Maukurz sensed her pain immediately, and he jumped fallen logs as he ran through the forest to Halla, sweeping her up in his arms. He breathed her in, checking mostly for pushdug's musk about her, which was Maukurz's worst fear, the thing that kept him up at night, wishing he was able to snatch Halla away and make her stay with him… only to know that doing so would likely ruin the beautiful welcoming acceptance she gave him. She was shaking in his arms, and so he kissed her as he inhaled her scent. He hated the smell of her fear, it was all too familiar to him—and all too dangerously seductive to one such as he—fear and sweetness together effusing from the soft skin of a sharlob. But burying his face in her neck, he realized that the familiar thing he was sensing wasn't fear at all. His heart flipped and thumped hard. "You're breeding," he murmured.

A sob caught in her throat as she nodded her head.

Maukurz took her little face in his hands. "I didn't do it on purpose," he whispered. "I swear, Halla, I didn't do it on purpose. You know we tried to be careful…"

"I know," she said, her voice small and fearful. She wrapped her arms around Maukurz and clung to him, feeling like she'd faint.

"You gotta come with me now, Halla," Maukurz crooned softly. "I'm gonna take good care of you now. Don't be afraid."

"I can't just leave!" Halla cried. "I don't even have any things… And what about when winter comes? And what about… what about when the baby comes, all alone in the wild… Maukurz! I could die!"

Maukurz swallowed hard. All he knew about whelping was getting them in. And he knew that after a few months at most, his old Master took the whelp out. He and Halla would be on their own, and she'd been a virgin, and he didn't have the foggiest notion of what to do, or even how long it took to make a whelp in the wild, without any magic. "We'll think of something," he whispered. "I won't let nothin' bad happen to you. And I'll keep you warm. I've already started getting' furs and hides together for the winter, so's I don't freeze. You know how to make clothes, don't you?"

"Not at all!" Halla whispered, hoarse with fear. "I can sew a little… but mostly embroidery… decoration, that is. Not… not making shirts and pants and gowns!"

Shit, this is bad! Maukurz wouldn't show her his worries. He cupped her head to his chest and hardened his face the way he learned to do in Isengard, grateful she couldn't detect his emotions from his body's scent and heat. "Come on, ashgaz… Come lie with me for a while. Let me put a smile on your face, and then we'll figure out what to do."

She took his hand with such trust—trust that he'd broken without meaning to, getting her whelped when she had told him not to—and followed him into the forest. Maukurz knew where the best places were, and he took her to a little clearning with soft ground covered in orange pine needles. Guilt burned him, but Maukurz relished the scent of her breeding body. This one's my own, he thought. Out of how ever many I made, this one's my own. Not Master's, not born to die, but my own little whelp held safe in her soft, beautiful body. Maukurz undressed Halla carefully, his customary urgent desire softened by a deep welling of tenderness. She was weeping softly, and he felt all the worse for his joy as he caught her salty tears on his tongue and kissed them away, then brought her carefully to the ground. Balancing on his strong arms, Maukurz looked down on Halla, torn a thousand different ways inside. He had her, for certain it was only a matter of time now, but yet the danger of losing her was all the greater. And at the same time, he was powerfully aroused by the knowledge of her condition. He wanted to mark her again, he wanted to fuck her until his legs gave out. He realized gladly that he could come in her all he wanted now… because, he thought, sighing, the damage is already done. Fuck, I'd better figure out how to do right by her, and fast.

But at least, for a little while, he could enjoy her, he could give her a little joy to soften some of her terror. Maukurz took Halla in his arms, pushing himself inside her as gently as he could manage, and did his damndest to banish her sorrow.

Edwyn didn't need to ask where Halla had been, but he had to warn her. As she crept past the stable he slipped out of the shadows and grabbed her arm, pulling her into the darkness. "Trouble, beauty. Finnan's mother has come for a visit. That woman's eyes are used as torture devices in gaols all over Middle Earth, and she's a nose like a hound. I'm ducking out, but you're stuck. You'd better play the part of a goodwife. Think you're up to it?"

Halla's stomach clenched, and before she could control herself, she'd vomited onto the stable floor. Tears rushed down her face, and all of the calm Maukurz had helped her find rushed away.

Edwyn made a little face, stepping away from the mess. He snapped his fingers at Ailen and said, "Get a bucket of water on that, would you boy? Good grief, Halla, what's wrong with you?"

