Chapter 14
Over the River
"Now this I believe to be the true blessing of Kyne," Atkynd remarked the next day as he stepped out of the palace and into the bright, midmorning sun. To his delight, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. "She's finally showing us mercy when we need to travel."
"Mercy for now, but it would be a blessing if another storm began once we reach the Panther River," Pasare retorted, holding her hand out. A drop of water fell from the edge of the roof and splashed against her outstretched fingers. "Rain would make it more difficult for the Ayleid patrols to find us, after all."
"And that much more difficult for us to cross the Panther," Atkynd pointed out.
"Mm," Pasare responded, which Atkynd took as a conceding agreement. The evening before – after Perrif had enjoyed a long, well-deserved rest – Tari and Pasare had been summoned to the palace to speak with her. Perrif had relayed Atkynd's idea to reach Nenalata and asked the two women to accompany him. They had both immediately agreed. Pasare seemed particularly eager to accompany him on the journey. When he asked her about it, she explained that she was eager to do something that got her away from the rest of the army for a while, as she'd been feeling increasingly restricted by her centurion's orders. Thus, Atkynd was happy to oblige her.
"Are you certain that you have everything you require?" she asked, turning to eye Atkynd warily. Atkynd simply smiled at her and glanced down at himself. He was once again wearing his traveling clothes, including his clan cloak. Though the cloak was warm and almost uncomfortably heavy for the weather, he wanted it on hand in case it rained again. His diplomatic clothing was safely tucked away in the oiled leather bag he wore over his shoulder, along with some extra rations, parchment, ink, and some spare reed pens. His sword and knife were strapped to his belt as well.
"So far as I can tell," Atkynd replied, pausing to look Pasare up and down. "You seem as though you're expecting a battle, though, rather than starting a journey."
The scout had changed into a fresh green chiton, over which she wore a leather breastplate, complete with leather straps that formed a short skirt which protected her thighs. She also wore leather bracers on her arms and leather greaves on her shins, though she insisted on going barefoot. Atkynd found that questionable, but when he had suggested she wear boots or sandals, she had scoffed at the notion, insisting that they would slow her down. In fact, most of the slaves had dismissed the idea of footwear outright, claiming they found it uncomfortable or unnecessary. Atkynd had simply decided to shrug it off; he wasn't going to lecture his guide about how to travel.
"Since we're traveling through enemy territory, I thought it prudent to be prepared for a skirmish. And I requested something for you as well," Pasare replied. Atkynd tilted his head she walked back into the palace, reemerging a few moments later carrying a leather breastplate, though this one lacked a skirt. Atkynd blinked in surprise as she held it out to him. "Trust me, you'll want this," she insisted. "If we're attacked, it'll protect you quite well, and it won't slow you the way that bronze will."
Atkynd appraised it for a moment, then took the armor from her and shrugged off his cloak before slipping it over his head. The chestpiece was surprisingly heavy, and he immediately began to feel almost uncomfortably warm. He also disliked how rigid the leather was, as it restricted how far he could comfortably turn his body. Still, Pasare was right – the extra protection would be worth it. He would grow used to it, he assured himself.
"If we're attacked?" Atkynd teased her as he re-fastened his cloak around his neck. "You have so little faith in your skill as a guide that you expect us to be caught?"
Pasare shot him a dirty look, though when she saw his playful grin, she smirked at him. "I have so little faith in your ability to move quietly through the jungle that it'd be a miracle if only four patrols were to spot you without my aid," she shot back.
"You wound me!" Atkynd laughed, holding his hands up in surrender. "Point taken." As he lowered his hands, he took another look at her outfit. "Do you believe that I should change into a green outfit as well, to better blend in with the jungle?" he suggested.
"Oh, this? No, there's no need," Pasare shook her head. "The foliage in this part of the forest is so thick and varied that colors matter little, so long as they aren't bright."
Atkynd glanced down at the brown linen tunic he was wearing, silently grateful that he had pulled it on instead of his white undertunic. "Well… I figured that it'd be difficult to see dirt on this, and since we're going to be traveling…." he grinned slightly.
"A wise decision," Pasare nodded. "That'll hide you well in the jungle, so you needn't change. As for this…." She plucked the green fabric she was wearing and shrugged. "I simply liked the color." Her expression briefly turned thoughtful. "It's a strange feeling. I've never had the luxury of being able to choose before."
"It's a fine choice," Atkynd agreed. "It looks good on you."
"Ah… be careful," Pasare chided him, grinning mischievously up at him. "Don't let Tari hear you complimenting me."
Atkynd rolled his eyes tolerantly. "That's not the nature of our relationship. Besides, she's not the sort to get jealous about me speaking with another woman anyways," he sighed. "Speaking of, shall we go retrieve her?"
"We shall. Come," Pasare said. She motioned for him to follow her and began strolling through the streets with him in tow. As they walked at an almost leisurely pace, Atkynd hooked his thumbs into his belt and gazed around at the city. Already it looked far less battered than it had even a day ago. The walls were largely repaired, save for large gaps in the southern and western walls, and work had already begun on some of the less-damaged houses. He was amazed by how swiftly the men and women had managed to restore so much of the city. If the Ayleids had done one thing right, it was instilling a sense of efficiency in their slaves. Ironic that those same skills were now being turned against them to terrifying effect.
Atkynd and Pasare soon found Tari kneeling in a former noble's garden, inspecting some of the plants that had survived the siege. She glanced up when she saw them approaching and began working faster, using her small bronze knife to cut a few petals from one of the plants. She then stood up and held them flat in her palm as she inspected them.
"Redwort," she explained as Pasare and Atkynd stopped a few feet from her. "I've only worked with it a few times, but I was pleased to discover that it grows here. If it's mixed with wild strawberry juice, it makes an excellent cure for most poisons. Which we may well need it if we're going to be traipsing through the swamp again."
"Excellent idea," Atkynd praised her, smiling down at her warmly. "Are you about ready to head out?"
"Give me just one moment," Tari said, sliding her leather bag off her shoulder and pulling it open. The bag had been a gift from one of Atatar's leatherworkers, who had "inherited" his master's workshop, since the Ayleids remained imprisoned underground. He had given the bag to Tari as a gift, and she was now using it to store her alchemical ingredients and equipment. Atkynd noted that she had also changed into a fresh, dark blue chiton that fell just past her knees, and that her bronze dagger was sheathed at her waist in a new leather scabbard, which had been threaded through a narrow rope tied around her middle like a belt.
