“What would you have done in my place? Would you be willing to stand by, knowing you could make a difference despite the risks?”

“Not if I trust the people with me. Not if I ask them for protection as well. Your safety makes all the difference to the people you’re helping right now, Likh. You don’t need runes for that.”

Likh looked at him, then down at the unconscious soldier. “I just wish I could do more.”

I did a quick weave on her and saw the rune glow red. “This is ridiculous!” I exclaimed. “Likh, we’ve been eating the same foods, and none of us have exhibited any of the symptoms of Blight.”

Likh didn’t look as distressed as I was; strangely enough, she grew calmer the more I spoke. “Maybe the blight affects silver heartsglass more than it does regular heartsglass. We’ve never been able to make a comparison, and I’ve been the only silver-hearted victim to survive this long. But that’s not as important anymore.”

“But it is!” Khalad exploded. “Surely you can’t think that!”

“I think that I should learn to accept that which is beyond my control and make the best of my situation. I’m not scared. This isn’t the time or the place to be scared. Too much is happening.” Likh smiled at him. “I’m not trying to deliberately put myself in danger. But if I’m already cursed, then the least I can do is to ensure none of you wind up the same way.”

Without warning, Khalad yanked Likh to him and kissed her so thoroughly that I averted my eyes with some embarrassment. “I don’t care,” he snapped, breaking away, “I’ll protect you because I want to believe we have more years to spend together, and anything coming out of your mouth saying otherwise is a lie.”

Likh’s eyes widened. Her face softened with adoration. I finished my work on Knox’s dressing and gently assisted the Yadoshan back to the main camp, allowing the two a private moment. Nowadays, those were rare.

“Lady Likh and Lord Khalad?” Knox asked. “I had no idea. Isn’t Likh a…well…”

“Lord Khalad finds no issue with that,” I told him. “And Lady Likh is Lady Likh. That’s all that matters.”

“If you say so, Lady Tea. They’re both fine people.” Gingerly, Knox touched his sling. “Thank you for the aid. Though I fear this may render me useless should more battles break out.”

The loss of their kinsmen had had a sobering effect on many of the Yadoshans, and they were more than eager to scale Mithra’s Wall and avenge their fallen comrades. I drew myself up, prepared to scold their recklessness, but a new voice broke into the conversation.