She had no answer for that.
The other man joined Ravensford. With his dark hair and eyes, he could have been from anywhere: Misted Cliffs, Aronsdale, Shazire, Taka Mal, Jazid. He had the jaguar on his breastplate, though. He spoke to the colonel. “I called over the medical cart.
Medical cart. That stirred Allegras memory. “Yes, she said. “For Drummer.
Both Ravensford and the other man stiffened. Ravensford said, “You know where we can find Drummer Headwind?
“I can show you. She turned and stared across the basin at the distant bluffs where the Jazid army was camped. Had she truly walked all that way? Too farnever make it back
Someone caught her as she fell.
“No. Allegra twisted away from his hands and crumpled to her knees. “Dont touch me.
Ravensford crouched down without touching her. He motioned to his right. “Can you climb in there?
Numbly she looked up. A cart with a canvas roof and open sides waited a few paces away, with two oxen to pull it. Several Harsdown soldiers stood there, including one who wore a uniform instead of armor and mail. A patch on his shoulder showed the candle insignia that symbolized the medical corps.
Allegra tried to get up, but it hurt too much. Her vision blurred. Ravensford was watching her with a strange expression, as if he simultaneously wanted to comfort her and kill someone. He spoke kindly. “I wont touch you without your consent. No one will. I dont know who left those welts and bruises all over you, but believe me, no one here will do anything like that. We can help. If you cant get into the medical cart, I can carry you. But only if its all right with you.
She trusted no one. But she didnt miss the contrast; Colonel Bladebreaks first response upon finding her was to embrace and fondle her, despite her protests and injuries. This colonels first response was to express concern and ask her consent to help.
“Yes, she whispered. “Carry
Ravensford picked her up with one arm under her legs and the other around her back. He rose to his feet and carried her to the cart. As he laid her inside, under the shade of its roof, the doctor said, “Shes the only conscious person weve found in the entire army.
“Maybe the Jazid army wasnt affected, Ravensford said. “I think this is Allegra Onyx. She and the atajazid were taken last night by Yargazons men.
Allegra Onyx? That wasnt her name. She was Allegra Linseed. Or maybe Jazid men renamed their wives for themselves.
The doctor climbed into the cart and sat near Allegra while he opened a battered satchel. One of the soldiers climbed onto a plank seat at the front and prodded the oxen into motion. They didnt go very fast; Ravensford and the other soldier were able to walk alongside the cart.
When Allegra realized they were headed toward the foothills near Quaaz, she said, “Wait. No. She pulled into a sitting position, facing backward in the cart, and pointed toward the Jazid camp. “We have to get Drummer.
Ravensford held up his hand to the driver, and the other man brought the oxen to a halt. The colonel turned to Allegra. “Drummer is in the Jazid camp.
Her mouth felt dry. “We have to get him before they wake up.
The doctor made an incredulous noise. “Theyre asleep, too? Saints almighty, is anyone awake?
“Thats how I escaped. As Allegras numbness was wearing off, she could feel her injuries. “No one was awake. I can show you where to find Drummer. Her voice caught. “If he doesnt see a doctor soon, hell die. She feared it would be her fault, for she had put to sleep anyone who could have helped him.
Ravensford motioned to the driver, who brought the cart around. Soon they were headed across the sun-drenched basin toward the distant crags that sheltered the Jazid army. The doctor took bandages and bottles out of his satchel, but when he leaned toward Allegra, she shook her head. She couldnt bear to have anyone touch her. He started to protest, but whatever look she had on her face stopped him. He exhaled, then settled back and returned his potions to his satchel.
They continued on, but they were going slowly, much too slowly. “Are all the horses asleep? Allegra asked. “We should bring Drummer out as fast as possible. She wanted to get Ozarson, too, but she doubted they could risk going after more than one person.
“Some of our horses are awake, Ravensford said. He thought for a moment. “A medical cart has immunity in many places during combat, but for us to go into the midst of the Jazid camp with you in the cart is too much of a risk. What if they wake up? Then he added, “Or you could be lying, sent by one of your husbands generals to trick us.
“Im not lying. She could see why he was worried, though. “But its true, I dont know when they will wake up.