He suddenly realized that Tari also looked much healthier. While she was still very thin, her face was no longer gaunt, and her pale skin had a rosy undertone to it, as opposed to its original sickly grey tinge. She also carried herself straighter and seemed to have more energy. The most striking change, however, was a light behind her eyes, a growing confidence quite unlike the broken, terrified demeanor she'd had in the forest when he'd first met her. She no longer looked like a slave, he thought to himself.
"A moment, Tari," Pasare said suddenly, snapping Atkynd out of his musings. She walked into the palace again and returned with a smaller leather breastplate and bracers for Tari. "You'll want to put these on as well."
Tari seemed as surprised as Atkynd had been, but she accepted the gift with a grateful smile and quickly slipped the armor on. Once that was done, she picked up her bag again and rifled through it one last time before nodding to herself.
"I'm ready," Tari announced. Then she glanced up at Atkynd and added with a warm smile, "At least I don't need to forage for extra rations. Thank you for your gift."
"Ah, so you did get the food I sent you yesterday?" Atkynd asked, grinning back down at her.
"I did," Tari nodded. "It was quite a surprise to have a servant come up to me offering a basket of sausage and cheese, mind you. But it was appreciated."
"Sausage and cheese?" Pasare piped up. "And you didn't think to send me any?"
"Would you like for me to speak with the servants?" Atkynd asked politely. "I'm certain that they would be willing to accommodate you."
"Ah… no… no, that's unnecessary," Pasare replied quickly, seeming flustered by Atkynd's disarming, apparently genuine reply. When she turned her back, however, Atkynd winked at Tari cheekily, who grinned back up at him.
"Right… let me go fetch Emero, and we can-" Atkynd began.
"No," Pasare said quickly, cutting him off. Atkynd frowned, and she explained, "I understand your logic, as it is imperative that we move swiftly, but we should not take your horse. On an open road or in a field, it would be an excellent asset, yes, but travelling through a swamp on horseback is not much faster than on foot, and it'll draw more attention. It's better for us to walk, especially since it'll be easier for us to hide if we must."
Atkynd exhaled, but nodded without complaint. Pasare was their guide for a reason, after all, and he did trust her. He did worry about the fate of his mount if Morahame attacked the city while they were gone, but he assured himself that the chances of that occurring were low, and that he was worrying for nothing. Emero would probably be grateful for the rest anyways, he decided.
"Very good. If there's nothing else, then let's not take any more time," Pasare said. When both Atkynd and Tari nodded in agreement, she smiled and turned, walking towards the gates of Atatar. Atkynd paused and took one last glance at the palace behind them. He briefly wondered if Perrif had been informed they were heading out, but then decided that it didn't matter. She knew they had intended to leave that day, and there was no need to inform her of every action they took. He just had to remind himself to send her secretaries a message once they reached Nenalata. He took a slow breath, then turned back around in time to see that Pasare and Tari had almost reached the gates of Atatar. Mentally cursing, he ran to catch up with them.
Once they passed through the front gates and into the jungle, Pasare paused to look up at the sun, then down at a map she had brought with her. She briefly muttered to herself, then nodded and set off at an angle to their right, traveling at a brisk pace, which both Atkynd and Tari soon struggled to match. Within minutes, Atatar was no longer visible through the thick foliage as the swamp swallowed them once again.
The noises of the swampy jungle echoed in Atkynd's ears, though he was surprised when he realized that they didn't frighten him as they had when he had first arrived. The buzzing of swarms of insects, the cries of exotic birds, the occasional roar of a predator… they were all familiar to him now. Wryly, he began to wonder if he was almost becoming comfortable with savage Cyrod, and that made him ponder. Would Malabal seem dull by comparison once he returned, or would he be glad to have left the tropical land behind?
"So where are we heading?" Atkynd asked as they trudged through the foliage, irritably pushing a leafy frond away from his face.
"I intend to cross the river near a bend where it forks in three directions," Pasare explained as she guided them along a patch of surprisingly dry land, nimbly leaping onto a log and prancing across it as she kept one eye on her companions. "It's the narrowest point across the river on this side, though the water itself is somewhat deep. Can you two swim?"
Atkynd nodded, but Tari looked uncomfortable. "…Somewhat," she said after a brief pause. "I don't fear water, but I had little opportunity to practice swimming, save for in shallow ponds."
"Then we'll assist you when we cross. So long as you don't panic, we'll manage," Pasare said confidently. "In any case, that's all continent upon how far the Ayleids have spread out once we arrive. If they are not guarding that section of the river, then we'll travel straight across. If they are, though, we'll find another area to ford it. Our journey will take longer, but it will also be far safer."
Atkynd regarded Pasare with an impressed look. "You seem to have put a great deal of thought into this," he commented.
"I am your guide, after all," Pasare retorted, grinning.
"How did you come to develop those skills?" Tari asked conversationally, ducking under a low branch. "Especially your skill with a bow? In my kingdom, slaves were never permitted to handle weapons, save for small stone knives."
"Not every city-state treats their slaves the same way," Pasare pointed out. "I was born in Silorn, a city-state far to the west of here. Do you know of it?"
"I've… heard the name," Tari replied after a moment's thought. "I am from Ceya-Tar myself, and I know that King Hadhuul considered Silorn to be local enough that he was wary of your king, though I don't recall our kingdoms ever warring."
"We did not. And with good reason," Pasare grinned. "Silorn serves as a sort of vanguard from the terrors of the desert south of Cyrod. It protects the rest of the land from the beasts that venture too far north, especially the savage cat-men who occasionally raid the Ayleid kingdoms."
"Cat-men?" Atkynd asked, frowning.
"Mm. Beasts that walk on two legs like men, but have the fur and faces of great tigers and panthers," Pasare explained. "Claws as sharp as daggers, fangs as long as your hand. Completely savage, too. There was no reasoning with them. And you can only kill them from a distance, for if they come within arm's reach of you, they will kill you."
"I… see…." Atkynd said uneasily.
"Thankfully, the Ayleids who protect Silorn are among the finest warriors in Cyrod. Their archers in particular are said to rival the Bosmer of Valenwood. From the time they can walk, Silorn Ayleids are taught to wield a bow and a spear, and by the age of twelve, they're considered old enough to join in hunts. Their skill also deters would-be conquerors from the north, and the kingdom rarely has to fend off armies from other Ayleid kingdoms. Still… even with every Ayleid serving as a warrior, there are simply not enough elves to protect the entire region. Thus, even the slaves are taught to track, range, and hunt."
