Page 94 of An Archer's Reckoning

“Ho there!” he called.

Atikus and I shared a look, as if to ask, “You or me?”

I shrugged and turned toward the approaching farmer, one palm up in friendly greeting. As we came closer, I relaxed at the man’s easy posture and even easier smile.

“We ain’t seen nobody come by since winter set in. Good t’ see you folks.” He looked from Atikus to Jess, then back up to me. “What brings ya across my farm in all this cold?”

Atikus took the lead, adopting a rustic accent he must have heard long ago. “I’m takin’ these unruly kids home. It’s been a long trip, an’ I’m ready to be warm again.”

“My old bones sure know what ya mean.” The old farmer grinned.

“Keelan . . .”

I swayed in my saddle.

“Keelan, I need you. Help me!”

Jess grabbed my arm to keep me upright on my horse, but I pitched forward and struggled to remain conscious.

The farmer rushed over. “You all right, son? Let’s get you down off there.”

Jess hopped off Dittler and grabbed the reins of both horses while Atikus gingerly dismounted, his sore muscles strainingagainst the cold. “Boy’s been havin’ dizzy spells for a few days. I’m not sure what’s gotten into him.”

I practically fell off my horse and into the farmer’s arms.

“Let’s get him inside. Young lady, why don’t you walk the horses to the barn over there.” He pointed across the lot to a small, well-kept wooden structure. “Don’t have stalls, but they’ll be all right for one night all together.”

Atikus winked as the Queen of Spires became a stable hand.

The farmer squeezed himself under one of my arms, as Atikus did the same with the other. Together, we hobbled our way toward the house.

“Oof. He’s a solid one,” the farmer said. “Surprised the army hasn’t snatched him up.”

Atikus scrambled. “He had one of his spells in front of the recruiter, so they passed him up on the spot. Said they only wanted able-bodied andable-mindedsoldiers.”

The farmer grunted. “Guess that makes as much sense as any of this mess.”

We made it a couple steps from the house’s front door when a short, spindly woman raced out. “Oh, dear Spirits. What have ya found, Lucas?”

“Boy’s banged his head or something,” the man said, giving his wife a long look.

She bustled over as the men laid me out on a well-worn, heavily cushioned chair. I looked up at Atikus. “I’m all right. It’s getting stronger, but a little easier to handle at the same time.”

The woman slapped a cool, damp rag on my forehead. “Here, son, lie back and hold that on your head.”

I did as instructed, unsure how else to respond. Atikus gave me a brief grin before turning back to the couple. It had been a long time since I was coddled like this.

“You’ve both been most kind. Thank you. I’m Atti, an’ this is my son, Lug.”

I snorted, but quickly turned my reaction into a coughing fit to cover my laughter.

“Now, that’s a name that fits a big fella like him!” The old woman chuckled. “I’m Tessa, and you already met my husband, Lucas.”

“Nice to meet you both.” Atikus gave them a shallow bow.

“They’ll be staying the night. Can’t have ’em wandering around with the boy’s head swirling like that. I can help ya make the extra dinner,” Lucas said to Tessa.

She waved him off. “I can handle a little cooking without you fumbling around my kitchen. You take care of them and stay out of my way.”

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