Page 76 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“It is the only question that matters.” Tiegan’s jaw clenched. He last remembered Sim-pony crying over him as Sida led the ontenta away. She had been alone and surrounded by Plutonian warriors that he did not recognize. He had to ensure that she was safe.

“She is being held in a cavern.”

Tiegan’s eyes widened and he tried to sit up. “‘Being held’? What do you mean…!” At his sharp movement, his vision spun and his mind started tilting toward darkness. A horrific pain exploded in his side and he pressed a hand there, sinking further into the water.

“Rest easy, Tiegan.” The Healer appeared in front of him. A light hand touched his back and his body floated to the top of the damas again. “You are in no shape to make these sudden movements.”

He swiped his tongue over his lips. “What…” He grimaced. “What happened?”

“You lost much blood during the journey here. I told Daz he should stop being so stubborn about avoiding zaptens. He insists on primitive measures and it’s—”

“I meant,” he interrupted the Healer, his teeth gritted, “with Sim-pony.”

“Ah. She was beside herself and insisted that I was doing harm to you.”

“What gave her that impression?”

“Another warrior was brought in with you. You were both in dire need of my attention, but Sim-pony felt I should prioritize you.”

His heras warmed. Sim-pony had given him many reasons to be proud. Earlier, during the ontenta attack, she’d lent him her strength to keep the dome in place. And now, she had dared to stand against the most important member of their species.

“She is definitely full of fire, that one,” the Healer chuckled. “In her judgement, the Plutonian who kidnapped her should be executed.”

Tiegan went stiff all over again. “The ones who hurt her were brought in?”

“Only one,” the Healer answered gravely. “He was in bad shape as well. His spine had been completely broken. It looked as if he had come into contact with a rizera.”

“The ontenta must have chased the beast away,” Tiegan mumbled.

“I do not know.” The Healer pursed his lips. “He has woken safely from the healing, but he is not cooperating with our questions. We had no choice but to escort him to his tribas where he will be questioned. They will decide whether he can continue to commune with them or if he will be excommunicated.”

He nodded. “Does Sim-pony know?”

“Do you think I wish to have my head torn off?” The Healer chuckled.

Tiegan’s lips twitched as well.

“Has she not calmed by now?”

“Rune has gone to check on her.”

“Are you that scared?”

The Healer flicked his arm. “Do not test me, Tiegan. You are not out of the waters yet. You still need my assistance.”

He smiled. “I wish to see her.”

“I do not know if that is best.”

“She will be worried.”

“She has reason to be.” The Healer’s smile dropped. “I am afraid. The other Plutonian was an easier case to handle. But you… there are some complications.”

“What do you mean?”

“The dagger did not just stab you in the torso.” He gestured with his hands at the place where the sharp weapon had plunged right through his skin. “It tore something out of you as well.”

He stiffened.