"Truly? That's a great deal of trust they were placing in you, arming you and expecting you not to revolt," Atkynd remarked, batting away a swarm of small insects as he wove around a tree.
"Well, the masters must place some amount of trust in their slaves, as they cannot watch us constantly," Tari pointed out as she sidled up beside him. "If you recall, you found me on my own in the forest, and I wasn't attempting to escape. Much as I might have liked to," she added in an undertone.
"Indeed. Though there's little point in a slave attempting to escape anyways. Bear in mind that no rebellion has ever been successful for long," Pasare pointed out. Then she grinned. "At least until now. But since there was no chance of success, slaves didn't dare. Besides, it's not as though the Ayleids granted us the freedom to range as we pleased. Though they did provide us with bows and knives, we were only armed with stone weaponry. Bronze arrows and blades were reserved for the elves alone. We were also always assigned a handler during a hunt, and we were never permitted to leave their sight for long. Slaves did occasionally attempt to flee, but they were almost always retrieved and severely punished. After all, Silorn bred excellent trackers, so recapturing an escaped slave was usually little more than an annoyance." She shook her head. "Besides, there were few places to flee. The only places to go were the savage desert to the south and the other kingdoms in Cyrod. The latter was hardly seen as an option, as we were treated relatively well for slaves. With the constant threat of monsters and raiders from the south, our relationship with our masters was based around mutual survival. Though we were in a subservient position, we were treated almost as junior partners rather than livestock, as I've seen in other kingdoms."
"Intriguing. That sounds closer to the relationship between the Nedes and elves in my homeland," Atkynd commented.
"Ah… but don't let that fool you," Pasare cautioned him gently. "From the tales you've shared, Nedes in Malabal are at least nominally free. We were still slaves. We were simply treated more fairly than in certain other kingdoms. Make no mistake, we enjoyed no freedom, even though we were granted privileges that other slaves were not."
"But… did you enjoy your life?" Tari asked curiously.
"…I did, actually," Pasare nodded after a moment's thought. "I had an excellent handler named Breyle, who went out of his way to teach me vital survival skills. Tracking, orienting myself by the sun and the moons, how to move through the jungle without being seen or heard, how to set traps, how to find food and shelter in the wilds, and most importantly, how to use a bow. It took me many years to master archery to his satisfaction, and when I wasn't in the jungle with him, I was shooting a target. When I was six years old, he presented me with a little toy bow and didn't allow me to rest until I had either hit the target ten times in a row or I had collapsed from exhaustion. When that became too easy, he moved the target further away. When I grew bigger, my bows became heavier. He taught me to craft a bow, to fletch my own arrows, to shoot while moving. My life revolved around archery, and it wasn't until I was fifteen that I was able to consistently meet his expectations."
"And from then on, you ranged in the jungle?" Tari asked, sounding enthralled by the story.
"Yes. For five years, I accompanied Master Breyle on his hunts, acting as his second. We had a good relationship – not in the way you're thinking," she added abruptly, noticing Atkynd's questioning look. "He was the closest thing I've known to a father. He was never kind to me, but he was also never unfair to me. While he did beat me, it was always to reinforce a lesson, rather than out of spite or cruelty. And I did learn from him. Under his guidance, I became a skilled hunter, and eventually the beatings stopped altogether. That's when I knew that I had finally met his expectations."
"Hm! But… Silorn is still quite far from the Niben," Tari pointed out, folding her arms over her chest as she stepped around a cluster of spiky leaves. "How did you meet the Paravant?"
"I didn't stay in Silorn," Pasare explained as she leapt over a low-hanging vine. "When I was twenty, I was sold to the kingdom of Anga. The city was having a difficult growing season and sought to supplement their grain stores with meat, which they hoped would stave off a famine. I was sold with four other slaves and put to work in the forests. Of course, we weren't afforded the same respect we were shown in Silorn, and we quickly began to chafe under Anga's tyranny. We weren't permitted to keep anything from our kills, even the organs, and were instead daily given a half a bowl of gruel to survive. If we protested, we were tortured, and then sent back out into the wilds to hunt again the next day while the nobles in Anga gorged themselves on the meat we brought back." She scoffed bitterly. "Eventually, one of the other slaves from Silorn encountered the Paravant hiding in the forest not far from Anga. The Paravant asked him to inform us of her escape and to relate her dream to free all the slaves in Cyrod. We were all too happy to accept her offer to join her, and that morning, we simply wandered into the forest, sought her out, and guided her safely around Anga. It was laughably easy to lose the trackers Anga sent after us," she added with a malicious grin. "It's unwise to mistreat the greatest hunters in Cyrod, after all. They're fortunate that escape was all we were interested in the time. We're half the reason the Paravant was able to evade capture long enough to make it to the Blackwood. And I've never regretted joining her rebellion."
Atkynd folded his arms over his chest as he tilted his head to avoid a low-hanging branch, a thoughtful frown on his face. "You joined the rebellion after you were sold to Anga," he remarked. "And you claimed that you were treated well in Silorn, but you were mistreated in Anga. Does that mean that, had you stayed in Silorn and happened to encounter Per- the Paravant while you were still living there, you would not have joined her rebellion, as you were treated well for a slave?"
Pasare regarded Atkynd coldly for a few moments, apparently wondering if he was questioning her devotion to the rebellion, but when she realized he meant no offense and was simply asking an academic question, she began pondering it. After several long moments, she slowly replied, "I'll confess, it would have been more difficult for me to agree to join her had I remained in my homeland. Not only were the conditions in Silorn better, but I also would have found escape more difficult. In the end, though… no. I believe I would have eventually joined her anyways."
"Truly?" Atkynd pressed.
"Truly," Pasare answered firmly. "Make no mistake, even a well-treated slave is still a slave. Yes, being treated poorly did make my decision to rebel easier, but freedom is something every slave in Cyrod yearns for. Even the kindest Ayleids treat us as little more than pets, and we're always reminded of our inferior status. I truly believe all but the most sycophantic of us would rebel if given the opportunity. We've simply needed someone with the courage to begin the rebellion, and the ability to demonstrate success. Look at how swiftly the cities in the Blackwood have risen up in rebellion after just one or two notable victories." Pasare grinned broadly as she moved past him. "Though the Paravant provided the spark that began the rebellion, I don't believe even her death could stop it now. But now it falls to us to build on that initial success. And to that end… let's get you across the river, mm?" With that, she turned and bounded into the woods, leaving Atkynd and Tari staring after her with amused expressions as they followed the trail she blazed through the low-hanging fronds and vines.