"I don't… feel well."

"Well pull yourself together girl, for Finnan's sake if not your own. She won't be here long, but she makes him utterly miserable. I'll deal with the damage tomorrow, but you use that pretty face to mitigate it now. Charm her, if you can. All right?"

Horrified, Halla nodded. "Ailen, would you please run to the new village and tell your sister I need her?"

The stableboy bobbed his head pertly, and ran off to fetch Ailith. Halla looked to Edwyn and asked, "Can you tell? That I've been with him?"

Edwyn looked Halla over carefully, plucking a few stray pine needles from her long braid, adjusting the laces of her soft blue gown. "You're fine. Wait for your maid; say you were with her this morning."

"I know," Halla replied, nodding. "Thank you…"

"Don't worry!" Edwyn said brightly, unclasping the cross ties from his horse's bridle and leading the fine chestnut away. He called over his shoulder, "Tomorrow this time, everything will be back to normal!"

Halla waved her fingers in a limpid farewell, thinking there's no chance of that. Nothing will ever be normal again. She lay her hands over her flat belly and closed her eyes. What will the baby look like? What will it be like, to have a child? What will it be like to leave the world behind and live like an animal in the forest, a life in hiding, with a baby who can never claim any place in society? For the second time, she saw an image of a little Uruk-child, a boy as sharp as a little hawk with Maukurz's golden eyes. Is that my baby?

"My lady?"

Halla opened her eyes, seeing Ailith through a blur of tears.

"Are you all right, my lady?" Ailith asked nervously.

"His mother is here," Halla grumbled. "We'd better go."

Halla managed a bold stride. As she approached the house, she saw Blythe hurrying in through the servant's entrance, a tray of sweets in her hand. She tried to remember Finnan's mother from the wedding, calling up only a blurry picture of a thick, big-breasted woman with greying yellow hair and a stern, sour little mouth.

She entered the hall with Ailith. Finnan's mother sat at the head of the table in her husband's seat, draped in thick, heavy gold, her coarse hair veiled in a silky mauve fabric. Finnan himself sat at her side, looking pallid and strained. Halla cringed as his dogs, as ever lying by the fire, raised their heads and bared their teeth, growling at Halla.

"Hush!" Finnan snapped, rising. He crossed the hall quickly and hissed, "Where were you this morning?"

"With Ailith," Halla lied tightly. "Working on the tavern."

"Well hurry up, greet Mother. Ailith, you may go upstairs and wait for your lady to need you."

"Yes, my lord," Ailith said, her voice hard. Halla met her eyes briefly, seeking forgiveness. Ailith gave none, but she held her tongue. Yet behind her eyes, there was fury at being so used, and being reminded of Maukurz. Halla felt like the walls were closing in around her. Would it be so bad to be free of it all?

Halla put on her best face and swept to the table. "Hello, Mother," she said softly, and the woman turned up her plump, paper-skinned cheek for a kiss.

Then she turned wide eyes on Halla and demanded, "So why aren't you breeding yet? Has my son done his duty by you?"

Halla almost swooned. She turned appalled eyes to Finnan, who refused to meet her gaze, his lips pressed together in a thin, angry line. Halla nodded her head tightly, and lowered herself into the seat beside Finnan. She perched lightly on the chair, as if trying to deny her presence at the table.

"You are a liar," Mother pronounced crisply. "Honestly, Finnan! You are Lord Birchleigh now! Had your brother not died, perhaps you could shun your duty for your corrupted lifestyle, but all of our hopes rest on you. Your father would be horrified! You do know about his proclivities by now, don't you Halla?"

I am going to die, right here, Halla thought. She floundered like a landed fish, not knowing what to say.

"Let her be, Mother," Finnan said through a clenched jaw. "We're newly married, that's all it is. These things take time."

"Time, yes, but they won't happen at all if you leave her be! She's a pretty enough thing, hot too I'll bet. We couldn't have found a better bride to fix your sickness, but I can't do it all for you, boy. And what do you think they'll say about this at court? D'you mean to shame me for the rest of my life?"

Halla and Finnan were spared their continued mortification by a pouding knock at the door.

"Enter!" Mother called shrilly.

Two mercenaries came in in a rush, their boots muddy and their tunics sweatstained from a hard ride. "Trouble in Birchleigh, my lord!"

