Page 29 of Alora: The Portal (Alora 2)

“Are you sure you want us to answer that question?” Beth gave Dr. Sanders a crooked grin. “Because I’ll tell you exactly what happened if you really want to know.”

Sanders examined the ceiling and released a heavy sigh. “On second thought, just tell me what you think I need to know. Leave out all the details unless I ask for clarification.”

“It was some kind of poison, we think. I wasn’t there when it happened.” Beth patted Alora’s hand. “Can you tell him what happened?”

“He got a cut from a sword… I mean, a knife… and then he just fell down and started swelling up.” Alora shivered from the vivid memory, as she struggled to lift her head.

“Here. Let me elevate your head.” Dr. Sanders pressed a button on the side of the bed, cranking her into a sitting position. “Poison, huh? You don’t have any idea what kind of poison?”

“If we knew, you probably wouldn’t want to know anyway,” said Beth.

“Fine, I’ll make something up for the record.” Dr. Sanders scowled. “But who’s going to sign his papers? I don’t suppose his father is in town.”

“No, Graely’s out of town with Uncle Charles.” Alora chewed her lip. “I could go get Uncle Charles, I guess, but I hate to get too far from Kaevin.”

“Why don’t you just fetch Uncle Charles here?” asked Beth. “No one would see. You don’t have to go there do you?”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. Raelene said it’s rude to transport people without their permission, but I guess it’d be okay in this case.”

“Alora, I don’t think I want you to…” Dr. Sanders’ words dropped off as Uncle Charles appeared, holding an armful of blood-soaked rags. “I didn’t see that. I didn’t see that.” He turned without another word and strode out of the room.

Charles dropped the rags and threw his arms around Alora. She hugged him back with her free hand.

“Alora, I was so afraid. I thought I’d lost you.”

“Not to mention the fact Kaevin and Alora almost died, and you’d have been stuck in Laegenshire forever.” Beth’s eyes fell on the pile of bloody rags. “You know, if the police see those, they’re going to arrest you for murder.”

*****

Brian approached Laethan, hoping for a job to pass the time. He listened with growing concern to the heated exchange between Laethan and Graely.

“Who is this man?” Graely frowned, indicating Laethan’s patient who was tightly bound with ropes.

“He’s just a boy. I don’t think he has twenty years. He’s lost so much blood I doubt I can save him. Still, I intend to try.” Laethan responded without lifting his eyes from his work.

“But he’s one of Vindrake’s men. I can sense the bondmark even though he’s unconscious. Why are you wasting your time with him?”

Brian cleared his throat, but neither man acknowledged him.

“It’s your job to kill men,” Laethan retorted. “It’s my job to save them, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Where is your mercy? You know this young boy had no choice in taking the bloodbond. He can’t help what he’s become.”

“I resent that remark,” Graely growled. “I don’t kill for the sake of it—we fight to protect the lives of our people against Vindrake. This boy may not have had a choice in the matter, but he can’t change what he’s become either. We’ve found no solution for the Water Clan prisoners we’ve captured in the past. There’s no way to reverse Vindrake’s bond of fealty, so we must keep them bound at all times. If we let them go, they simply return to attack us again. What will you do with him if you save his life?”

Laethan locked eyes with him in a lethal stare. “You’re the clan leader. It’s your job to determine what happens to him if he lives. I refuse to let this boy die without attempting everything in my power to save him. I took an oath, and I’ll not back down.”

“Excuse me—” Brian touched Graely’s elbow, but Graely jerked it away.

“Are there not some of our own warriors who need your attention, Laethan? I don’t understand how you can bear being so close to his bondmark, anyway.”

“I wouldn’t worry so much, Graely. Your wish will come true soon enough. This boy will undoubtedly die from blood loss despite my best efforts.”

Brian forced his way between them. “I’ll help him. The boy doesn’t bother me at all, and neither does the blood.”

Laethan shot a grateful smile Brian’s direction. “Thank you. Remind me of your name again. I know w

e met briefly at the council meeting several moons ago.”

“I’m Brian—Wesley’s father.”