Page 59 of The Prince's Curse

His mind churning, he checked in with a grim-faced Fendrel near the side of the carriage. “How many?”

“Four dead on our side.” The marshal’s voice was strained with controlled grief and fury. “Another six wounded. Sixteen slain on theirs, including the two casters. At least two more fled when the battle turned against them. They might return.”

Haldric studied the littered bodies. “I doubt it. Not without their mage and warrior to support them. Still, we should make for Revesole with all possible haste. Can your wounded guards ride?”

“Not without fear of tumbling from their saddles. And I’m afraid the cart’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Haldric glanced toward the fallen wagon. The marshal was right—it would need serious repairs to make it road-worthyagain. He and Benjin might have been able to manage it with their runeflame if they weren’t already both so drained.

Puffing out a breath, he swept a hand through his matted hair as he considered. “What about the carriage? We can put the wounded inside while Benjin and I ride the rest of the way on horseback.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Fendrel shook his head. “That’s a generous offer, Your Highness, but it’s too risky to leave you so exposed. Even if that group doesn’t try again, others might be tempted if they realize who you are. It’s safer for you if we continue on at once with a smaller escort. I’ll leave a couple of men with those too wounded to ride. They can repair the wagon and follow after us.”

As much as Haldric loathed the thought of leaving anyone behind, he knew the marshal had a point. The longer they lingered, the greater the risk of another attack. “Very well, Marshal. The Grand Magus sent three healing potions for emergencies. Before we depart, we’ll give them to the most injured. I’ll do my best to mend the rest. I’m no healer, but basic Restorations might ease the worst of their pain until they reach Revesole.”

Fendrel saluted. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll see to gathering the horses and scavenging supplies. We should be ready to depart within the hour.”

With his own weary nod, Haldric returned to the carriage and raised himself into it. There was nothing to be done about the shattered door, not when they lacked the runeflame to spare. They’d just have to make do.

Benjin lay across one of the padded benches, his heavy breathing a near pant. Concern ripped through Haldric as he hurried to Benjin’s side.

“Are you all right?”

Benjin grimaced up at him with an approximation of a grin. “Never better. Though if you ever have the bright idea to set yourself on fire, I suggest you reconsider.”

Haldric’s gaze flitted to Benjin’s charred chest, and he winced. The burns didn’t look life-threatening, but they couldn’t be comfortable.

“Hold on.” Haldric rummaged through the carriage, searching for the box with Dexil’s potions. Once he found it, he held up one of the crimson vials. He tried to hand the potion to Benjin. “Here, take this. It will mend your wounds.”

“Are my injuries the worst we suffered?” Benjin asked.

Haldric frowned and reluctantly shook his head.

Benjin closed his eyes, a stubborn set to his face. “Then, I’ll manage without.”

As much as Haldric wanted to argue, he knew Benjin was right—there were guards outside who could use the healing more. Haldric left to give Fendrel the potions, then returned to Benjin’s side.

He raised a hand flickering with runeflame. “At least let me tend to your burns.”

Benjin’s gaze narrowed. “Aren’t you always telling me how dangerous it is to attempt magic untrained?”

Haldric shrugged, his smile tight with worry. “I wouldn’t say I’m untrained. Merely…underpracticed.”

“Right.” Benjin attempted to roll his eyes, then winced. “Well, go on then. I doubt you can make the pain any worse.”

Let’s hope not,Haldric thought grimly as he got to work.

Sure enough, his Restoration was shoddy at best. While runeflame could accomplish pretty much anything with the proper spell, it was less well-adapted to healing than dawnflame, lifeflame, or even soulflame. Benjin’s chest would likely bear scars from his burns forever.

Still, he was able to move again by the time Haldric was done. Benjin shifted to sit up, leaning against the wall near the window.

“Thanks.” He gave Haldric a tired grin. “For that, and for earlier. You saved my life back there.”

“Just returning the favor,” Haldric said softly. They stared at each other for a span of heartbeats before Benjin’s weary eyes slid shut with a gentle smile.

Haldric left him to rest and checked in again with Marshal Fendrel, casting Restorations on the remaining wounded one by one. By the time Fendrel had retrieved what supplies they needed and readied them to depart, Haldric felt utterly spent, his runeflame reserve near empty.

He settled in on the bench across from Benjin and studied the apprentice’s face, which was peaceful in slumber. Being this close to him again after several days of forced separation was like scratching an irritating itch, offering a balm for an open wound Haldric had been stubbornly ignoring.

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