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“Yes, something horribly embarrassing,” I moaned.
She tsked. “A rest isn’t going to hurt anything.” Thunder boomed, and I caught the tail end of the rest of her words. “…least you don’t have to ride with the captain.”
A laugh escaped me, and I groaned. Poor Lucinda.
The coach door closed, and I was left alone, the rain echoing all around me. I couldn’t believe it. The whole day’s journey was going to be delayed because of my stupid monthly courses? Which had better arrived by now.
By the time we got to camp, which took no time at all since we had only ridden a short distance away this morning, the pain was a dull ache, leaving me sore and still shivering. I was left in the coach for a good ten minutes before Demos came and got me. The camp was empty except for a few Ongarhi walking briskly in the rain. I wondered where everyone was until I spied the three erected tents. Demos carried me to the smallest one.
Inside was Lucinda. A lantern had been lit, and I recognized my bedroll, which had been set up towards the back, next to an upside-down crate, where a jug and some washcloths sat, ready for use. Demos set me down on my feet after being assured I could stand on my own, then left, closing us inside as the rain fell.
Lucinda helped me out of my wet clothes and boots, while I shivered and begged her to let me just lie down, but she just went through the methodical tasks of her station. A clean gown went over my head and threaded through my arms, stockings were removed, hair towel-dried.
“Now to bed you go,” Lucinda said, pointing to the bed roll. I gladly laid down. She covered me with my cloak and checked my forehead again. “Better. How’s the pain?”
The shivering stopped, leaving me exhausted. “It’s gone for now. Just sore. I just want… to not move. For eternity.”
She smiled. “Well, at least until I know you’ll recover. I’ll make you some broth soon. For now, rest. I’m going to go make sure our things are where they should be.
She left, the tent’s flap closing. The rain continued to fall as I fell into a deep sleep.
I dreamed I was naked, walking through woodlands that had been touched by spring: emerald-green moss carpeting the ground, fat blossoms of soft pink weighing down branches. Birds sang sweetly above me, a gentle breeze blew, teasing streams of buttery sunlight from above. A loud rumbling sound caught my attention and I stopped, turning in a circle. It was coming from the north. I felt my heart beating like a drum in my chest, my breath catching. I needed to move but found myself frozen, hesitating, knowing that the closer the sound, the less chance I had of escape.
“Sierra, wake up.”
Gasping, I opened my eyes. The tent was dark, but the man leaning over me was coming into view as he lit a lantern. Demos.
“I have brought you another tonic. It will keep the pain from returning. Lucinda will be here in a few moments with some broth.” He felt my brow and his touch was warm on my cool skin. “Good, the fever hasn’t returned. Here, drink.”
He placed the vial against my lips, and the taste of berries filled my mouth.
“Why do—” I cleared my throat and tried again. “How come you have so many remedies? Were you trained as a healer or something?” I drank the rest down and was relieved when he stood. I felt sweaty and knew I probably stank.
“I am a healer’s apprentice at the Basilica. All Servants must be trained in an area of expertise.”
“I didn’t know that,” I mused.
“After you eat, Lucinda will give you this.” He placed a little black bottle on the crate. “She knows the dosage. That will ease the cramping, and you should feel better tomorrow.”
Embarrassed, I only nodded. He looked me over, then turned toward the entrance of the tent right as it opened. It was still raining and looked like night had already fallen. How long had I slept?
“Servant. How is she?” Fadon asked, entering the tent. His hair, as short as it was, shimmered with raindrops. He had some kind of cape wrapped around his shoulders and looked ready for battle.
“I’m fine,” I answered. “I’m so sorry we had to delay, Captain. I feel terrible about all this. I’m sure I’ll feel much better tomorrow.”
“Think nothing of it. We just want you well.” He eyed me for a moment, checking me over as if to see I was whole, then looked back at Demos expectantly.
“She just needed some rest, Captain Trajan. Nothing serious.”
“See that it stays that way, Servant.”
I winced at the tone in Fadon’s words. Why did he have to be so harsh?
Gods, it wasn’t Demos’ fault my cycle was all off. And what did the Ongahri warrior think Demos was, a sorcerer?
I was about to say something foolish when Lucinda, carrying a covered tray in her hands, followed by Jon, came into the tent, which was not by any means big enough to hold this many people. As if realizing this fact, Demos and Fadon left, saying their goodnights. Jon gave me a smile of genuine relief at seeing me alive, before he turned right around and followed them out.
“My goodness, Lucinda, why is everyone hovering and making such a fuss?” I asked, sitting up and taking the bowl of broth she offered me now.
