Page 26 of Father of the Wolf

“Somehow, I am changing. And it hurts like bloody hell!”

“Do you know why we can’t touch you?”

Seconds ticked by before he answered. “I have no balance.”

“He says he has no balance, and that he is changing. Does that tell you anything?”

“Maybe. The trauma of puberty often initiates or expands powers in the young. Perhaps the torture stimulated Dàn to a new level of strength. That could cause a magical imbalance.”

“I’ve never heard of that happening before.”

“Neither have I, but I read it in a book long ago and Dàn is constantly surprising us. Isn’t he?” he said wryly.

It made sense to Rath. As he thought back to the only other time Dàn was seriously injured, he remembered that Dàn had been stronger after he healed. That injury had been caused by a silver tipped crossbow bolt, maybe accounting for his current immunity to silver.

"What do we do now?" Rath asked.

“Let me rest awhile.” Dàn spoke silently.

"We’ll set up camp and rest for the night,” Sgrios said. “Neither of you are up to traveling yet." He stood and started walking in the direction the others had taken, calling out over his shoulder, "Wait here with Dàn. I'll see to a fire and some warm food."

Not knowing how long they would have to wait, Rath sat down and made himself comfortable next to Dàn. "Looks like it’s just us again."

Rath set Reultan's canteen by Dàn, "There’s some water left, if you’re thirsty. I don't think I can hold it for you, so I hope you're strong enough to do it yourself." He watched as Dàn gritted his teeth and struggled to sit up, this time succeeding. Barely. Since he couldn't help Dàn move, Rath shifted an old log behind his friend so he could rest against it.

Dàn took a long drink from the canteen and croaked out, "Thanks," in a nearly inaudible voice.

"So, how’s Athair doing now?"

“I don't really know. He was nearly unconscious when... When I lost track of him.”

He couldn’t be sure if that was good or not. But since Dàn hadn’t mentioned going to his rescue, it was probably okay for now. “I suppose we will try to catch up with him. Do you know where he is?”

“About a day southeast of here.”

“Will he be all right that long?”

“Yeah, he's better off than we are.”

“Will you be able to travel that far? Looks like I’ll have to take back my offer to carry you.”

Dàn smiled at that. “I should be well enough to carry myself by morning.”

“What did you mean by changing?” Rath asked. He’d been wondering about that. “Into what?”

“I am not sure, not exactly.”

“Was that red mist your doing?”

“What red mist?” Dàn tried to claim ignorance. Until Rath waved at Dàn’s arms, where some of the mist still clung and moved in soothing motions. At least it was no longer spitting sparks in all directions. “Oh, that mist.”

“Yeah, that mist.” Rath snorted at his friend’s evasiveness. “Fine. Don’t tell me. It would probably just weird me out anyway.”

“Probably,” Dàn avoided his gaze. Meanwhile, that strange mist continued moving over his skin.

Chapter Nine

Denial

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