Warrior's Soul (Book 3 of The Warrior Chronicles)

Chapter 43

"It's not straight."

Leyla narrowed her eyes at the brightly-robed man leaning over her, "This is how I wrap bandages! If you don't like it, call Waru over!"

The Sage laughed at her response, increasing her irritation. What in Gaia was he up to, asking her for help with something like this anyway? The Hayvani boy's scrape was barely worth mentioning, never mind being in need of a straight bandage!

"I. Do. Myself," the boy in question spoke in choppy Nolandic, then grabbing the wrapping from her hand, he rushed off without another word.

"Now, was that necessary?" Gabriel shook his head as he removed the bowl from over the low fire outside the medical hut. He was managing to look rather innocent for a man who had been keeping her by his side all morning with trivial tasks.

"Sage, what exactly -" Leyla began heatedly, then she lowered her voice, worried that she might wake Kaya who was resting inside after her morning medications. "What exactly is going on?"

Gabriel stopped stirring the medicine in the bowl and turned his innocent face in her direction. "I don't know what you mean?"

Clenching and unclenching her fists, Leyla took what was meant to be a calming breath. It didn't work. "You told me you had important things to do and that Waru was off doing something else important, so you need my help.  But these tasks you're giving me can be done by a child!"

"Yet you can't seem to get them right..." Gabriel shook his head with exaggerated sadness.

What. In. Gaia!? "I'm losing my patience, Sage."

"I know," he admitted with a sigh. "But at least I managed to make you sit down for two hours, so I'm satisfied."

Leyla looked up at the Sage in silent surprise.

"Are you surprised? Why?" He placed the bowl down, then picked up another and sniffed at the dark liquid inside. "You haven't rested since the attack. Between building the wall, training with the swordsmen and patrolling the area, how much sleep have you actually gotten?"

"Enough," Leyla replied, but in truth she had been drawing on the Heat to keep going without rest. She had never imagined that it could be used in that way, but it seemed to be working so far. Since losing the the Bone Eater's tracks at the river three days ago, she had probably taken two very short naps.

"How long do you think you can continue this way?" The Sage frowned in her direction, his black brows drawing together over the white cloth covering his eyes. "You haven't even eaten since yesterday morning."

"You're exaggerating," she sighed, but Gabriel raised a single knowing brow.

"Malia serves your meals. She is the one who told me."

"Why is she even keeping track..." Leyla muttered.

"She is worried about you!" Gabriel said with exasperation. Then, softening his tone,  he continued: "I am worried about you."

They were worried about her? There was no need! She knew her limits well...but, still. It felt...nice. Suddenly embarrassed, Leyla drew her legs up to her chest, "The wall is finished, so things should slow down a little..."

The sound of Athiri mewing in his sleep came through the gap in the hut door behind them, putting smiles on both their faces; the big feline had taken to napping with Kaya. 

Gabriel set the bowl in his hand aside and settled himself beside her. "I know you are concerned about a retaliation, but you need to calm your heart, Protector. The future will come, whether you worry about it or don't." He brushed dust off of his bright robe, "If the future truly is bleak, doesn't that give us even more reason to enjoy these peaceful moments?"