Page 124 of Forcing Fate

My vision went black.

“Wha–”

Niehm’s question was cut short as I collapsed. Someone caught me and I could only assume it was Willhelm. I closed my eyes and focused on breathing.

“Avyanna?”

I couldn’t muster the strength to talk.

“Is it an effect of the poison?” Niehm asked.

“The Healer said that it was out of her system now.”

He seemed worried. I remembered him lingering outside General Rafe’s room. He cared enough to seek me out, then stand out in the cold, waiting for answers.

Niehm muttered a curse. “When did she eat last?”

“I would assume midday meal, but my company takes their meal an hour before hers. I don’t know.”

I moaned and shifted. Someone held me upright, but I wanted to be closer to the ground. The world spun, distorting the haze clouding my vision.

Cold fingers brushed against my cheek. “Should we send for the Healer?”

“I could carry her.” Willhelm shifted. “It would be better if we simply took her.”

“Just give—give me a minute,” I moaned, my words slurring together.

“Avyanna, are you well?” he asked.

A soft smacking sound followed the question, and Willhelm flinched.

“Of course she’s not well, you dumb oaf. She collapsed.” A moment of silence followed Niehm’s correction.

“Master Niehm, I’m going to have to ask you not to lay hands on Sergeant Willhelm.”

Elenor’s voice cut through my haze, and I opened my eyes against the setting sun to see her walking toward us. Willhelm held me in his arms, and Niehm crouched beside us.

“Good day, Avyanna,” Elenor greeted with a tight smile. “Willhelm, be a dear and carry her to the spring, please.”

“The Healer told them she wasn’t ready,” he muttered as he stood with me in his arms.

I bit my lip in embarrassment. I couldn’t even get to the spring. This was mortifying. What weakling couldn’t even walk? Yet, I knew if I attempted again, I would end up on the ground.

“Has she ever listened to anyone who told her not to do something?” Niehm questioned.

“She used to,” Elenor said. I opened my eyes to find her looking at me with gentle concern. “She used to be such a good girl.”

“Then she staked everything on those blasted dragons,” Niehm spat.

“I’m right here,” I breathed.

They could at least talk to me and not about me.

Niehm’s features softened with an apologetic smile, and the lighting changed as Willhelm carried me into the cave. He set me down against one of the small stones and rubbed his neck nervously.

“I should—I,” he stammered.

I blushed, realizing he thought he would have to stay.

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