"What trouble?" Finnan asked quickly, desperate for an out.

"Miller finally put the fee back to normal, after yer extension. Only thirty or so showed up to do their grinding, even though they've all cleared their little strips of land. And those thirty, Men and lads, they demanded to pay half-price, and they've roughed up the miller and his apprentice—"

"I told you," Mother said. "I told you! Reducing the fees! What stupidity! Are you surprised they think you're a fool and a weakling, my son? You'd better go and put an end to it! And I'll bet you find grinding stones in every hut! Our fortunes will be run into nothing, if this is the way you manage them! Why are you still sitting here? Go! Make an example!"

Finnan threw his chair back. "Indeed I will," he growled harshly. "Good day, Mother, wife! I will see you later."

Halla watched him stomp out the door, horrified at what violence he might do to his own hungry peasants. Is it any wonder, with a witch like this as a mother? Well I won't let her bully me around as she does her son!

"Well! I was going to spend the night at my house in Birchleigh, but if there's going to be trouble like this, I might as well sleep here! Advise your servants to set up a proper place for me to sleep in the hall, and I'll have your cook to attend me…"

"Very good, Mother," Halla said smartly. "I will see to it. But now, you must forgive me: I generally rest during this time of the day. I trust Blythe will see to your every comfort."

Halla hid the rest of the day in her bedroom, wishing she'd had the guts to stay with Maukurz. She went through her things, setting aside her soft kid gloves and a silver-fox fur stole, looking over her heavy jewels. I've enough in jewels to buy a small piece of land and build a little house. But who would sell to us? Who wouldn't want to meet the master of the house? And what neighbors wouldn't run us out with torches and pitchforks once they found out that master was an Uruk? And if I go to live with Maukurz where he is now, I would have to live with the other Uruks! I can trust Maukurz, but them?

Ailith avoided Halla's conversation for the rest of the day, furious that Halla'd used her to cover up her obvious tryst with the Uruk. Ailith wondered sickly where Halla's 'lover' might be. And was he alone? Ailith doubted it. This situation is becoming intolerable. And Harlan… Harlan must be a madman. Is he truly looking at me with those eyes? Maybe he thinks he can do what he wants with me! I must be a whore, mustn't I, for not having the decency to die after what those beasts did to me? I have to get out of here soon, tavern or not!

Halla took a long bath at twilight. Finnan had not returned, so Halla sent word by Ailith that she was feeling unwell, and wouldn't be coming to supper. "Let the horrid woman eat alone," Halla murmured. It was hardly a lie: Halla was beginning to feel nauseas again. I'm pregnant… she thought, despair and excitement blended together until nothing made any sense at all.

"Ailith, I'm sorry about before…" Halla tried again. "What was I to do?"

Ailith opened her mouth to reply, but bit it back. "I'm your servant, Lady Birchleigh," Ailith said tartly. "You needn't apologize to me."

Halla closed her eyes, rubbing her suddenly pounding temples. "You may go then!" Halla said, exasperated. How much was she supposed to try with the woman? It was all just too much for Halla to handle. Though there was still a bit of light outside, and the singing of peasants drifted down from High Meadow, Halla climbed into bed and pulled the covers high, determined to sleep.

Not too much later, Halla woke up abruptly. Her first thought was that Maukurz had come. Then she heard boots on the floor.

Oh Bema help me, now I must lay beside him? It made sense, of course. Finnan would hardly spend the night in his hidden love nest, or at some far off tavern as he customarily did, not with his mother in residence. Probably just as uncomfortable for him, Halla thought fairly. Still, she settled into a mock-sleep, not wanting to talk her lawful husband as she lay there pregnant with Maukurz's child.

Halla heard Finnan's boots hit the floor. After a long moment of shuffling fabric, he sat heavily on the bed.

"Halla," he said, slurring his words from drink. "I know you're awake."

She kept her eyes shut, and hoped her breathing didn't give her away.

The ropes of the bed creaked as he rolled over, and suddenly he was on top of her, naked as the day he was born. Halla opened her eyes wide in shock.

"Th'old hag's right ye know… Gotta have an heir."

With that, Finnan jerked the blankets back and grabbed the hem of Halla's embroidered nightgown, hiking it up to her belly, exposing her rudely to the cold night air. Halla shook off her shock, gasping, "Stop it! You're drunk!" Halla reached for her nightgown, trying desperately to cover herself.

