Rezkin gripped his metal cup and emptied several packets of herbs into the small vessel. He then stirred in a small amount of water from his waterskin. Once the herbs were wet and clumped, he mixed in globs of pungent jelly to form a thick paste. He scooped the paste out with his fingers and spread it gently over Reaylin’s back and sides. Although he was gentle, his ministrations elicited small whimpers from the injured woman. Finally, he wrapped a bandage tightly around her torso several times to keep the ribs from shifting or further cracking.

Rezkin gathered his things and packed them away in his saddlebags. He shook his head. It never occurred to him that he would need so many herbs and ointments in such short time; and thus far, they had all gone to the women. At this rate, he would need to start scavenging for replacements soon. He made a mental note to watch for the plants as they traveled. As carefully as he could manage, he lifted Reaylin in his arms. She released a strangled cry and whimpered. She was so tiny and light he thought he could probably carry her the few miles to the campsite if necessary.

“I apologize for your discomfort, but you cannot walk right now. Try to breathe deeply and push away the pain. When we make camp, I will brew a tea that will reduce the pain and help you sleep.

Reaylin whimpered through her tears and said in a tiny, strained voice, “Thank you, Rez.”

Tam and Jimson were just finishing piling the bodies when Rezkin and the women arrived back at the road. Tam’s face was ashen, and he looked like he was going to be sick, or maybe had already been sick—several times. Both men were covered in quite a bit of blood. Lieutenant Jimson’s expression was grim until he saw Reaylin. His face immediately softened, and he hurried over to Rezkin as he wiped his hands on his pants and tunic.

“Jimson,” Rezkin said. It was the first time the warrior had used his name in lieu of his title, a fact that the lieutenant seemed to notice. “If you mount up, I will pass Reaylin to you, and you can hold her while we head up the road. She cannot ride on her own right now.”

“Of course, I will be glad to help,” Jimson said hurriedly as he scrambled into the saddle. A bandage was wrapped tightly around his thigh, but the lieutenant declined Rezkin’s offer of healing assistance. Rezkin lifted Reaylin up into the lieutenant’s waiting arms eliciting moans and cries from the injured woman. Rezkin would not have openly acknowledged such vulnerability, but he recognized that these outworlders had not properly acclimatized themselves to pain.

Rezkin turned to Frisha and Tam who were both looking much paler than usual and asked, “Are you two okay? I did not see any injuries.”