Desert Siren

Twenty-Four

The storm raged for two days. Jayza slept most of the first one away. When she finally opened her eyes, she was surprised to see a small fire burning merrily in front of her. The cave was warm and when she glanced towards the opening, she saw Samson standing in front of it. Tavan had managed to hang a rug across the entrance, securing it at the four corners, although a little bit of snow managed to seep in underneath. He had left a small gap at the top, giving the smoke a way to escape. Jayza sat up slowly, tentatively touching her face then her lips. Her face felt burned, similar to how it felt if she stayed in the sun too long. Her lips were dry and cracked and when she yawned, her fingers came away with a little blood staining the tips. Her throat was raw, and she winced slightly when she swallowed, but overall, she was happy to find she was not only still alive, but in reasonably good shape.

The wind still howled outside, telling her the storm hadn't abated, and she cocked her head, listening intently. Frowning, she let her gaze wander around the interior of the cave. It wasn't deep but it was more than adequate for two humans and a horse. Continuing to look around, she found Tavan seated opposite the entrance, his back against the wall. Noticing she was awake, he smiled and rose, then dropped at her side as he took her hand.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. His voice was tender, and he smiled softly, twining his fingers in hers.

Jayza opened her mouth to reply but only a croak emerged. Her voice was completely gone, and she seemed incapable of uttering anything, She nodded slightly, pointing to her throat.

"I can melt some snow if you're thirsty," he said, misinterpreting her action.

Jayza shook her head and tried again.

"Hurts," she managed to get out before wincing again.

Tavan's smile immediately turned to a look of concern. Rising, he picked up a small flagon that was sitting next to the fire, then strode to the entrance, gently pushing Samson out of the way. Undoing the ties at the bottom of the rug and lifting it slightly, he scooped snow into the flagon, then re-secured it and returned to the fire. Setting the flagon in the flames, he rummaged around on the now open tent that was laid out on the floor, eventually scooping something off it and dropping it into the flagon. When the snow had melted and the water began to boil, he picked it up, using the bindings from the bundle to protect his hand from the now hot handle. Returning to Jayza's side, he sat again, placing the flagon in front of her.

"Give it a minute to cool," he said. "You also might want to strain it as you drink. I have nothing to contain the leaves while it brews."

Jayza looked at him questioningly, then leaned over the flagon, sniffing deeply. Lifting her shirt, she tore a strip off her shift and laid it across the top, then took a tentative sip, grimacing slightly at the taste.

"Sorry, little one. No sugar."

Jayza smiled, mouthing her acknowledgement. Tea was better than plain water. Which was better than nothing.

"Are you hungry?" Tavan asked. "While my culinary skills leave a lot to be desired, as a member of the Legions, I've had to learn how to make flat breads and such. I can make some for you, although it might take some time."

Jayza shook her head. Her throat hurt too much to try and swallow bread and she felt the tea would be enough for now. Tapping herself and Tavan, then sending her arm in an arc, she tried to get him to tell her what happened after she found the cave. Tavan studied her for a moment, and she once again indicated the cave, then him and her. Suddenly understanding what she was asking, he took her hand again, his voice now serious.

"As near as I can tell, we've been here for two days, although I can't be sure. The storm still rages and the last time I went out, the snow was higher than my shoulders. The conditions don't seem to have let up and I am extremely worried about my men. And about getting off this mountain and out of the pass."