"Aye, good and," Finnan grumbled, slapping her arm away and shoving his hand between her legs.

Halla twisted and pushed him, but she wasn't nearly strong enough. His cold hand trying to pry her thighs apart felt revolting and degrading, nothing like the absolute joy of when Maukurz did those same things. "Finnan please! I just want to sleep, please! Please, you're scaring me!"

"Gotta do it some time!" he growled. "Be a good girl now. This won't take long. Lie still, dammit!" He commanded her as her husband, but found himself strangely aroused by her small body writhing and fighting and pushing him away. He grabbed himself roughly, grinning in satisfaction. He'd be able to shut his mother up once and for all. He was so drunk he could hardly see straight, but he knew what to feel for. He excited himself more, thinking of how tight she'd be. "Quit squirming!" he hissed.

Halla was sobbing. "I don't love you!" she shrieked desperately. "Stop! I don't want you!"

Finnan slapped her, not sure where he caught her but glad that she froze and shut her mouth. He got her legs apart with his knees and pushed himself inside her, stunned that there was no virginal resistance. "You fucking whore!" he shouted, too angry and wasted to care who heard now. But the liquor that had allowed him to overcome his distaste for the girl and the act, and had fired his violence, now robbed him of ability, especially as he wondered who had gotten to her first. Who knew of his shame? In a rage he pushed himself off of the girl, wrenched the blankets around himself, and passed out to the sound of her weeping.

Finnan left at first light, humiated by his wife's refusal, by his sagged erection, horrified that someone had taken her already. Who could it be? Who knew that he was no husband to her? Who could it be, and would he talk?

As soon as Halla opened her eyes in the morning, she started crying. She was repulsed by herself; she felt covered in filth. She was terrified that last night would just be the beginning. And how could she go to Maukurz? Halla had betrayed her marriage vows quickly after taking them, but only now did she feel unfaithful. How could she look at her lover? Surely he-with his strong senses-would know! On top of it all, her stomach soon rebelled. She scrambled to get out of bed before she threw up all over herself. Halla clung to her hair, holding it out of her face as she vomited in the little clay basin. It was then that Ailith opened the door.

Halla pushed the pot away, clutching her body as she sat on her shins on the floor. Ailith went wide eyed for a moment, wondering why Halla appeared so wretched. And was that darkness at her hairline a bruise? Well, she played with fire long enough. Who knows where she went last night, or what had at her?

"I'm sick—" Halla sobbed.

Dear Bema, is she pregnant? Was she stupid enough to let the monster get her pregnant? What will she do now? Ailith felt a moment's pity, a slow, reluctant compassion. She set down the pitcher of water, bowl, and washcloth she'd brought for Halla to wash her face, dabbed a bit of water on the cloth, and went to her lady.

"There now," Ailith said quietly, wiping Halla's mouth. "Just breathe. You can breathe your way through anything, you know."

Halla moaned sickly, and threw up again.

"Lord Birchleigh's mother is downstairs, thinking she'll spend the day with you," Ailith warned. "I'm afraid if you say you're ill she'll bring her embroidery in here and pummel you with talk. You'd better just come with me, my lady."

"She's leaving soon…" Halla murmured. All the same, Finnan might return. "You're right, Ailith. Let's go to High Meadow," Halla said, her voice shaking. "I just want to get out of here…"

Ailith could have no idea how truly Halla meant that. Even if Maukurz hated her now, she would still run away. She couldn't stay with Finnan.

Ailith was surprised when Halla wanted to dress in a plain, thick grey dress, one of the homespun gowns she'd brought from her aunt's home. She wore a red hooded cloak over it, and pulled the hood up over her braid. Something bad had happened to Halla, Ailith knew. But the older woman's guesses were all wrong.

The walked to the new village in silence. The villagers had been up at dawn, as was their way. The Men went out to the forest to do their work and the women cleaned their new huts or put on stew pots for their Men to return to at break time. Children ran about, laughing and playing. But silence fell when Lady Birchleigh appeared. Children ran back to their mothers' legs, and women shut their doors in Halla's face.

As soon as he could get away from the house he was designing, Harlan joined the women at the construction sight. The framing was up and things were progressing nicely, especially as Halla's contribution allowed Ailith to hire four laborers from the village of Birchleigh, usually jolly fellows who today worked in silence, eyeing the lady fearfully.

