Page 33 of Deliverance

Taking several deep breaths, I attempt to calm myself down, waiting for the desire to disappear on its own. Needing something to focus on, I cast my gaze ahead, my eyes landing on Blaise. His arm is resting in his lap, touching the reins, but it is clear that his other arm is the one taking control of his horse. Concern has me frowning, effectively reducing my arousal as I watch the tight way he sits on his horse. He has barely moved it in all the time we have been riding. He’s in a lot of pain, but he won’t admit it aloud.

“What is a redcap?” I ask quietly, needing to change the subject quickly and get answers at the same time.

Blaise mentioned that a redcap bit him. There had been many different creatures attacking the inn, and I have no idea what any of them were. From the state of Blaise’s arm though, I want to make sure that I know what to look out for so I can avoid them.

“They are small, goblin-like creatures with sharp teeth and claws, and an even worse temper.” Alaric sits back in the saddle, the moment between us over. “They get their name from the hats they wear, coloured red from the blood of their enemies—usually humans.”

Oh. They sound horrifying. I don’t remember seeing anything like that, but so much was happening at the inn that it makes sense I did not see them. From Alaric’s description, I am glad I didn’t.

“Iris, there is something I need to tell you.” Alaric gently places a hand on my shoulder, and when I turn to look up at him, his expression is concerned. Just what does he have to tell me that makes him look so anxious? He always seems confident and sure, so seeing him like this makes me hesitant.

Sensing the change in me, he takes a deep breath to continue. “When we get to court, I am going to have to act in a different way. There are certain expectations that—”

Whatever he was going to say is cut off by a low groan of pain. Both of us instantly turn to look at Blaise just in time to see him topple from his horse, landing with a sickening thud. He reminds me of a falling tree, his body smashing against the ground.

“Blaise!” Alaric shouts, jumping from the horse and reaching his friend’s side before I have even processed what is happening.

Pulling on the reins to stop the horse, I slide off its back and stumble over to the two fae. My legs are stiff from riding for so long, making me wobble on the dirt where Blaise landed.

My stomach sinks when I see his pale, sweating face. He cannot seem to form words as he weakly shifts in Alaric’s arms. His wounded arm lies useless on the ground. Impossibly, the wound is now double the size, and deep red lines extend from it, as though the poison is burning its way through his veins. If he were a human, an infection that severe would have killed him by now.

“The wound is badly infected,” I whisper, hoping that by keeping my voice low it will hide my horror. I don’t think I manage it. “Is the poison fatal to your kind?”

Alaric’s jaw tightens, the only sign of his panic, but he does not look away from his friend. “Yes, it can be if not treated quickly.” Readjusting the male in his hold, he slides his arm under Blaise’s legs, rising so he’s cradling him in his arms. “We need to get him to flowing water.”

He shows no signs of exertion, and there is only the slightest note of panic in his voice. Were it anyone else, they might not have picked up on it, but I feel connected to Alaric, sensing his deeper emotions.

I nod in agreement, not bothering to ask about the need to get to water. Instead, I start to stand and walk towards the horses. How are we going to get Blaise onto horseback when he is barely able to open his eyes?

“No, leave them,” Alaric calls, already stepping off the road and moving through the trees with Blaise in his arms. “There is a river close by, but the terrain is too steep for the horses. We shall need to walk.”

We can’t leave the horses loose like this. Who knows if they would still be here when we return? It is clear how urgent the situation is becoming from Alaric’s pale face. He is taking one small step at a time, waiting for me to join him.

“Go, I’ll catch up,” I order, waving him away as I spin and hurry over to the horses. Thankfully the horses have not gonefar, and it does not take me long to gather them together and secure their reins to a nearby tree. Satisfied, I turn and jog in the direction Alaric went.

Somehow, I instinctively seem to know which way he walked. I always felt comfortable exploring the woods behind my cottage, and this forest has a similar homey feel. Even so, I have no real tracking experience. A little part of me is whispering that there must be a reason I am so drawn to Alaric that I am able to track him down.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I focus on what I can do to help. I have no magic or special skills that will help Blaise. The only thing that I really know well is plants… Wait. I know something that can help.

Scanning the ground, I look for a familiar heart-shaped leaf. It means that I have to slow my steps, but if I can find this plant, it could help save Blaise. The bleeding heart fern loves to grow in forest undergrowth, where the ground is a little damp and sheltered from direct sun. I can hear the light trickle of water, so this is the perfect environment for it to grow.

Thankfully it doesn’t take too long, and I spot the distinctive green and purple plant. I let out a noise of success and hurry forward, harvesting several of the leaves. Around the size of my palm, the leaves are a rich, dark green except for the deep purple centre. From a distance, the plant looks as though it is bleeding. Add that to the shape of the leaves, and it is clear why it is called the bleeding heart fern.

I see Alaric pause ahead, glancing back to check my progress. “Iris, what are you—”

Cutting off his call, I hurry to his side, out of breath but smiling. The handful of leaves I hold could really make a difference, I just have to convince Alaric to stay still long enough for me to use them.

Frowning, he starts to walk away, and I grab his arm, pulling him to a stop. “Wait, trust me on this.”

Not waiting for his decision, I start to prepare my solution. Pressing the leaves between my palms, I rub them together gently until a sweet, grassy smell reaches my nose.

“The heat and friction activate a healing response in the leaves. If you place it onto a wound, it helps draw toxins from the blood.”

I reach for Blaise’s arm, but Alaric moves away, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “Water is the only thing that will save him now.”

Despite saying this and his obvious desire to get going, he stays where he is, showing that he trusts me enough to help his friend. My chest tightens at the responsibility that falls on me, and I know I would never forgive myself if Blaise were to die because I delayed getting him to water.

“Then there is no harm in me placing the leaves on his arm. I shall be quick.” Finally looking up at him, I let him see my promise in my sincere expression.

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