The Reptile's Wrath

7

 Everything ached. Bark didn't think she had ever felt like this before. She felt like she had fallen down a hill and hit every rock and tree on the way down. She groaned.

She pried open her burning eyes, the ship coming slowly into focus. She was lying in one of the hammocks, gently swinging with the rocking of the ship. Footsteps came over to her and she found herself staring into a pair of black eyes.

"You're awake," Valor said gently. "Good."

"What happened?" she asked thickly. Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth.

"I don't know. You and Swift have been asleep for a week."

"A week?" Bark struggled to sit up. Valor put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back down.

"Yes. A week. Do you remember anything?"

Bark squinted up at the ceiling. It all seemed like a blur, but she did remember something. The look of fear on Valor's face. It was something she never wanted to see and definitely didn't want to cause ever again. She nodded, but that small movement sent pain shooting through her skull.

"I remember that you were afraid. What did I do?"

"You said some things, and then you attacked me."

Bark cursed herself silently. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

He shook his head. "I just hope you're okay. I pushed you away and you hit the ground hard."

"Is that why I feel like I got run over by a horse and cart?"

Valor sat down beside her. "I'm glad you're back. The crew wasn't sure if you and Swift would wake up."

"It seems like they have to take care of us a lot."

"Bark, don't get mad. Stay still."

"What?"

Valor hesitated for a moment. "We're in Stetriol."

"What?" Bark pushed herself up, trying to ignore the burning pain. "How long? Where's the crocodile kid? Why didn't you--"

"Bark, calm down." Valor helped her lie back down again with a sigh.

"We've been here for three days. The summoner is safe in the next town's prison."

Bark blinked. "Why did you wait?"

"Bark, how did you just react to all this?"

"Fair point," she sighed.

Valor patted her hand. "Rest for as long as you need. I'll be back later."

After he was gone, Bark tried her best to move. It continued to burn at first, but the more she did the better she felt.

She wasn't sure how long it took, but eventually she could sit up without wishing for death. Every once in a while a crewmate would come to check on her. She saw Swift on the other side of the room. He hadn't stirred once this entire time.

Bark took a moment to consider what might happen if she tried to stand. Best case scenario she'd be perfectly fine. Worst case scenario she'd be sleeping for another week. Ultimately, she decided to wait until Valor came back.

When he did return, he carried a cup of water with him. He handed it to her, leaning against the wall. "The crew bought us horses. The next town is a day away. Do you know how to ride?"

Bark shook her head. "I tried once. Immediately fell off."

"Well, at least I won't be alone."

"You haven't ridden before?"