Page 29 of Sword of Rage
“The stairs are narrow,” Ledger said. “Go slowly.”
“I can see a faint light from the moon and stars,” Gytha said. “There must be an exit at the top.”
“There is,” Ledger replied.
Ackley carried Harley out of the cave. She didn’t protest because she wasn’t sure she could climb the stairs in her heavy, wet dress.
“Are you okay?” Ackley asked softly.
He probably felt guilty for almost drowning her. “I’m alive.” And right now, that was all that mattered.
“I’m sorry I knocked you in the water. It was an accident.”
“Since you saved me, I forgive you.” They exited the cave. The cool night chilled Harley’s dress, making her shiver.
“Can you walk?” Ackley asked.
Before Harley could answer, Gytha approached them. “I can carry her if you’re still seasick.”
She’d forgotten Ackley had vomited during the boat ride. “I can walk,” she insisted. There was no need for other people to coddle her.
Ackley gently set her on her feet. Her wet dress clung to her legs.
“I know you’re cold,” Gytha said, “but we must keep moving. It’s not safe to stay here tonight.”
Harley understood; however, exhaustion consumed her. She could barely feel her fingers, toes, and ears.
“There’s a village not far from here,” Ackley said. “It’s mostly destroyed. If we can make it there, it’ll provide enough cover for us to have a fire.”
Harley liked the sound of that. She almost sighed at the mere mention of warmth. “Will you be able to make it there?” she asked Ackley, wondering if he was still ill. Although she didn’t know him well, she could have sworn his eyes flashed with annoyance.
“Now that we’re on land, I can assure you, I’m fine.” He walked away from her, heading toward the river.
“What are you doing?” He was going the wrong direction.
“I left my bag on the other side of the river. I’m going to retrieve it. The three of you can head north. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” He sat on the ground, removing his boots and socks.
“You’re going to cross the river in the dark?” Harley asked.
“It can’t be any worse than rowing a boat in the ocean at night.” He stood and untied his pants. “I suggest you hurry along unless you want to see me naked.”
She turned away from him, most definitely not wanting to see him without his clothes on. Regardless, she didn’t think crossing the river at night was a smart idea. However, Ackley clearly didn’t care what she thought.
“I’ll lead the way,” Ledger said. “I know where we are and where we’re going.”
Harley followed him, Gytha behind her. If Gytha wasn’t worried about her friend, then Harley shouldn’t be concerned about him, either.
The three of them headed north. After a mile or so, Ackley caught up to them. He handed Gytha her bag. She opened it and pulled out a tunic, giving it to Harley.
Harley took the blessedly dry material and slid it over her head and onto her body.
No one spoke as they made their way north.
A few times, Ackley broke away from their group and doubled back, making sure they weren’t being followed. After another mile, Harley started shivering so badly, her teeth chattered. She wished she could remove her soaking wet dress that clung to her legs. And maybe if her hair wasn’t dripping down the sides of her face, she wouldn’t be quite so chilly. Even if they managed to get a fire going, it would take a good amount of time before she was fully dry. Wrapping her arms around her torso, she glanced at the moon. It had to be after midnight. What she wouldn’t give for a warm bed right now.
Ledger stopped. “The village should be right around here.” He put his hands on his hips, turning in a slow circle.
“With the buildings burned to the ground, it may be harder to spot at night,” Gytha pointed out.
