Page 6 of Degradation

“I wouldn’t know what I’m looking for,” I said.

“Cracks in the rocks.”

“I know that, but the cave is full of them,” I said. “Small ones that only go a few inches. Large ones that bisect sections of different types of rock. Even the ones in the rock face that gave me handholds and footholds.” I tipped my head to look at the cliff, searching for the holds I used. They didn’t appear as deep or as frequent as I remembered.

“New ones will be cleaner, fresh breaks. Those are the ones Garron looks for. The old ones that are filled with dirt or traces of moisture he ignores.”

Understanding, I opened myself to the first hold on the rock face and easily saw its age. The second one wasn’t old, though. It was a clean break without sand or any other deposits and only a scant foot into the rock. I followed the holds up the face, finding a mix of new and old. Some of the new ones made no sense. Breaks without pressure behind them.

In my desperation to escape, had I made those new holds without consciously casting?

“Edmund…Eadric,” Garron said, appearing in the opening. “We need to add a few more supports near the opening.” His gaze found mine. “It will take us a few hours. Perhaps you’d like to read inside the cottage until we’re finished?”

“I’ve spent as much time idle as I would care to,” I said. “Show me what needs support.”

I strode forward, but Edmund blocked my path. Tipping my head back, I narrowed my gaze in warning.

“What would take you hours, I can complete within minutes, Edmund. My patience has been tested enough recently; wouldn’t you agree?”

“It has,” he said. “Yet, I am begging for more of it. Garron agrees you are a powerful caster, and we’ve seen your strength with our own eyes. We don’t doubt you are capable of achieving what few ever will. However, you’ve admitted that your abilities are erratic, and the mines are dangerous, Trouble. Why do you think we always leave two or three of us behind? It’s so someone is on the outside to help dig us free. It takes experience and caution to shore up the mines after a cave-in. Please. Please don’t go in there.”

Held by his imploring gaze, I extended my hand.

“A twig, please,” I said.

Confusion flitted over his expression. Where he wanted to question my request, Eadric did not. He picked a small twig off the ground and placed it in my palm.

“Thank you, Eadric.” I stepped around Edmund and stuck the twig into the ground near the side of the cave opening.

With a light touch of my energy, I sent its growth into the cave. Sturdy lengths grew and wove together to form a thick ceiling that, bound by my will, would hold the weight of the stone and protect the people within.

I didn’t stop coaxing it until it reached the first split in the passage.

“Garron, can you check if that’s enough?” I asked.

A subtle wave of dizziness washed over me as he walked into the cave. I immediately checked my well but didn’t notice anything different. Yet, the dizziness persisted.

Frowning, I leaned into Edmund, who was the closest. His arm wrapped around my shoulders without hesitation.

“Trouble?”

“I’m fine. It feels like I stood up too quickly. I checked my well, and it’s not due to casting. Everything feels the same.”

Edmund swept me up into his arms.

“If you take one step toward that cottage, I’m going to show you real trouble,” I said, scowling at him.

He frowned at me, and I could feel he was debating it.

“Everything looks good,” Garron said, appearing in the cave opening. “The limbs are thick—what’s wrong?”

“Your brother is weighing the wisdom of confining me to the cottage against my will. I tore through the thatching without my power. Imagine what I will do with it,” I said.

“Edmund, put her down. She’s neither broken nor fragile,” Brandle said, using my own words.

“And when she faints and falls on the rough floor? Will you be so calm then?” Edmund demanded.

The pair locked gazes until I covered Edmund’s eyes and lifted myself enough to nip his neck. He grunted, and his hold on me tightened.

---