“You’re looking peaked, Mika,” Sabriel said when he and Vhadä came into the kitchen in search of breakfast. “Come sit by the fire and I’ll warm some milk and honey for you.”

“I’m all right,” Mika replied, not wanting to be babied.

“Well, come and have some oatcakes and milk, then, and I won’t take no for an answer. I have some boiled eggs, too.”

“I like those!” said Vhadä.

She fixed plates for the two of them and watched fondly as they ate. Mika could tell she still thought he might be sick. The truth was, he didn’t feel just right. He was worried.

Chapter 28: Hard Choices

RHAZAT’S rage had been short-lived. The following morning she’d released Klia from her chamber and invited her down to breakfast. Nothing more was said of strange visitors, and by that Klia knew that the dyrmagnos would most likely keep a closer eye on her.

For the next two days Klia went to the cave by a different way and waited there for as long as she dared, but there’d been no sign of Alec. Even though he hadn’t been able to get her out, talking with him, knowing the others were at work on their side to figure out a way to save her, gave her the strength and hope to go on. Even so, she kept a fine edge on the gorget blade. She would wait as long as she could, but every day she grew thinner, and tired more easily.