Maelina slid down from her horse and walked quickly to Zarek.
Far more carefully than he handled anything else in the world, Zarek passed Eliora into Maelina's arms before climbing down himself. Even unconscious, he hesitated to let go of her warmth.
The boys approached cautiously.
"Good morning. How may we help you?" one of them asked.
"We're here to see Gethrod," Maelina said. "This lady is sick."
The boys exchanged a glance. One of them nodded and hurried toward a hut.
"Bring her inside," he said.
They followed him into the hut where a simple bed had been prepared.
Maelina gently laid Eliora down while Zarek stood beside her, unmoving, watching every breath she took.
"I'll get the master," The second boy said, then ran off.
Silence filled the room after he left.
Zarek reached down slowly and brushed damp strands of hair away from Eliora's covered face.
"Wake up," he murmured under his breath, too quiet for anyone else to hear. "You've slept long enough."
