Lieutenant Jimson and Tam arrived at that moment and took hold of Frisha. While Tam held her to one side, softly whispering reassurances in her ear, Jimson stepped forward to kneel next to Reaylin.

“Is she okay?” Jimson asked with heavy concern. “I mean, of course she is not okay. Is it serious?” Reaylin’s jaw was clenched in pain, and she was gasping for breath.

“She struck her back when she was thrown against the tree. She can still move her legs, but I think her ribs may be cracked or broken,” Rezkin said as he finally managed to remove the constricting armor. He abruptly stopped with a sudden thought. “Did you restrain the two I left alive?”

Jimson was momentarily thrown off by the abrupt change in subject. “Ah … one had already succumbed to his injuries. I am assuming he was one of those you left alive since he had no injuries from blades. The other is alive but will not be going anywhere. His pelvis was crushed.”

Rezkin nodded acknowledgement as he ran his fingers along Reaylin’s torso. He carefully felt along each of her vertebrae. She sucked in a breath as he pressed on the areas that would surely bruise, but none of the vertebrae felt shattered or out of place. Next, he ran his fingers along each of her ribs. Three of them on her left side were very sensitive and probably cracked but not broken.

“How is she?” Jimson asked.

“Three cracked ribs. They will need to be wrapped. I think her spine is okay. We will need to keep an eye on the bruising to make sure there is no internal bleeding. Do you know when the next patrol is scheduled to pass through here?”

Lieutenant Jimson shook his head, “I am not sure.”

“We should pile the bodies along the road for the next patrol to find. It may also deter any more bandits from attacking for a while. We will need to move at least a few miles down the road before making camp. A few hours left of daylight remain, but Reaylin will need to rest and lay still for a while. I have some herbs and salves that should help with the pain and speed the healing process,” Rezkin said.

“Yes, sir,” the lieutenant said automatically. He rose and turned on his heel. “Tam, you are with me.” Tam jumped with a start, but nodded and followed him.

“Frisha,” Rezkin said, “will you wait with Reaylin while I retrieve some supplies from my pack?”

Frisha was obviously shaken. She simply stared at Reaylin blankly for a moment as though she did not understand Ashaiian. She glanced at Rezkin when he said her name again and shook herself from her stupor.