Skara Braens

Part 30

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Onward!

"I'm tired," you reply.  "So. Tired."

Siona sighs.  "Then let's get you fed.  The others can start the clean up.  Come on."  She walks forward and offers you her hand.  Though your exhaustion makes it so your body feels like it's lead, you lift an arm to grasp her offered hand.  Her strength surprises you as she hauls you to your feet.  Despite her aid, you still sway and Artair places a firm hand on your shoulder.

"I'll take them," he says.

"I'll help," Drest offers.

"It's alright," you say, when you see Siona's expression harden.  "I trust him."

"You trust a psionic?" she murmurs.

You nod.  "Talents are not good or evil, Siona.  It's how they are used.  And Drest was truly the only one who helped me when I was first found.  I trust him."

Giving a curt nod, Siona beckoned Drest forward.  "I hope you're right, Iolaire," she said, walking away.  "Let's get this cleaned up," she announced loudly.  The gathered crowd dispersed,  working quickly indicative of much practice as they gathered the bodies for burning, and began to repair the damage done to the village defences.

You, in the meantime, make your slow way to the visitor's round house, Artair supporting most of your weight.  Drest follows, leaving the others in him military behind.  You note David has thrown in to help the village repair, and you dislike him a little less.

Artair takes you to the large bed that dominates the round house and sits you down.  "Thank you," you murmur, before pitching backwards.  As you fall to sleep, you feel Artair tugging off your boots.  "Thank you," you murmur again, and then sleep claims you.

You are awakened by Artair shaking your shoulder roughly.  In one hand, he holds a bowl of delicious smelling soup.  Groaning, you haul yourself in a sitting position and accepted the bowl.  "Thank you," you slur.

Artair grunts his amusement.  "How are you feeling?"

"Still tired.  I did not think it was possible to be this tired."

"I can imagine.  Your psionic friend is also exhausted."  Artair nods towards the lit hearth, where Drest is lying, fast asleep on one of the long benches surrounding the blaze.  Artair had covered him with a thick fur blanket.  You sigh.

"How fares the village?" you ask.

"The work is almost done.  What remains is what to do after.  Your speech following the attack has sparked a fair amount of debate amongst us.  Siona is feeling some pressure now."

"I did not mean to make things uncomfortable for her."

"Things are uncomfortable for everyone," Artair said with a shrug.  "She's a tough woman.  She'll survive.  Do you need me to feed you?"

You smile, realising how slowly you were moving.  You shake your head.  "I'm all grown up, thanks."

Artair scoffs.  "So, Eagle of the Stones, what is your plan once we get to Shapinsay?"

"The woman... she said she tried to tell me... us....  I think she left behind something for us.  I'm hoping it means that she left something for us to find."

"Through the ages?"

You shrugged.  "It's a guess.  A hope, really."

"That's a flimsy plan."