Blood Ward

Chapter 14

Things got better for us afterthat. Even with Reif around, I was still able to find alone time withStefan. We went back to sharing a tent and I gave mine to Reif.

Reif was very solitary. He mostlyignored all of our companions, choosing to set up his tent in themost remote part of camp, away from everyone else. I shared WarChaser with him, riding all day with him pressed to my back, his headresting on my shoulder. We held whispered conversations and his armsaround my waist gave me comfort.

He told me of all his experiencesand of all the places he'd traveled. He'd been alive forcenturies and it was amazing to hear of the history of our world fromsomeone who'd actually been there and not some stuffy old sage. Wetook to training together at camp. I honed my skills with someoneadmittedly much stronger and faster.

It took us three weeks to reachCheyr Peak, and another two to cross it. Lunda sat nestled in avalley that ran around the mountain about a quarter of the way. Wecamped downwind per Reif's warnings. "If things go wrong, I donot want them scenting you out."

The night before he planned to goto Genovia, I walked over to his secluded space and sat next to Reif."I want to go with you," I said, and braced for the argument.

"I think that's best..." heagreed and I gaped.

"What?! No chest beating andspewing of nonsense that I must be protected?" I asked.

I caught a grin that passed overhis features then he said, "I am not so proud as not to bring mygreatest asset. We're stronger together, Stasia."

"I'm just so used to beingtold no," I shrugged.

"Stefan only wishes you to besafe," he chided.

"I can take care of myself,"I said.

"He knows that. After all, hetrained you. That does not stop him worrying," Reif explained. "Howwould you feel if heran off and got himself killed?"

"Responsible," I admitted andhe nodded. "Thank you, Reif."

"Anytime... now go get somerest before tomorrow." He gave me one last smile and stroked mycheek briefly.

I smiled and walked back to thetent Stefan and I shared. "What was that about?" Stefan asked.

"We were saying goodbye... justin case," I lied as he took me in his arms. I didn't want toargue, so I lied. I planned to sneak off with Reif before Stefan wokeup.

Stefan frowned. "Do you thinksomething will happen to him?"

I shook my head. "No, butcaution is always good."

I heard a snort from behind meand Stefan's eyes flicked over my shoulder and he frowned. "Sincewhen do you side with caution, little warrior?"

I turned to see Anders smilingknowingly at me. "What do you mean?" I asked, praying he wouldn'tbetray my intentions. He knew me too well.

He looked past me at Stefan."Might I borrow our Ana for a moment?"

I stepped toward him beforeStefan could answer. "Let's speak privately," I said leadinghim off.

When we reached the far side ofcamp, I stopped and saw Anders wave his hand. Suddenly everythingaround us went silent and I frowned, looking around. "A spell...for privacy..." He shrugged. I opened my mouth to comment, but hecontinued. "You're going with him, aren't you?"

"What? No..." I tried to lie.

"Come now, little warrior..."he scolded with a grin. "I know that look of determination, pairedwith that glint of pending adventure in your eye. You're up tosomething."

"I am not." I crossed myarms.

"You'll need my help," hesaid pausing to take in my expression. "What? You look surprised.You must remember, I am not Stefan, little warrior. I don't want torestrict you, but I can watch your back if something goes wrong."

I smiled. "How is it that thepeople I've known the least amount of time, can know my characterbetter than the rest?"

Some don't wantto know it," he sighed. "I'll be close tomorrow... but pleasebe careful. Who will lead me if you're not around?" He gave me aquick smile and reached to touch my cheek as Reif had, but droppedhis hand before actually doing so, then gave me an awkward halfsmile.

When all sound came rushing backand Anders walked quickly away, I watched him go, a small part of mewishing his hand had made contact. "Ana?" Stefan's quizzicalvoice made me jump. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing..." I said tooquickly. "Let's just go to bed. I'm exhausted."

He gave me a puzzled look butfinally nodded taking my hand and leading me to our tent, where heheld me quietly, comforting me, until I fell asleep. I dreamed ofReif again. He hunted and he fed, taking the blood of a blacksmith'sdaughter in a town not far from camp. I felt her blood strengtheningme, warming me, and I sighed with contentment.

Not long after, I felt my skinbegin to tingle with the familiar sensation of Reif being close. Iawoke, looking over at Stefan and making sure he still slept. I slidquietly away from him and picked up my weapons. Slipping out of thetent, I met Reif just outside. He took my hand and I felt warmth."You fed," I smiled. "I felt it."

"I needed the boost. I'vebeen feeling... slow... drained," he said. "I don't need tofeed as often, but it seems I still do."

"You're so warm..." I said,feeling his chest through his shirt.

He smiled. "Let's not getdistracted, Stasia. We must leave before we're impeded."

I nodded, and then I rememberedAnders' promise. "I need to get Anders..."

"Anders?" he asked, frowning.

"He's going to help," Isaid sneaking toward his tent to wake him.

"Is that wise?" he askedfollowing me.

"It's always good to have asecond... and in some ways, Anders is better at hiding himself thanme." I grinned as I remembered Anders and me trying to sneak up oneach other and hedging bets on who would succeed at catching theother off guard first.

I flipped Anders' tent open andhe was already awake. "Ready?" he asked.

I nodded. "Hurry... it'salmost dawn."

We set off on foot and soon Inoticed Anders was no longer there. I realized he had cast his spellwhen I felt the familiar weight of his hand resting momentarily on myshoulder. He reassured me he was there, and then was lost.

Reif inhaled. "He isgood. I can no longer smell him."