By midday, the sun was casting shadows through the gaps in the trees above them, and Atkynd became increasingly grateful for the shade that the dense foliage provided. While he did notice that the days were growing cooler as they entered mid-autumn, it was still warm and humid enough that he was gasping for air and sweating through his tunic. Tari fared somewhat better, but she also seemed tired, as she occasionally stumbled over a low branch or vine and had to catch herself on Atkynd's lanky frame. Clearly, they had spent too much time riding Emero rather than walking, Atkynd thought wearily.
Pasare, on the other hand, didn't even seem short of breath. As Atkynd and Tari leaned against a tree for a moment to recover, she climbed onto a low stump and put her hands on her hips, surveying the area. Her eyes fell on something in the distance, and a slow smile crossed her lips. When she turned excitedly towards her charges and saw their tired expressions, her smile faded. With a sigh, she jumped off the stump and walked over to them with her hands still on her hips.
"The Panther River isn't far from here," she announced. "However, we're still out of sight, so we'll take a few minutes to rest before we try crossing it. I also saw something that you two might be interested in."
She motioned for Tari and Atkynd to follow her, and though they both sighed under their breath, the pushed themselves up again and trudged behind her. Fortunately, she didn't travel far, and what she had seen through the trees was certainly worth the short journey. As she pushed aside a large fern and stepped aside to give them a clear look at what she'd found, Atkynd's eyes widened, his fatigue momentarily forgotten.
In the middle of the jungle was what Atkynd initially assumed was a shrine. Four archways merged to form a cylindrical structure capped with a bronze dome. Inside its walls, three curved marble benches encircled a dais in the center of the structure, and in the middle of the dais was a hole carved from a strange black metal. Silver-green vapor rose from the center of the hole, smelling faintly of ozone, and as they approached, Atkynd felt his skin tingling slightly, which he immediately recognized as the telltale sign of magicka hanging in the air.
"What is this place?" Atkynd asked warily as Pasare led them towards the structure.
"This is a magicka well," Pasare explained as she took a seat on one of the benches. She motioned for them to join her as she gathered her feet up and sat cross-legged on the cool stone. "The Ayleids build these throughout Cyrod to serve as resting points and beacons for lost travelers. I thought that we might enjoy a more pleasant here than in the middle of the swamp," she added, grinning cheekily.
"You thought correctly," Atkynd confirmed as he pulled his bag from his shoulders and opened it. "We may as well eat while we have the opportunity then."
"That's a fine idea," Pasare agreed. "Seems as good a time as any to enjoy my bread."
Atkynd glanced up from his pack, raising an eyebrow at Pasare. "Is that… all you brought?"
"…Yes?" Pasare asked uneasily.
Atkynd blinked at her, then chuckled, though not unkindly. "Well, bread is a good start, but would you like something a bit more substantial?" When Pasare tilted her head curiously, he added, "One of the benefits of being part of the Paravant's inner circle is access to better rations. Here," he added, pulling out a cloth bundle and laying it on the bench. Pasare watched him curiously as he opened the cloth to reveal a wheel of white cheese wrapped in beige wax, a cured sausage the size of his forearm, and a smaller bag that he opened to reveal an assortment of nuts and berries. Pasare stared at the food, speechless, as Atkynd added, "Please, help yourself."
Pasare hesitated, seeming uncomfortable. "I can't," she demurred. "Such rich food is suitable for the Paravant, certainly, but I-"
"I brought this food for my own benefit, and it's my decision whom I share it with," Atkynd countered firmly. "You agreed to guide us through this swamp, so the least I can do is ensure that our guide is well-provisioned and her morale remains high. I insist," he added when Pasare opened her mouth to argue some more. With a smile, he drew his belt knife and held it out handle-first to her.
Pasare gazed at him for another moment, then reluctantly took the knife and dug the blade into the cheese. She cut herself a small slice and unwrapped it, inspecting it almost curiously. Then, hesitantly, she bit into the soft curd. Immediately, her eyes widened, and she stared at the food in wonder.
"This is wonderful!" she said, sounding almost breathless. "The cheese I've always eaten was hard and crumbly, and I was fortunate if it didn't have mold. I've never tasted cheese so soft and creamy before!"
Atkynd grinned with delight as he nudged the sausage towards her. "Try that as well. It goes well with the cheese," he assured her.
This time, Pasare needed little prodding, he noted with amusement. She cut a slice of the sausage and turned it over in her hand as she finished chewing, regarding it with a nearly awed expression. "This is a rare treat for me," she remarked as she swallowed. "I believe I've tasted meat all of four times in my life."
She brought the sausage to her lips and bit down. Almost immediately, her eyes narrowed with disgust, and Atkynd saw her struggling to resist spitting it out. His amused smile faded as she hastily chewed the meat and swallowed it, and then she glared down at it.
"What's the problem?" Atkynd asked.
"It's… salty!" Pasare exclaimed almost accusingly. "I've never tasted something so heavily salted before!"
"Ah… yes," Atkynd agreed, grinning sheepishly. "Salt helps preserve the meat so that it keeps longer. But I suppose if you're not used to it, that is all you would taste. You needn't finish it if it's not to your liking."
"No! No," Pasare said sharply, holding up her hand. "It's… I wouldn't dare waste meat simply because I didn't like its flavor at first. I… suppose I must simply grow used to it."
"If you're certain," Atkynd said gently. "As I said, the cheese helps reduce the flavor, so perhaps you might try eating them together. Some berries might make it more palatable as well."
"I'll take that into consideration," Pasare muttered. Then she suddenly flushed. "My apologies, I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm truly thankful you chose to share this with me. This is nearly a banquet to me."
"Not at all," Atkynd assured her, smiling warmly. "As I said, if it's not to your liking, don't force yourself to finish it. I'd rather you enjoy this, so take whatever you wish."
"Thank you," Pasare nodded. She hesitated, then took the knife and cut herself a larger slice of cheese. When she saw Atkynd's grin broaden mischievously, however, she scowled at him and playfully stuck out her tongue. Atkynd burst out laughing, and Pasare grinned in return as she sat back on her side of the bench to enjoy her meal.
"Tari?" Atkynd asked, still chuckling as he glanced around for his other companion. "Will you join us?"
