QUEST OF THE DREAMWALKER
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and with a growl he said, “Tell him to bring plenty of help when he comes to get me.” “He won’t need help. A simple spell, and you’ll be useless.” Like me, she thought. The captain had no comment. “I’m going to Archer now. I promised to tell him if you were well.” At that, the warrior laughed out loud, the sudden noise startling. “I’m being held captive and slated for death. You have a strange definition of being well.” “I…” She flinched under his sarcasm, feeling foolish. He lifted his head, leaned on one elbow, and watched her. He seemed amused by her unease. Waving her away, he said, “Go on, girl. Tell him I’m still alive. At least it will ease his fears. And once you’ve told him of me, you will come back.” His soft words were neither an entreaty nor an order. But he seemed certain of her future, the way Father always was. She shivered at the similarity. She turned away from his cell and padded up the hall. In truth, it would be better never to see either man again, but she knew it was too late for that. Already things were different. She was different. *** The Northerner was lying on the cot, apparently asleep. “Archer,” she whispered through the iron bars. “So soon. Is he dead already?” His voice was flat, not like before. “No,” she said. Not yet. “He’s alive?” Archer jumped to his feet and came to the door. “I just said that, didn’t I?” It was nice to bring happy news, though she knew bad news was on its way. “Did he say anything?” “Only that he’s…” She paused mid-sentence remembering the captain’s cutting remarks. “Actually no, he didn’t say anything. But he was glad to hear of you.” Archer smiled, and she saw relief in the set of his shoulders. “Thank you.”