“How can thousands of people be asleep? the doctor asked. “We cant wake anyone.
Thousands? Allegra finally began to comprehend what she was seeing. Had she and Jarid done this? She slumped back, her head falling against the pole that held up a corner of the canvas roof.
“Allegra? Ravensford asked.
“Yes? she asked.
“Then that is your name. Youre the regents consort.
“Is Markus all right? It hurt to ask about him, given what had happened, for he was the one who allowed Yargazon free rein.
“Hes fine, Ravensford said. “Just asleep.
“Butisnt he with Cobalts army?
The colonel regarded her steadily. “Theyre asleep. Cobalts men, Jarids, everyone. The Harsdown army was the farthest away, so whatever happened didnt affect all of us.
She lifted her head. “King Jarid is probably awake. If she had recovered early, he would, too.
“He wasnt when we left this morning.
“Neither was I. But I am now.
The colonels forehead creased. “Why would that matter?
She bit her lip, staring toward the distant hills. Then she said, “We did it.
“Did what? the doctor asked kindly.
She looked at him. “I sang.
The doctor glanced at Ravensford, and the colonel shook his head, his expression puzzled.
“Many people sing, the doctor said.
“They were going to give me back to Yargazon. The words felt like broken glass to Allegra. “He had fourteen more hours he meant to work on me. And the othersthey wanted Her voice cracked. “They were going to go out today and kill and kill and kill, because nothing ever stops them, nothing, and when they came back, Drummer and I would be the prizes, the spoils of war, and I couldnt take any more. So II She couldnt continue.
Ravensford stared at her. Then he thumped the drivers plank. The man guiding the oxen started, then brought the team to a stop.
“Tell me, Allegra, Ravensford said. “Tell me what you did.
“I used a shape I wasnt ready for. I sang a spell of sleep. Jarid added power. But it was too much. I broke.
The doctor stared at her. “Are you saying you did this with a spell?
She met his incredulous gaze. “Yes.
“How could that be possible? the doctor asked.
Ravensford spoke. “In extreme adversity, people can do incredible things. A man holds up the roof of a collapsing house to save his loved ones, a mother heaves away a huge boulder to rescue her child. Softly he said, “Perhaps a mage calls forth a power greater than she could normally handle.
Allegra could only say, “I dont know. She sagged against the pole, needing it to stay upright.
Watching her, Ravensford spoke to the doctor. “Take her back to the camp. She needs to see Jarid, if hes awake.
“No! Allegra said. “We have to get Drummer.
“Ill go scout the Jazid camp, Ravensford said. “See what I can find out. Can you tell me how to reach Drummer?
Allegra described his location as best she could. Her dazed walk through the Jazid camp was seared into her memory.
“Can he ride? Ravensford asked.
“Hes asleep. She thought of his torn body sprawled in the tent. “I dont think he could ride even if he were awake.
A muscle twitched in Ravensf
ords cheek. To the doctor, he said, “Send someone to help me, with the fastest horse you trust to carry an unconscious man. If the Jazid camp is asleep, well get Drummer. If theyre awake, well come back.
“I should go with you, Allegra said.
“You must rest. Recover. In an oddly strained voice, the colonel said, “Regain your mage gifts.
Sadness tugged at Allegra. “I dont think I can.
“If you dont, he said, “who will awake the sleepers?
With that, he set off for the Jazid camp.
Allegra passed out on the way to the Aronsdale camp. The next time she became aware, she was lying in a blurred gray and blue place. The days heat blistered, but it receded when hands laid wet cloths across her fevered skin.
Jarid visited. He knelt by her pallet and spoke softly. She didnt understand, but his words were like cool water on her burning skin. He held his sphere, and his miraculous blue radiance filled her, a gentler, more nuanced spell than she had ever known. Her pain receded. The blue deepened into an impossible color, indigo, and the agony in her heart over Markus and Yargazon eased. Even an indigo couldnt take away emotional pain, but he helped her to heal. The world faded and sleep folded her into its softness.