As he turned to look, he realized that Tari was standing in front of the Ayleid well, her arms folded across her chest as she watched the vapors slowly rising through the air. Atkynd frowned and pushed himself up. When he did, she glanced back towards him and Pasare, an unreadable expression on her face.
"Atkynd… do you truly believe it's impossible for humans to wield magic?" she asked softly.
Atkynd blinked at her question, then frowned even more deeply. "As I've said before, I've never known of a human who could. That doesn't mean it's impossible. Why do you ask?"
Tari sighed deeply as she dropped her arms, folding her hands behind her back again as she began to slowly walk around the well. "You recall our last battle in Atatar, yes? Where I faced that conjurer? And… humiliated myself?"
Atkynd blinked at her, then pushed himself up to walk over and stand beside her. "Has that been troubling you?" he asked. "As I recall, you did nothing to humiliate yourself. In fact, were it not for your brazenness, the caravan's guard may well have been routed."
Tari shook her head. "That's kind of you to say. However, all I recall is that when I attempted to cast a spell, I utterly failed when it was most crucial that I succeed. Had you not foreseen my failure and taken advantage of their distraction-"
"Hold a moment. I did not act as I did because I expected you to fail," Atkynd assured her. "I moved when I did simply because I noticed that they were no longer paying attention to anything but you. Thus, it was the perfect time to take advantage of their distraction. You provided that opening, and that skirmish would not have been won without you. Now!" he added, raising his voice as she started to protest. "As for your inability to cast a spell… as I recall, you were very close to succeeding. From my angle, it appeared as though your palm was alight with flame, and that you simply lost control of the spell at the last moment. There is a good reason for that as well – stress. It is difficult for any mage to cast in a tense situation like that. Nevertheless, you came closer than any human I've ever known to casting a spell, which is a remarkable feat in and of itself. From what I know of magic, you are on the cusp of conjuring flame for the first time. When I first arrived in Cyrod, I would have believed that impossible. I am amazed and proud of your progress in such a short period of time," Atkynd assured her, smiling warmly down at her.
Tari sighed lightly as she turned back around and stared into the vapors. "Thank you," she murmured. "However, ever since that battle, I've been unable to replicate the same… rush of power that I felt. Though you claim that stress makes casting magic more difficult, I have never felt closer to wielding it than I did in that moment. Since then, every attempt I've made has felt… insufficient. Hollow, even."
"Well… if you believe stress was the factor that aided you, it's no wonder you're experiencing difficulty," Atkynd reasoned, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's very difficult to force a scene of duress without actually placing yourself in danger… which I would not recommend," he added, narrowing his eyes at her in warning.
"No, I'm not foolish enough to actually place my life at risk," Tari assured him, waving off his concern. "However, in lieu of threatening my life, I would like to propose an alternate solution. And I would hear your thoughts on it."
"Very well…." Atkynd said slowly.
"Do you know the purpose of these wells?" she asked.
"Ah… Pasare claimed that they serve as beacons, and places of rest…." he replied slowly, glancing over his shoulder at the scout, who confirmed his words with a nod.
"They do," Tari nodded. "But they also serve a far more important function, especially for mages. My mistress once told me that these wells were built to allow travelling sorcerers a place to replenish their magic when they found themselves deep in the wilds, and for magic-wielding scouts on the borders of their territory that find themselves facing down a superior force. The magickal energies these wells emit not only restore a mage's stamina, but bolster it for a short time, allowing them to briefly perform magickal feats that would normally elude them."
"I see…." Atkynd said, catching on to her line of reasoning. "And you believe this well will provide you with the necessary magicka to cast a spell?"
"I do," Tari said firmly, folding her hands behind her back as she looked up at him. "However, I would first hear your thoughts, as you're more familiar with magic than I."
Atkynd held up his hand. "I'm flattered. However, I would first caution you about relying upon my advice. I would hardly call myself a mage, and I'm certainly not qualified to teach others. All I've done is relate how it felt for me to cast a spell, which is hardly a reliable way to learn magic. In fact, it may well be that your inability to use magic is in part my failing. Perhaps I've been unable to properly explain how to cast spells in a way that resonates with you."
"Still," Tari insisted firmly. "I would hear your thoughts."
Atkynd sighed and gazed at the well as he folded his hands behind his back again. He gazed into the cloud of magickal energy for several seconds, then said, "First, I know nothing of how these wells work. I don't know how they're constructed, or what materials were used. They are a wonder unlike anything I've ever witnessed."
"That I can answer," Tari said. "My mistress claims that the Ayleids forged them from metal and stones that fell from the stars, both of which naturally radiate magickal energy. Using ancient rituals, these wells concentrate those energies and expel them in a cloud that a mage can inhale and draw power from."
"Very well," Atkynd said, turning back towards her. "Nevertheless, using magic from the stars is something I've never heard of before, so I cannot speak on its viability or effectiveness. What's more, I cannot say whether this added power will have an adverse effect on you. Perhaps it may prove poisonous or addictive to you. Has a human ever attempted to draw power from a well?"
"Not… to my knowledge," Tari admitted.
"Then that's something to consider," Atkynd concluded. "The more important question, though, is this – why do you feel you must draw from the well?"
"I wish to see if spellcasting is even possible for humans," Tari said. "And hopefully, if I succeed in casting one spell, I'll know how it feels, and will be able to replicate it the next time that I must cast."
"Ah… then in that case, suppose you are successful this time," Atkynd replied as he started to walk slowly around the well, peering into it. "Would that truly satisfy you? Or, put another way… can you truly say that you cast the spell?" When Tari tilted her head, he elaborated, "Is it only the magicks drawn from the well that are allowing you to cast? Suppose you find that you cannot cast without relying upon the well. Would you insist upon finding other wells simply so that you can cast? Would it lead to an obsession with the magicks these wells provide? Or would you become discouraged by the knowledge that you truly cannot cast magic on your own?"
Tari turned away from him and gazed quietly into the rising fumes, shifting her weight back and forth. "Your points are sound," she conceded, turning back to face him. "And I had been considering many of the same arguments. I've little trust for my mistress, and truthfully, I doubt her stories. After all, how could these wells provide such power with no risks?" She smiled wanly at him. "Honestly, I was wondering if hearing those arguments from your mouth would deter me when my own worries did not. Nevertheless… I still wish to attempt this. I must know, despite the risks."
