* * *
Isla rested beneath the blanket Tam had bought for her at the keep. While old, it didn’t smell too bad. She looked forward to sleep after a weary day in the saddle. Snuggling into the earth brought a little comfort, but she wished to be in her own bed in her das’ quarters.
Suddenly, Isla thought she heard her das calling her name. She jumped to her feet. Where was he? A bolt of hopelessness struck her heart. The pain came so great she couldn’t catch her breath. When she did she heard herself scream. “Das!” The convulsions took control, and she fell to the forest floor. Wriggling as pain consumed her, she lost her senses and fell into darkness.
Keiron had jumped up when Isla started, but he could only watch as his daughter screamed in agony. It appeared as if an invisible dagger had stabbed her in the heart. He glanced at Tam, looking for an answer.
Tam had also stood and stared in disbelief.
When Isla fell, Keiron knelt beside her. He cringed when he saw the look of horror on her face. “I got a feeling we don’t have to worry about the honourable Sergeant Darrow no more.” He placed a hand on Isla’s head. “Such loyalty is unknown.”
Tam watched Keiron. The hauflin lifted Isla back to her sleeping spot and covered her with the blanket. When she twitched, Keiron recoiled and backed away.
Shadows in the Stone Page 52