It may have had something to do with the tranquility pools. Maybe some sort of comedown, the crash after a high, since I’d needed suppression for twenty-odd years of anxiety and messy thoughts. Having those return was bound to have an effect, but even if that was the case, I didn’t regret going there. It would no doubt smooth itself over in another day or so, and I’d be back to my typical ole self.

Except, I’d had a cloud of exhaustion hanging over me since the ambush, a fog lingering on the sidelines. My sleep was interrupted, my nerves were frayed, and the enthusiasm and curiosity I’d had for exploring the Otherworld was depleted. Cair was worried, it was obvious in the way he fretted and kept touching me as if to appease his instincts. He insisted we take a break every time one of my sighs were even slightly off, and he had ordered Cee or Gary to scout ahead for medical supplies to aid me, but nothing worked. I assured him it was just my lazy ass not being used to this level of physical activity outside the bedroom, and that I’d obviously grown too comfortable with being waited on hand and foot, but he was never truly convinced.

I was sick. He knew it, I knew it, but I would deal with it properly when we reached Zadok. He was a mage; maybe he would know of a spell or potion to fix whatever was going on if he felt inclined to help, and we were so close.

I’d already added days to this journey too many times. I didn’t want to stall us again.

“Would you like me to fly us the rest of the way?” Cair asked, his hand resting on my back. My stomach lurched at the thought of leaving solid ground.

“Not yet. Let me walk for a few more miles, then yeah, you can.”

“Alright, but at least take a drink. Your mouth is drying.”

I shook my head. “I’m not thirsty.”

Cair handed me the waterskin, a determined look on his face. “Just a sip. Please.”

With a strained smile, I appeased him, letting the crisp liquid trickle slowly down my throat. He was right, I was dry, and after guzzling almost half the bottle, I felt my energy pick up a little, refreshed and more awake. I wiped my sleeve across my mouth, catching the stream that had escaped my lips before nodding and carrying on.