"What is going on?" Ailith asked Harlan.

Harlan shook his head, lowering his voice. "It's because of yesterday. Some of the villagers went to the mill in Birchleigh to complain of the high fee, which they felt would take too much grain from them for them to be able to make it through the winter. They were angry, voices were raised, threats exchanged. And then his lordship came in, and his soldiers cut down four Men. Another, one who had a large grinding stone in his house, was hanged."

"But how can that be?" Halla demanded, perking up at last. "How is that lawful? Men must be charged with crimes! A court must be convened!"

Harlan shrugged his shoulders, unwilling to criticize his lord.

Disgusted, Halla turned away. She felt helpless to do anything, whether it be running away with Maukurz, or helping the people of Birchleigh, or anything else. She felt used and wretched, and it didn't seem that anything would ever be right again. Sick to her stomach, Halla walked away, looking for privacy before she vomited. She headed towards the last of the tree line, what was left of it, what certainly would be reduced and then destroyed in the coming weeks. Today all the Men were working at the southern tip of the forest, bringing down the last stand of ancient oaks.

It was then that Halla heard a whistle that sounded like birdsong, but most assuredly wasn't. She ignored it for a moment, peering through the backs of the huts to where Ailith and Harlan walked along, checking the framing of the tavern. Then the whistle came again. A moment later an arrow pelted into the ground only a few paces away, shivering in the soft earth where it lodged. It was one of Finnan's arrows, tipped with orange and brown feathers.

Maukurz had come.

Halla wavered in sorrow and horror. Even still, she was drawn to him. She pulled the arrow out of the ground, looking over her shoulder to see Ailith bringing Harlan a cup of warmed, spiced ale.

Maukurz was standing just beyond the tree line, his dark grey skin keeping him shadowed while his golden eyes glowed brightly. He set down his bow, grinning at her. Clutching her arms over her chest protectively, Halla walked to Maukurz, her head bowed. As soon as she got close to him, she wanted to fall into his arms and let him kiss away her sadness, yet this was impossible if she was to keep her horrible secret.

"What happened?" Maukurz demanded sharply. "What happened now?"

"What are you doing here?" Halla returned, her heart sinking. He knew, of course he knew. She protested, "If anyone sees you here!"

Halla's voice broke as Maukurz wrapped his arms around her. As soon as he breathed her in, his entire body went rigid. "That fucker touched you? I smell his fucking stink!" Maukurz growled, his embrace hard like iron around her.

Halla couldn't respond, but for her silent tears.

"I'm gonna kill him! Where the fuck is he!?"

"Maukurz, stop it, please…" Halla sobbed, hearing herself pleading with Finnan all over again. Horrified, she dug her nails into Maukurz's back, trying desperately to hold him back. If he pushed even a little, he'd run right over her. His entire body shook with a terrifying rage. "The Men will kill you!"

Maukurz was overwhelmed by her fear and sorrow, and he knew she was right. He was alone against a good fifty Men, and then the pushdug had his armed guards. Maukurz had spied enough to know their numbers and weapons, their comings and goings. "Then you will come with me! Get your things together and meet me back here as soon as you can. And one night, I will crawl into horse boy's window and make him squeal, I swear to you."

Halla nodded. "I'll get my things. I don't… I don't care what happens. Just take me away from here, Maukurz!"

"I'ma take you away all right," Maukurz hissed darkly, thinking of how long it had been since he'd skewered a horse boy. Too long. And this one had it coming, for laying claim to what belonged to Maukurz. It made no difference to Maukurz that Halla's husband couldn't possibly know of him. The Uruk was far too territorial to care, and combined with his outrage for the shaken girl he loved, his fury towards Finnan assumed a life of its own, like some dark evil spirit birthing and rising out of the very earth.

He remembered his reason for coming. "I need more of that medicine you put on me, Halla. Baiurz got fucked up, and he's gonna get real sick if someone don't help him. That's why I came… and now I'm glad I did. Now, you got anything like that?"

"I… I can check in the barn…" Halla said. "There should be something around… And I can try to help him…" Her voice broke again, and she started shaking. She wanted to leave with Maukurz right then.

