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snow banks above the alpine meadows. Dreibrand draped Miranda over the saddle
and set out for the lower and friendlier land.
Upon returning to the fragrant pine forests, where bees buzzed in the sunny
flowered places, Dreibrand built a fire. A blanket and shaggy fleece had been
packed on Shan s horse, and Dreibrand used these to wrap
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Miranda. Placing her close to the fire, he began to clean the blood from her
face and hair, remembering fondly how she had once helped him.
Dreibrand assumed Shan would simply find their camp. He decided to wait for
the rys before setting Miranda s arm. After battles Dreibrand had often aided
his wounded men, but confronted now with straightening
Miranda s arm, he felt nervous about his amateur skill.
She deserves the best, he thought.
Late in the day, Shan arrived riding Starfield and leading Freedom.
You are an ice climber after all, Shan said cheerfully.
Dreibrand rose wearily, almost too battered to stand, and greeted his friend,
but his mood was not light. Shan, Miranda is not doing well. I
cannot wake her.
Kneeling next to Miranda, Shan laid a gentle hand on her bruised head.
His awareness traveled inside her body and he saw her injuries. He saw the
shadow of torture that Onja had inflicted on the woman s flesh and he
shivered.
There is much hope, he determined, but the neutral statement only increased
Dreibrand s worry.
Her arm is broken, Dreibrand said.
I know. I will set it while she is still unconscious to spare her the pain,
Shan said.
Do you know how to do such things? Or can we take her to a healer?
Dreibrand asked.
I am competent to set a bone. My magic allows me to see that it is set just
right, Shan replied.
They prepared a split and bandages. Dreibrand held Miranda in case the pain
made her thrash about even in an unconscious state. Shan held her arm
tentatively then abruptly snapped the bone back into alignment.
A weak gasp escaped Miranda and she moved her head. The rys s eyes began to
glow, and he sent energy into her body, nourishing damaged flesh and soothing
tortured nerves. Shan knew he could not completely undo the wicked torment
Onja had imposed on Miranda, but he could help.
Dreibrand watched Shan treat Miranda with magic, but it did not alarm him. He
knew the rys was not hurting her.
She felt some pain when I set the arm. That is a pity, but it is also a good
sign that she is responsive, Shan announced when he released her from his
power.
Next, they carefully bound her splint and bandaged her head.
Shan suggested, You rest with her now. I will see to our dinner.
Dreibrand did not dispute the idea and stretched out next to Miranda.
The fire and covers had warmed her, but her face remained pale.
Dreibrand hated to see her struggle for life after she had been so hot and
vital in his arms just two nights ago.
Stay with me, Miranda, he whispered as his exhaustion overtook him.
Sometime later Dreibrand sat up with a start. Night had long since fallen, and
the fire blazed happily on fresh fuel.
Just me, Shan said reassuringly. Two skinned rabbits roasted on a spit in
front of him. I warn you, I am not the best cook.
Some fat sizzled in the fire and the aroma made Dreibrand realize he
was ravenous.
Not a problem, he said, eyeing the dinner and wondering how much longer it
needed to cook.
Taking his hungry eyes from the roasting rabbits, he checked on
Miranda and was shocked to see her looking back at him.
Miranda! he cried, leaning over her. Talk to me.
Her cracked lips parted and she struggled briefly to find the breath to speak.
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Quietly in a confused voice, she said, I am alive.
Yes, Dreibrand laughed with joy. You are alive.
Wincing with pain, Miranda whispered, I don t feel good.
Holding her good hand, Dreibrand explained, You are hurt, but you are going
to get better.
Because she could not sit up, Dreibrand carefully poured a few drops of water
from the canteen into her dry mouth. Her exposure had made her very thirsty
and Dreibrand continued giving her water for some time.
When she was somewhat rehydrated, Miranda smiled to him weakly and commented,
I smell food.
Dreibrand laughed again, filled with hope by her interest in eating.
Although he took joy in her awakening, the bad news could not wait. With
serious regret, he said, I had to leave Elendra and Esseldan in Jingten. I
had no choice. There was no time. I had to come to you. Miranda, I am so
sorry& He hung his head in shame.
With her good hand, Miranda touched his cheek soothingly. I know,
she spoke painfully. I fought. You would have only ended up like me. Onja
stole my children and said I was her slave. I would not be her slave, and I
paid the price. I thought I would die with my grief, but now I will live with
it. Do not blame yourself, Dreibrand. Onja had control and we never had a
chance. Miranda coughed and added miserably, Elendra wanted to stay in
Jingten anyway.
Miranda, we will get them back, Dreibrand promised.
Yes, she agreed but then a fit of coughing consumed her. In obvious pain,
Miranda rolled over, shaken by her heaving lungs, and expectorated some blood.
She lay back with a gurgling breath and shut her eyes.
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