Page 9 of A Winter Awakening

Slowly, Gael’s eyes flickered open. His face stretched into a slow, pleased smile. “Orteo,” Gael breathed.

Orteo’s chest clenched at the warmness of the greeting. When was the last time someone had been pleased to see him? “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Gael said.

“I’m going to go and get the healer,” Orteo said gently.

Gael’s eyes widened. He tried to sit up, but Orteo held him in place.

“I’ll be right back. I promise. But you need a healer.” He gestured to Gael’s ankle. “Someone needs to see to this as soon as possible.”

“But you’ll be back?” Gael asked, voice small. “Right?”

“I will,” Orteo stood. “Just stay here. You can sleep. The fire will keep going. I’ll be back soon.”

Gael didn’t respond. He just kept staring at Orteo, eyes wide and filled with terror.

Orteo walked to the cave entrance. Gael sat up, clutching at the fur wrapped around him. It brought out a desire to wrap Gael up in his arms and hold him close. It made Orteo want to come back and look after him. But he fought the urge. Gael needed a healer.

ChapterSix

“How long do you think he’s been gone?” Gael asked Daisy.

Daisy stood in the cave entrance, staring out at the forest. Her tail swished, and the bells tinkled.

“I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” Gael nodded. “And he’ll bring a healer to look at my ankle.”

It ached terribly, and he doubted he could stand. So he just stayed sitting on the dirt floor, waiting for Orteo.

“But he’ll be back.” If Orteo didn’t return, Gael would be in a terrible predicament.

Daisy continued staring out. Thankfully, she didn’t seem keen to wander. Gael didn’t know what he’d do if she tried to leave.

“What’s the weather like today, Daisy?”

Gracie always teased Gael for prattling on when nervous. Would his sister ever tease him again? Would she ever ruffle his hair? He rubbed his palms on his trousers.

“Do you see Orteo? Is he out there?” He tried to keep his voice light and cheerful.

He pressed his lips together. “Orteo is so kind, isn’t he? So kind and caring. He saved us. And now he’s bringing a healer for my ankle. He’s so amazing.” And he’d definitely return. Gael closed his eyes, trying to calm himself.

He heard voices! Gael sagged with relief.

“Is that him, Daisy? Can you see him? See, I told you he was too wonderful to abandon us.”

He listened. He could hear at least two different voices, which grew louder as they approached.

“He’s just in here,” someone said. They had a low voice with a thick, rolling accent. Orteo’s voice.

Gael smiled as Orteo appeared. “Hello.”

“Gael, this is Sinoe and Edwin,” Orteo introduced the human and oread who followed him in. “Sinoe is a healer. And this is Gael.”

The oread, Sinoe, knelt by his side, eyes focusing on Gael’s swollen ankle.

“Sinoe is a wonderful healer.” Edwin pushed his glasses up his nose. “You are in good hands.”

“What happened?” Sinoe asked.