The day had slipped into evening by the time Allegra awoke. She lay on her back gazing at the tent above her head. A blue tassel hung from the apex of its peaked roof. When she felt strong enough, she slowly sat up and looked around. A table across the tent had bandages, pots and fluted bottles, and a basin of water. Several other pallets lay on the floor, but it was a moment before she realized someone lay in one of them. A blue sheet covered him to the waist. He was on his stomach, his head turned away, but she recognized the yellow curls spilling down his neck.
She stood up carefully. Someone had changed her into a blue shift that came to her knees. Her welts had healed far more than should have been possible in less than a day, and the blisters and cuts on her feet didnt hurt nearly as much as before. She crossed the tent and knelt next to the man. Lash marks showed on his skin, but as with her welts, they had healed far faster than normal.
Allegra touched his shoulder. “Drummer?
To her surprise, he turned onto his back. Now that she could see him in better light, she realized he had the classic Aronsdale blue eyes, said to be granted by Saint Azure himself. Long, gold eyelashes framed them, thick and curled. They were gorgeous. She hadnt realized just how handsome he was, even by the standards of her people. No wonder the queen of Taka Mal had wanted him.
“Who are you? he asked. His voice rasped, and she flinched, knowing what had injured his vocal cords. Screams.
“My name is Allegra. I was Yargazons prisoner, too.
“The green mage from last night?
“You could tell? I thought you were unconscious.
“Mostly. But I knew you were there, offering comfort. Softly he said, “Thank you.
“Im sorry I couldnt do more.
He gave a ragged laugh. “Jarid tells me you put thousands of people to sleep to get us out of that camp.
Including Drummer. “When did you wake?
“About an hour ago.
“Are you all right?
“Fine. He laid his arm behind his head, his elbow bent, and stared at the peaked roof where shadows were gathering. “My wounds will heal. He sounded listless.
She had a feeling it wasnt that simple. “And your voice?
It was a moment before he answered. “I was a minstrel and an acrobat before Jade and I married. I suppose its not the life for everyone, but I loved it. I used to sing to her. But nowI dont know. And with my foot like this He let out a breath. “At least I have the foot. If Jarid hadnt helped, the doctor says he would have had to amputate. Because of infection.
“Im sorry, Allegra said. She understood well the grief of losing his songs. “Surely your voice will heal.
“Perhaps. His face gentled. “Hell, Im free of Yargazon. And my wife and child are alive. Thats what matters.
“I miss my family, Allegra said. “They dont even know what has happened to me. She hadnt yet had a chance to send them a letter. She couldnt imagine what they would think when they found out about her marriage. Drummer was one of the few people who would understand what she faced as the consort of a foreign sovereign. Now that he was safe and the immediate crisis was over, perhaps he would be willing to talk about it. If he could adapt to Taka Mal, hope might exist for her and Markus.
Allegra spoke awkwardly. “Would you mind if I asked about your marriage?
He regarded her curiously. “What would you like to know?
“Is it true the queen took you as her consort the same way my husband had me brought to Jazid?
His grin flashed, and in that instant he turned into the epitome of the Aronsdale male, with his sunny appearance and sparkling eyes. She couldnt fathom why people in Jazid denigrated him. In Aronsdale, women had probably fallen all over themselves to catch his attention.
“Ive no idea about your wedding, Drummer said good-naturedly. “But I doubt it was like mine. We had to sneak off in the middle of the night so no one could stop us.
“Then you went willingly?
“Well, yes. He was watching her closely. “You didnt?
“I was kidnapped in Aronsdale. They sold me.
Drummer grimaced. “Ah, yes. This barbaric penchant of theirs for stealing mates. They grabbed me at night. He gave her a crooked smile. “Maybe I should be insulted. Vizarana didnt pay anything for me. She just locked me up in a suite of the palace.
Allegra shuddered. “Dont be insulted. Believe me.
His smile faded. “I think maybe it wasnt the same for you.
“No, she said wanly. “It was a nightmare.
His voice quieted. “I was only a political prisoner.
“Did she take advantage of the situation?
His devastating smile returned, but it was gentler this time. “I suppose. I never felt coerced. Her generals would undoubtedly say I took advantage of her. Mischief flashed in his eyes. “I kept trying to kiss her when I wasnt supposed to.
