Page 54

Ryziel tilted his head, apparently completely unaware that he was bleeding out. He wasn't himself at all, and Aly was still frightened of him. But she was also frightened of what would happen if he didn't get help fast.

Trying to stifle her fear, she inhaled a deep breath and took a careful step forward. "It's okay," she said as calmly as she could. "It's okay, Ryziel."

She got two steps closer and started to slowly reach out her free hand toward him, but he let out a sharp hiss. Aly jumped but refused to back away. "Let me help you."

Before she could even touch him, Ryziel swiped at her, almost catching her hand. He fell to his knees and remained there, but he would not let Aly come near.

Desperate and uncertain what to do, Aly remained still, not daring to move any closer. He wouldn't let her touch him, but if she didn't stop the bleeding, he would pass out soon and likely die. And judging by his ragged breathing, she was running out of time.

Aly wiped away the sweat from her brow and looked at her techband. She had Nar and Xilya registered now into her techband's list of contacts. If she called one of them, they might be able to help.

Thinking Nar would be more readily available, she called him first.

"What is it?" Nar said, picking up.

"Nar," Aly's voice cracked. "Something bad has happened. I need your help."

"What happened?"

Aly told him everything. About the nyghi attacking and her having to run and hide and Ryziel finding her.

"Nihl's hide," Nar cursed under his breath. "How bad is he?"

"Really bad. And he won't let me near him. He won't speak, and he tried to attack me when I got close. He's not himself, Nar. It's like...he isn't even there. I don't understand. He's bleeding out fast too."

Nar was quiet for a moment then said, "He hasn't touched you, has he?"

Aly shook her head, though he couldn't see it. "No. But he's collapsed on the ground."

"All right. Are you near his pack at all?"

Aly frowned. "No, why?"

"Can you get to it?"

Aly looked over to the garden entrance. The pack was way back in the cave system where they worked. It wouldn't be impossible to get to, but there could still be more nyghi out there. She would be completely exposed.

"I...I think so, yes."

"Get to the pack. Inside should be a medical kit. When you have it and are back at Ryziel's side, I will direct you further."

"Got it." Aly dropped her arm. She looked back at Ryziel, reluctant to leave him but knowing she didn't have a choice. "It's going to be all right. I will be back."

Ryziel watched her as she cautiously went around him, making sure not to pass close enough where he might be able to grab her. When she was far enough away, she met his eyes one last time before shutting off her light and turning for the door.

***

Aly stuck to the wall, her hand gliding against it to guide her down the long passageway, pausing behind each pillar to check for any signs of movement. She saw nothing and heard nothing. But that didn't mean something wasn't there.

Trying to remain as quiet as possible, she crept down the way. The scent of something bitter and strong stung her nose—something like that of alcohol or citrus. The farther she got, the stronger the smell became, until she had to keep a hand over her mouth.

By the dim blue light of the muirlemp, she could see a set of large mounds scattered across the great hall. She dared not put her light on to see what they were, but they didn't move, so she figured them harmless.

When she got to the narrow passage, Aly carefully slipped back inside, trying her best not to make noise as she scraped along the rock. At the end of the passage, she paused and put on her light, directing it into the cave system beyond. Nothing waited inside, and she let out a breath of air, her body relaxing. She moved toward the end of the system till she found the packs, then lifted her techband.

"Nar, I found the packs."

"Good," he replied. "the medkit should be inside. It’s a shiny metal case. Everything you will need should be inside. Don't be afraid to give him the bluym too."