Atkynd scowled, but held up his hands. "I'll not stop you," he assured her. "However, if you're going to cast a fire spell, cast it into that pond over there," he added, pointing to a shallow patch of standing water near the well.
Tari nodded in reply, then turned back around and walked into the well, standing in the middle of the silver-green cloud. She closed her eyes and took a long, slow breath, inhaling the fumes. Atkynd's eyes widened slightly as her body seemed to briefly shimmer with a pale green light, and when she opened her eyes again, she let out a short gasp, and then started coughing.
"Are you alright?!" Atkynd asked sharply, alarmed. He took a step forward to help her, but Tari held a hand up, shaking her head.
"I'm… unharmed," she gasped, straightening up. "This… it is as though I've inhaled smoke mixed with lightning. I can't explain it…." She shook her head, turning back to Atkynd with a fierce look in her eyes. "But I feel… such energy!"
Atkynd grimaced, stepping away from her. "Perhaps you shouldn't…." he cautioned her.
"No… no, I wish to," Tari said, stepping out of the well and walking past him, her shoulders set. As he watched with a sense of trepidation, she walked over to the edge of the pond and gazed at its muddy brown surface for a long moment. Slowly, she raised her hand and took another long, slow breath. Atkynd could almost see her concentrating her energy into a small point in the palm of her hand, just as he had instructed, and after a few moments, she once again opened her eyes. A look of confidence settled on her face, and she almost smiled to herself as she said sharply, "Molag!"
Tari's palm glowed brightly with searing orange energy, and then all at once a jet of flame erupted from her fingertips. Atkynd's eyes widened with shock as the stream of flames tore across the surface of the water, sputtering out when they struck the smooth surface. The small pool quickly evaporated, leaving behind a depression in the muddy earth with steam rising from the center of the hole.
Tari's mouth fell open, and then she turned to Atkynd, beaming. "Did you see that?!" she exclaimed.
"Lower your voice!" Pasare hissed as she hurried over to stand beside Atkynd. However, she wore a shocked expression that was likely a mirror of Atkynd's own.
Atkynd stared at the smoldering hole, shaking his head in disbelief. "By the Divines… how much power did you draw from that well?" he asked in an awed, hushed tone. "I've never come close to casting anything like that!"
Tari's elation faded at Atkynd's words, and she looked down at her hands, her smile fading. "Ah… yes… perhaps it was simply the well's power," she muttered, lowering her hands. A crestfallen look replaced the joy that had lit up her face a moment ago, and Atkynd felt a pang of guilt.
"Perhaps," he said, walking over and putting his hands on her shoulders. "However, you also proved something to me. Humans can use magic. Even relying on the power of the well, I was uncertain if you would succeed." When her face fell further, he hastily added, "And perhaps you're correct, that you simply needed a bit of extra aid to cast for the first time! Now that you've felt it, perhaps you will be able to do so unaided the next time you must. Did you memorize how it felt to cast that spell?"
"…I did," Tari confirmed.
Atkynd smiled and tapped under her chin. "Then attempt it once more later and prove me wrong again. I must apologize. I don't mean to discourage you. What you've accomplished is… revolutionary. It's certainly worthy of praise, and celebration." She slowly looked up at him as he smiled down at her sincerely. "Well done, Tari. I'm proud of you."
At last, Tari met his smile with a reluctant one of her own. "Thank you," she said, nodding up to him.
"That was incredible!" Pasare exclaimed quietly, still wearing an awestruck expression. "Did that harm you at all?! How do you feel?!"
Tari considered the question, which her body answered as a loud growl echoed from her stomach. The trio stared at each other, and then they all burst out laughing as Tari's ears turned red.
"As though I must eat before we continue," Tari chuckled, her cheeks still flushed.
"There's still plenty of lunch left," Atkynd assured her, putting his hand gently on her back and guiding her to the bench. "Come. Eat your fill while you can. I recommend the sausage, though Pasare clearly prefers the cheese…."
Once they had finished their meal, Pasare wasted no time leading them back into the jungle. Though he was refreshed by the brief rest, it was only a matter of minutes before Atkynd was once again sweating and short of breath as he struggled to keep pace with the scout. He refrained from complaining, however – the quick pace was born of necessity after all, and if he had breath enough to complain, he had breath enough to keep moving.
Even so, it was approaching dusk when they finally reached the river. Pasare spotted it first through a gap in the trees and held up her hand, halting their movement. Atkynd and Tari both remained silent as she crept forward, and Atkynd's stomach dropped when she let out a soft "tsk" of annoyance.
"As I feared, they have patrols guarding the bends of every part of the river," she whispered as she crept back towards Tari and Atkynd. She pointed to the distant opposite bank and added, "Look closely and you can see the glint of their armor, even from here. As Morihaus said, they're anticipating a river crossing, and they're guarding the easiest fords."
"So must we take a more difficult route, as you mentioned?" Atkynd asked anxiously.
Pasare hesitated, then turned back around, peeking through the foliage. "Well… our arrival in Nenalata isn't exactly expected, so it's not as though we must keep to a schedule. So, I do have one other idea. Come."
Tari and Atkynd traded glances as Pasare led them back into the jungle. The sun sank below the horizon as they traveled, and by the time they came to a stop within sight of another part of the river, Atkynd could barely see twenty feet beyond his face. By her triumphant grin, however, Pasare evidently saw something that he couldn't.
"Excellent!" she hissed, turning back to the pair. "This is what I was hoping for. The Ayleids cannot guard every part of the river, as that would stretch their army too thin. Thus, they're guarding only the most obvious crossing points where an army would be expected to land. They've left this part of the river unguarded… though with good reason. The water is deeper and faster here, so an army clad in heavy armor would drown attempting to cross. We, however, have the luxury of traveling lightly, and we should be able to make it across."
"I see. Are there any other dangers we must be aware of?" Atkynd asked as he began undoing his cloak and shoving it into one of the bags.
"Aside from the current? We'll be hard-pressed to climb out of that steep bank on the other side," Pasare explained, pointing to the muddy wall on the other side of the river. "I do see some vines over there that we can use, but it'll still be exhausting, especially after a difficult swim. Still, if it's between this and facing Ayleid patrols, I do believe this is the safest option available to us."
Atkynd nodded grimly, but beside him, Tari grimaced and looked away. "How difficult is this part of the river? As I said, Pasare, I'm a poor swimmer…." she reminded their guide.
