The Oreans

Chapter 17

Chapter 17
The Repercussions

"Are you sure you're all right, Rafim?"

Alen counted Adrien asking this question for the third time and knew why. Although Rafim had already denied help from them twice, it was apparent that he badly needed it. Riding slowly ahead of them, he no longer sat straight on his mount and the red stain on his cloak seemed to grow bigger by the minute.

"Rafim," Alen called, but there was no reply.

"Rafim, let's stop. Let me at least bandage your wounds," said Adrien.

Rafim still said nothing.

"Why do you keep on—Rafim!"

Alen had seen Rafim lessen the grip on Alon's reins, but it did not occur to him at once that he was going to pass out there and then. In an instant, Kidlat was by Alon's side, Adrien holding both Rafim and his mount steady.

"Rafim!" Alen called out anxiously.

"Alen, take Alon's reins and hold Rafim," Adrien said. "I need to dismount."

Alen obeyed. He accepted Rafim's weight without a word. With his help, Adrien managed to hoist Rafim down his mount.

"We'll have to do something about his wounds now," Adrien said, Rafim still in his arms.

"But, Adrien, it's freezing out here," Alen protested, looking at the white-faced figure.

"I know—but if we don't do something, he'll bleed to death."

Alen thought frantically. "I know it! The carriage! It's not far from here now, isn't it?"

"What carriage?"

"The enemy's carriage..." Alen looked around and located its location. "Look, it's there! It's surely warmer inside it. We can tie the three horses to it and I can drive it to the city while you treat Rafim's wounds."

"You're really a smart boy, Alen. Come on then."

Without waiting to be told, Alen took Kidlat's reins and led the two horses, following Adrien towards the carriage. Obviously, no one had come for it, its owners either being on the run or captured by the commander. It was still where Rafim had found it earlier. After placing Rafim inside it, Adrien helped Alen tie the horses in front. Soon, they were ready to leave.

"To the Royal Infirmary, Alen," said Adrien as he headed for the carriage door.

"No," said a weak voice from inside. Rafim had already recovered consciousness. "Rinea—take me to Rinea."

"But—"

"Rinea, quick!"

Adrien looked uncertain for a moment then said, "Home, Alen."

He then climbed in while Alen took the seat in front of the carriage.

Alen found it difficult to manage the carriage out of the woods with trees blocking its way and the soft snowy ground beneath. He tried to prevent the carriage from shaking, for it would surely cause Rafim more discomfort. Once on the road, driving was no longer as difficult. He just had to maintain the speed, and they would be in their destination in no time—hopefully.

The city was very still when they entered it, as can be expected in a winter afternoon. Alen encountered just two other carriages. Only a few people were on the streets. Many could be found inside cafes, sipping a cup of tea. But Alen had noticed nothing along the way. Everything went past him in a blur. His mind was set on getting his master alive to Orsur.