand that Kellen find some other path, or decide to strike out on his own. But the Elven Knight merely bowed, the same stiff formal bow Kellen had seen so often back in Sentarshadeen. 'As you command, Wildmage,' he answered tonelessly, turning away back to the campfire.
'Well, that went well,' Kellen said, under his breath.
'He hates what I represent,' Vestakia said sadly, getting to her feet. She tested her foot gingerly, then put more of her weight on it, her expression relaxing into relief. 'Well, I hate it, too. Does he think I've ever been able to look into a bowl of water without hating the Demon that looks back at me?' she added bitterly.
'Hate the Demon, but don't hate yourself,' Shalkan said quietly, 'for you are not of their kind. Your mother's Wild Magic saw to that, her courage, your courage. Vestakia, you have been braver than you think. If one who is wholly human can be turned to the Darkness willingly, think how much easier it would have been for you! You would have been accepted without question; all you would have had to do was take the easy path, embrace evil, and join your father. You did not. You are as human as your mother was, brave and true. And just as good.'
'No one will ever believe that!' Vestakia cried wildly, tears starting to form in her yellow cat's-eyes. 'Mama said so!'
'I do,' Kellen said firmly, willing her to believe him. 'Shalkan does. And Jermayan will believe in you, too—if I have to beat his Elf-stubborn head down between his shoulders until his eyes are level with his collarbone to make him realize it, I will. But we don't have time for that, now. We have to get up over those rocks before the light fails. Now come and have some soup. You'll need all your strength for the climb.'
He was talking in part to keep from thinking. It was quiet. It was too quiet. Surely the Endarkened knew that they were near! Surely he would not be able to just clamber up to the top of the rocks, put the keystone in place, and walk away!