Pasare shook her head. "You needn't remind me," she said soothingly. "Telepe, you're confident in your swimming abilities, yes?" When he nodded – scowling at the name she used, but saying nothing – she smiled. "Good. You carry the supplies while we cross. Tari, hold onto me, but take care not to cling to my arms or legs. Understood?"
"Yes," Atkynd nodded, reaching out to take the bags from her. He took a few moments to re-tie them, ensuring that they were as waterproof as possible, and then he hoisted them onto his shoulders. Immediately, he grunted under the weight of the baggage, and he began to wonder if he'd be able to keep his head above water if the current was too strong. Still, it was either the bags or Tari, he reminded himself as he glanced over and saw the young woman wrapping her arms hesitantly around Pasare's middle.
Atkynd and Pasare slowly waded out into the water, which Atkynd noted with some relief was still warm from the day, though it was quickly cooling. He had kicked off his boots before they had stepped into the water, and now his bare feet threatened to become stuck in the thick mud, until he waded far enough into the water that he could push off and begin swimming properly. The oiled bags pressing down on his back were buoyed by the water, and once he began kicking, their weight was significantly reduced, much to his relief. Beside him, he spotted Pasare keeping pace with him, while Tari struggled not to cling too tightly to Pasare as she weakly kicked her own legs to help keep her head above the water.
At first, the river was merely choppy, but as they neared the halfway mark of the crossing, the current suddenly became stronger. Atkynd gasped, nearly swallowing a mouthful of water, as a sudden rush pushed him a few dozen feet to his right before he managed to kick his way out of the current. He swore under his breath and redoubled his efforts, managing to work his way out of the swift water, only to fall into the path of another current. Grunting, he clawed at the water, struggling to keep his head above the surface, and only after a few tense moments did he manage to pull himself into a calmer section of the river. To his right, Pasare kicked furiously against the water, also struggling against its pull. Then Atkynd felt the water tug at him yet again, and he once more fought mightily against the current. To his despair, the other bank of the river was still hundreds of yards away.
The swim quickly tired him as he desperately clawed his way towards the opposite bank. He knew he was making progress, but with each kick, his arms grew heavier and his legs more sluggish. The bags on his back seemed to be growing as their weight pressed down on him, though thankfully not enough to push him under the surface. As the seconds crawled by, his desperation to reach the other side kept him moving, even as his body grew more fatigued. And then another threat arrived.
Atkynd first felt it as a brush against his leg, which he dismissed as a stray branch or vine. When he felt the object brush against him again, however, he noticed that it was simultaneously too rough and too sinuous to be a piece of wood. His heart pounding, he turned around to look at what had brushed against him, and he was greeted with the sight of light brown scales and a mouth full of jagged, sharp teeth.
"Slaughterfish!" Atkynd yelled to Pasare. The girl turned in time to see two more of the ravenous fish swimming towards her. Cursing under her breath, she reached to her belt and withdrew her small knife, flipping it around in a reverse grip as she began treading water in a calm part of the river. Atkynd did the same, turning over on his back so that he could better face the writhing, eel-like form slithering through the water towards him.
As the fish closed in on him, Atkynd tried to maneuver out of the way, letting the current pull him to the right in a lazy dodge. However, in the water, the fish was far faster and more agile than him, and it followed him as easily as a viper stalking a cow. He yanked his left arm out of the way as the fish snapped its jaws at him, but he wasn't quite quick enough. Atkynd let out a gasp of pain as its teeth grazed his forearm. It was a superficial but painful wound, and blood began dripping from the cuts, staining the water around him dark red.
Kicking rapidly, he wrapped the wet sleeve of his tunic around the open wound and redoubled his efforts to hurry to shore. His legs churned the water around him as the slaughterfish took another swipe at him, but its teeth grazed the cloth of his pants, tearing holes in it but leaving him unharmed. The beast opened its mouth and swam away, its lithe body carving through the water. Atkynd glanced over at Pasare to see how she was faring with the two fish surrounding her. To his relief, he noticed that one of the fish was already floating belly-up in the river with a deep, bloody hole in the top of its head. The other slaughterfish that had been stalking her suddenly lashed at her again, but Pasare managed to jerk out of the way, and in the same movement stabbed it ruthlessly from above with her dagger. The point of the bronze blade pierced the hard armor of its scales, and the fish abruptly stopped moving as its blood began flowing into the water.
Movement out of the corner of his eye caught Atkynd's attention, and he turned back around in time to see the slaughterfish that had been harassing him charge him again. Atkynd took a deep breath and readied himself, watching its movements closely as it darted through the water at him. At the last moment, he thrusted the blade out, and the slaughterfish blindly charged into it. Its momentum jerked its body up onto the sharp point of the blade, and the tip of the knife jammed itself into its open mouth, piercing its brain. The jagged teeth of the beast opened new cuts on Atkynd's hands and wrists, but he kept himself braced, ignoring the pain until the fish had stopped spasming, at which point he pulled the blade from its mouth and coldly inspected the wounds.
"Telepe!" Pasare hissed, catching Atkynd's attention. He jerked his head around and noticed that she had managed to swim to the opposite bank – a sheer, ten-foot-high cliff of soft mud crisscrossed with wild vines. Pasare was treading water near the cliff face with Tari still clinging to her, and she was furiously pointing to something above her. As Atkynd looked up, he felt the color drain from his face.
A white light was faintly visible through the gaps in the trees, but it was quickly growing brighter as it neared the edge of the riverbank. Atkynd furiously swam for the cliff just as the light washed over where he had been a moment ago. He pressed himself against the soft, muddy bank and tried to catch his breath, still kicking his feet to keep himself above water, as he looked up apprehensively. The bright light crept nearer, and then a curious face peered over the edge of the cliff.
The Ayleid scout peered suspiciously into the darkness as the trio froze, clinging to the riverbank directly below the elf. In his hand, the mer gripped a glowing white stone, which he held above his head to dispel the darkness. Atkynd watched him gaze around, following the ripples in the water towards the edge of the cliff, with one hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
"Telepe," Pasare whispered to him. "Hand me my bow."
Atkynd shrugged his shoulder to loosen the bow, but then shook his head. There was no way he could give her the weapon without the Ayleid spotting them, and he doubted that she could get a shot off from this angle anyways, especially while treading water with Tari clinging to her. Pasare glared at him, then jerked her head up at the elf, as though asking him, "Then what do you expect to do about him?!"