“Shes a lucky woman.
“Im glad someone thinks so. He grimaced. “So many of her people cant see beyond my having been her exotic Aronsdale prize. But I do love her.
Allegra didnt know how she felt about Markus. Thinking about him hurt too much. “Why do they hunt us? Its like were prey.
A voice spoke behind them. “I would also like an answer to that question.
She looked around with a start. Jarid was walking over to them. Rather than armor, tonight he wore dark trousers and a blue shirt. He sat on the floor with them, with his elbow resting on his bent knee. He could have pulled over a stool, but he didnt seem inclined. Allegra would have never expected the king of her country to sit so casually on the ground.
“I didnt mean to eavesdrop, he said. “I heard you as I came in.
Drummer pushed up on his elbows, then winced and lay down. Allegra nodded to the king, unsure if she should bow when she was sitting in a medical tent. Jarid didnt look as if he cared. The strain on his face had aged him years in one night.
“Is everyone still asleep? Drummer asked him.
“The armies are waking, Jarid said. “So far, no tragedies. The injuries are mostly dehydration and burns from the sun.
“The spell seemed so innocuous, Allegra said. Putting so many people to sleep for so long suddenly didnt look harmless. “Did you wake them? she asked Jarid.
“I helped. They started coming to on their own about an hour ago. He tilted his head as he considered her. “Ive never made a sleep spell before. How did you do it?
“Im not sure. It embarrassed her to explain her inadequate attempts to the greatest mage alive. “My husband suffers from insomnia. The first time, I was trying to help him. Its like offering comfort, but so much that the person falls asleep.
He gave a wry laugh. “Its certainly the most innovative way Ive ever heard of stopping a battle.
Drummer p
ushed himself up, persisting this time until he was sitting on the pallet. He took a blue sleep shirt that was crumpled by his pillow and slipped it on, wincing as he pulled his arms through the sleeves. His legs were under the sheet with his bandaged left foot sticking out the end.
“Youre moving better, Jarid said.
Drummer answered wryly. “Moving at all is an improvement.
Jarid glanced at Allegra. “How do you feel?
“Tired. But better. Thank you for helping. She hesitated, then asked, “What happened with Yargazon?
“Nothing that I know of, Jarid said. “We didnt risk trying to reach anyone else. A few people were already waking up.
“I would have gone after Yargazon anyway, Drummer said flatly. “And killed him.
Allegra understood his reaction, and he had endured far worse than she at Yargazons hand. She didnt want the General dead; she wanted him to suffer. Endlessly. But not at Ozis expense. “Is the atajazid all right? she asked.
“I assume so, Jarid said. “Hes still in the Jazid camp. He considered them both. “When the two of you are ready, we need to meet with the other army commanders.
“Theyre going to talk? Allegra had been afraid to hope.
“A truce has been called. For now. Wryly he added, “You frightened a lot of people, Allegra. No one knows what youre going to do or who youre going to do it for.
“But I cant do any
He held up his hand. “Let them worry that you might. Its valuable for negotiations. And it will protect you. He tilted his head toward Drummer. “Both of you.
“Protect us? Drummer asked uneasily. “Why?
“Im afraid its true, what Allegra said, Jarid answered. “Aronsdale mages are no longer safe. Its my responsibility to see to your protection. Then he added, “Our protection.
Allegra couldnt imagine Jarid needing protection. A violet mage. Had he not refused to use his abilities in violence, he could have become a tyrant far crueler than Yargazon or Cobalt. He didnt need to put people to sleephe could kill them.
“The days are gone when mages can go unnoticed, Jarid said. “Were no longer fables told to children at night. It started twenty years ago, during the war between Cobalts father and myself. I brought down part of Castle Suncroft in the last battle. You cant hide that. Two years ago, Mel shattered the Rocklands with lightning. Then Baz Quaazera married the fire opal mage. Drummer, you try to hide what you do, but rumors are always swirling about you. He glanced at Allegra. “Your husband told me the specifics he and Yargazon gave the nomads for the woman they wanted. It was an exact description of a mage girl from southwestern Aronsdale. They may not have realized what they were seeking, but they knew your people existed and were valuable.
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