Oh, I'm gonna tear that white-skin pig apart, Maukurz through furiously. He lifted Halla's face, noting a bruise by her temple. Trying to ignore the screen of rage bleeding over his eyes, he kissed her brow with furious passion. "Get some medicine, stuff like that. Get whatever you wanna bring. And then get back here—" Maukurz looked up. Two laughing Men, axes swung over their shoulders, were passing close by the woods as they head to the village. He looked at Halla again, the hurt and shame in her eyes stinging him. She looks like the rest of them now. If he ruined my girl… No. I'm gonna bring her back. "You're gonna be just fine, ashgaz. Don't even think of it no more. Just get your shit and hurry back to me. Now go!"

Halla hurried out of the woods. She saw Ailith's curious, wary face, but Halla had no time to talk. She ran to the stables and began rooting through the tack room for anything that might help the other Uruk. There was only a little salve left in at the bottom of a small earthen pot, but it was better than nothing. Remember needles and thread, she thought, running towards the house. She caught sight of Finnan and Edwyn from the corner of her eye, trotting down the lane with Finnan dogs in tow. He had ridden his mother as far as the subdued town, and sent her on with his escort. Then he'd joined up with his lover, and now his hard, forced laughter carried towards the manor.

Heart in her mouth, Halla shoved open the door and tore through the house. She hurridly ripped a sheet from the bed and began throwing things into it. Her bag of jewels, her fur stole and gloves, two spare dresses rolled into tight bundles. Frantic, Halla wondered whatelse she would need.

There were footsteps on the stairs.

Terrified now, Halla bundled all she had and pushed the sheet under the bed. She stood up just in time: Ailith entered the room, her eyes narrowed in anger.

"You lied to me," Ailith said coldly. "I saw you in the woods. You were talking to the monster. You broke your word."

"I don't have time for this!" Halla cried. "Go away, Ailith! Go to your tavern, go to Harlan and live your life!"

"Live my life!" Ailith screamed. "I have no life! Your monster stole my life! I put myself at risk to keep your secret, did you ever think of that? And you repay me by running off to him every chance you can get, and letting him come back here! Are you so stupid? What will you do when he brings a whole gang of them down and runs over this place! You've invited a monster into our midst, you selfish girl!"

"His friend is hurt!" Halla shouted back. "He would never have come otherwise, but he needed my help!"

"You are disgusting! How can you do it? How can you help our enemies? How can you fuck an Uruk!?"

Halla opened her mouth to retort, but the door flew open, nearly knocking Ailith to the ground. Finnan stood in the doorway, jaw hanging in shock.

"What did I hear? What did I hear? Ailith, what did you say about my wife? I will have your tongue slit for slander!"

"Ask her!" Ailith cried. "Ask her where she goes, when she disappears! Ask her what put that bite on her shoulder!"

Finnan, frozen in outrage, stared stupefied at Halla for a moment. "You… you willingly…"

"Finnan—" Halla began, putting her arms up to shield herself as her husband charged across the room. She backed away as he chased her, and tried to dive over the bed. Finnan grabbed her leg, dragging her back. He grabbed the collar of her dress and yanked her up, tearing the fabric aside with his hands until he saw the bold red outline of an Uruk mouth on his wife's shoulder.

"Filthy whore!" Finnan screamed, batting Halla across the face with the back of his hand. Halla screamed, until his hands wrapped around her throat, choking off her cries. "After all I've done for you! After all I've been through! All we've been through! My own wife! My own wife!"

"My lord, don't!" Ailith shouted, jumping up and running to Finnan. He's going to kill her, and it's my fault! Ailith thought desperately. "My lord! My lord, no! Someone help me!"

Halla saw darkness at the corners of her eyes. Finnan's hands were around her neck like a twisting, tightening rope, cutting off all air. So this is how I die… She thought, strangely detatching from herself as her life ran out.

But then Edwyn appeared in the doorway, his face masked with horror. He ran across the room immediately. "Get off of her! Finnan, let go, you're killing her!"

"Whore!" Finnan shrieked wildly. "She's fucking Uruks in my house! In my very house!"

There was no time for reason. Edwyn tried to pry Finnan's fingers off Halla's throat. When that failed, the handsome young man grimaced, then clenched a fist, and nailed his lover in the head. Finnan released Halla's throat, and slumped to the ground.

Ailith wailed in sorrow. Edwyn turned his eyes back to Halla. Without Finnan to hold her up she'd fallen across the bed, her eyes closed.