Atkynd considered the elf above them, then held a finger to his lips. He crept out from under the cliff face, ignoring Pasare's widening eyes. The choppy water swirled around him as he waded back out into the river and gazed upwards, holding out his hand as he did. Before he continued, he took a long, slow breath to steady himself. He was exhausted, injured, and drenched, all of which made it very difficult for him to concentrate. However, circumstances dictated that he must succeed, so he pushed all of that out of his mind and instead focused on the silent chant he had been taught by his mentor.
After a moment of focusing, a bright green glow appeared in Atkynd's palm. He immediately raised his hand, pointing it at the Ayleid hovering above them. The guard noticed the glow and raised his stone, bathing Atkynd in light, but it was too late. Atkynd exhaled and silently released the spell, and a bolt of aqua-colored light erupted from his hand. It struck the Ayleid in the face and washed over him like a splash of water. For a tense moment, neither the caster nor the target moved. Atkynd's breath caught in his throat as he waited for the Ayleid to react in some way. Then, finally, the arm holding the stone went slack and a glazed look settled over his face. Atkynd let out his breath, sagging with relief, and then he hurried back to Pasare and Tari.
"We must move swiftly," he told them, grabbing one of the vines hanging over the edge of the muddy cliff. "That spell will only last for a few minutes, and I doubt I have the energy to cast another."
Moments later, they had all scaled the cliff, using the vines as makeshift ropes to pull themselves up. Before they continued, Tari took a moment to inspect Atkynd's wounds, while Pasare watched the dazed Ayleid suspiciously.
"When next we rest, I shall apply a few herbs to help clean your wounds, but they do not appear deep," Tari said finally. "And you do not seem to have lost much blood."
"Good," Atkynd nodded. "Then let's continue on our way."
"Agreed. Though it's getting dark, we do have a bit of time," Pasare added, looking up at the twin moons. "Before we continue, though, there is one matter we must see to."
Atkynd frowned curiously as Pasare withdrew a bronze knife from her belt. When she started for the glassy-eyed Ayleid, however, his eyes widened, and he quickly darted forward, interposing himself between them.
"You cannot!" he protested, putting his hand on her shoulder to halt her advance. "If you strike him, you will break the spell!"
"Indeed? Then I shall ensure that the first stroke is fatal," Pasare retorted coldly. She tried to push past him, but Atkynd continued to hold his ground.
"Hold! You cannot kill him!" he insisted.
Pasare's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Why?" she snapped.
Atkynd hesitated. The true reason was that he hated the idea of murdering someone in cold blood. The soldier was wholly unable to defend himself, so it would be simple enough for Pasare to cut his throat. Bile rose in his throat at the thought, but he doubted his reasoning would be enough to satisfy Pasare. When she resumed trying to push past him, he quickly thought up a different reason.
"I doubt this scout was on his own!" he said finally. "And we're attempting to remain hidden, yes? If we slay this mer here, his compatriots will come looking for him, and when they find his corpse, they will know that we have crossed the river. The patrols will begin actively searching for us, making the rest of our journey far more difficult. And we still have at least a day left to travel, yes?"
Pasare hesitated, and Atkynd could tell from her annoyed expression that she was begrudgingly admitting to herself that he had a point. "But this one already knows that we have arrived," she countered.
"Not anymore," Atkynd insisted in a hurried, hushed voice. "The spell blanks a person's mind entirely for the few minutes that they're under its influence, and a few moments before. When it wears off, he will feel a touch out of sorts, but otherwise should not suspect that anything is amiss. And we must hurry before it does expire."
Pasare took a last look at the Ayleid, then reluctantly shoved her dagger back into its sheath, shooting a final glare at Atkynd as she did. "If you're mistaken, our blood will be on your hands," she warned him. Atkynd simply nodded grimly as she took off at a jog, leading them away from the cliff and deeper into the jungle.
Though Pasare tried to continue the brisk pace she had set during the day, none of them had the energy to continue for long. Atkynd could even hear Pasare panting as the exhaustion from crossing the river began to take its toll on her. He and Tari were barely able to keep moving – both were constantly stumbling over low vines and dense patches of ferns. The wounds on Atkynd's arms were soon throbbing painfully as sweat dripped into them, and his vision began to grow blurry. What's more, darkness continued to fall as they traveled, and before long, Pasare turned to them with a defeated look on her face.
"This should suffice for now," she announced, nodding to her left. "I believe we have put enough distance between us and the river, so any pursuers will be hard-pressed to track us. We should rest for the evening. That cave there will do nicely," she added, motioning to her right.
Atkynd and Tari both eagerly followed her suggestion, hurrying into the cave. There was a moment of tension as they furtively glanced around in the darkness, until Atkynd conjured a light with the last of his strength. Thankfully, the cave was dry and empty, and it ran deep enough that they wouldn't have to camp at the entrance. The trio walked for several hundred yards until they reached the back of the cave, whereupon Atkynd set down their bags and all but collapsed on the hard ground.
Pasare staggered over to the wall and leaned against it, closing her eyes, while Tari walked over to her own bag and withdrew some herbs. Using Atkynd's light, she quickly began treating his wounds as Pasare's eyes opened again.
"You two should rest while you can," she announced. "I shall remain on watch."
"For a short while, certainly," Atkynd countered, raising an eyebrow at her, trying not to wince as Tari rubbed some fresh leaves on the open cuts on his hands. "You should rest as well. You'll be of little use to us as a guide if you're too fatigued to properly lead us. Wake me after I have rested for a short time, and I shall relieve you." When Tari shot him a look, he quickly added, "And then I shall wake Tari. We all need to recover before we continue."
"…Very well," Pasare agreed after a moment. Then, to his surprise, she suddenly grinned. "In truth, I'm grateful."
"We're not warriors, Pasare, so you needn't hold yourself to the standards of the army when you're with us," Atkynd assured her. "If you require rest, then rest. There's no point in putting on airs around us. We're friends, after all, aren't we?" he added. Tari nodded in agreement beside him.
"Hm," Pasare remarked thoughtfully. "Brothers in arms I'm used to hearing, but friends… I don't believe anyone has ever called me that. I rather like it," she admitted, her grin broadening. "Still, you two should rest, and I insist on taking the first watch. I'll wake you in a bit, Atkynd."
"Thank you," Atkynd sighed, too tired to argue as he settled back against the cave. Tari curled up beside him as he pulled his cloak from his bag and laid it out on the stone floor. Though he had obviously slept on more comfortable surfaces, the slight cushion provided by his cloak may as well have been a mattress of feathers, and he was unconscious in three breaths.