CHAPTER 8

Alayissa knew that she couldn't keep running off of faelnirv. She didn't have enough for that, and there was no way to make more; it took several years to brew. She had been lucky that the useful elixir had lasted her this long; she didn't know how much more she would need.

When Alayissa and Roran entered Horst's house, they were greeted with shouts rising from several people in the dining room. Elain, Horst's wife, was standing at the door. When she saw Alayissa, she smiled gently, ushering her in. Alayissa was painfully aware that she was the only unmarried woman present, and she was the only one who wasn't here on behalf of a loved one.

"Good, you two are here," said Horst, his voice rising above that of Keselt. "Now we can get started. The first order of business is to establish – again – that whether what we did should have been done isn't the point anymore."

"I happen to agree," Morn put in. "Quimby was my friend, and I shudder to think what those monsters would do with Roran, but I want to know how we can escape this predicament."

"Easy, kill the soldiers," Sloan barked.

"What will that accomplish?" asked Alayissa, speaking up. "More will come. And they will keep coming and keep coming, until Carvahall is nothing more than a river running with blood. The blood of innocent lives."

"Even if we did hand over Roran," Morn added, "you heard what the Ra'zac said: they'll kill us if we protest and enslave us if we don't. I don't know about you, but I would rather die than live the rest of my life as a slave. We're stuck between a hammer and an anvil; we can't survive."

"We could leave," said one of the men quietly.

"Where to?" asked Kiselt. "We have the Spine behind us and the soldiers in front. Not to mention the rest of the Empire beyond." Alayissa sighed as a fight broke out between Thane and Horst, which ended in Thane stomping out of the room.

"I think," Gedric said after Thane had left, "we've all pretty much agreed that handing Roran over to the Empire would do no good. The only thing we can do now is prepare for another attack. Horst will make spearheads – and other weapons if he has time – and Fisk has agreed to construct shields. We were hoping that you could oversee our defenses, Roran. You'll have plenty of assistance."

"I'll do my best," Roran nodded.

"I can oversee training," Alayissa piped up. "I've fought before; I know how to use a sword, and any other weapon you care to name." She wanted to help these people as much as she could, and she knew that they would be committing suicide to try to go up against Imperial soldiers without proper preparation. Horst nodded his agreement.

"Before we go any further, there are men to bury," Tara put in. "And there are children who should be sent to safety, maybe to Crawlery's farm…" Alayissa tuned out. She wondered why she had been doing this so often lately. She could usually keep her attention on whatever she desired.

It's probably fatigue, she thought. I need to get some rest… Alayissa stood when the others stood, and watched as they dispersed. The faelnirv was wearing off; she hadn't even taken a sip – just enough to get her through the meeting – and she wasn't looking forward to the walk home.

"Alayissa," Elain said as the girl passed. Alayissa looked up wearily.

"Yes?" she asked.

"You look exhausted, sweetheart," the motherly woman said. "Why don't you rest for a few hours?"

"I was just going back to my house, to do that very thing," Alayissa ansewered, plastering a pleasant smile on her face. Elain looked troubled.

"I'm not comfortable with you living all alone, so close to those soldiers," she admitted. "If they should get just a little too drunk… I've spoken to Horst, and he agrees with me, that you are more than welcome to stay with us. I would feel more at ease if you did… I'm worried about you."

"I'll be fine," Alayissa laughed inwardly. She would pity any soldier who'd try to take advantage of her. She was touched by the woman's concern, though. "I'm good at protecting myself. I've been doing it for years."

"Well, will you at least rest here? You look like you could fall over on your feet, and our guest room is a lot closer than your house." Alayissa knew that this would be the most practical thing to do, but she still didn't like the thought of her house being left unattended and open while she slept.

"Thank you, Elain," she found herself accepting graciously. "That would mean so much to me."

"It's nothing, dear," Elain said sweetly. "And don't forget, our offer still stands. Anytime you feel uncomfortable with the soldiers' closeness, feel free to come here. You're always welcome here." Alayissa smiled as she walked up to the only unoccupied bedroom. She lay down on the bed and fell asleep instantly.