Page 8

“Quiet that child,” Maklr commanded. “Its cries will set off the more able-bodied warriors. I do not need dozens of soldiers with their protective instincts going haywire.”

“What do I do?” Nell whispered to Charlotte.

“Anything you can. We promised to keep the baby safe until the father can care for it.” Charlotte placed a cool cloth on the soldier’s forehead. “How long has it been since you called for extra help?”

Nell shrugged.

No sooner had Charlotte asked than the double doors slid open and half a dozen more Klagan medics and humans rushed into the room.

“The cavalry has arrived,” Charlotte said.

Maklr shook his head. “No steeds are allowed in the center.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh. Human slang. I’m not sure I’ll ever understand.” Maklr shook his head. “Why can’t you say what you mean?”

“Stop being so literal.” Charlotte checked the soldier’s vital signs again. “Maklr, he’s not doing well. He needs immediate help.”

As if understanding her words, the baby cradled in Nell’s arms let out a wail.

“Calm the child,” Maklr demanded, his attention fixed on the baby’s father.

Nell’s hand held the back of the baby’s head while she rocked back and forth, cooing.

“She’s trying.” Charlotte shot Nell a glance before turning her attention back to the injured Klagan.

“Try harder.”

Nell shivered and pressed the baby against her chest. She kissed its head. “Nothing will hurt you. You’re safe, baby.”

Yelling from the back of the room where the less seriously injured warriors caught her attention. Some struggled to stand up, while a few others limped toward Maklr, Charlotte, and Nell’s current position.

“Nell, their protective instincts are kicking in. None of us can afford an incident that will cause serious injuries. Calm the baby, please,” Maklr said.

Nell nodded, took a deep breath, and began to sing.

Chapter 5

Maklr

Thehustleoftheward slowed. Warriors once screaming in anguish quieted. The newly arrived medics paused their assessments of patients to stare at Nell.

Maklr stood stunned, his mouth hung in surprise. Nell. Shy, introverted, selectively mute Nell, voluntarily shared her voice. Not only was she not silent, but she was singing. Singing?

“Charlotte,” Maklr whispered, “Did you know she sang?”

Charlotte shook her head, mouth agape. “No. News to me. In all the sessions we’ve had, she’s never once mentioned she could sing. Then again, I do most of the talking.”

“Look at the baby. It’s enthralled. Her singing voice is beautiful. It’s soothing to the soldiers and the baby. She’s so strong.”

“I told you,” Charlotte mouthed. “Maklr, someone needs help. Nell’s got things under control. The baby isn’t crying anymore.” She rushed toward another injured warrior.

“Stronger than I gave her credit for,” Maklr muttered to himself. “If she can do this, then the tests have to be right. Why won’t she talk? Maybe Charlotte’s right.”

He watched Nell cradle the infant in her arms and sing, never taking her eyes off the child. Her gaze never wavered as her voice rang out, steady, sure, and clear, with no warbling, soothing to everyone in the ward.

“She’s incredible,” Maklr murmured. His gaze softened, yet intensified the longer he watched Nell sing, as if he tried to capture every nuance of her impromptu performance in his memory.