Blood Ward

Chapter 24

We all made our way back to campand went about preparing to move on. Drust was still alive. I couldsense him taunting me. "I have to kill him," I insisted."It's not only myself and Reif I must worry about. Without me ashis Salonul Sange,Reif will not have the strength to hold Stefan's blood lust in check.Most likely, whatever numbers remain of the horde will retreat backto Lunda. I suggest we make our way there," I said logically.

"That isour best option," Anders agreed.

"I wish to help,"Aelairwen announced.

"Wen, Your father wouldnever allow you to follow us," Daeron said.

"I don't care what my fatherwants," she snapped. "If it means putting an end to thiswar, once and for all, I want to help."

"She can come," I said in exhaustion. Beri glared at me but didn't argue. I was, after all,her commander.

"What'll we do with themousy one?" Anders whispered, glancing over at Lúthiel who hadchosen to keep out of the decision making process. She was feedingBeast scraps from a pouch she carried at her waist, and he wasenjoying it immensely.

I sighed. "I don't know. Weprobably won't need her talents. Daeron is good enough for simpletraveling and he is able to defend himself."

"She stays," a voicegrowled from the edge of camp.

My head shot up to see Reif and agrim faced Stefan approaching. I sighed with relief at seeing Stefan.It had been him who had spoken. Reif remained as stoic as ever. "Youwish to keep her with us?" I asked curiously.

He simply nodded once as everyonetried to hide their amazement at his presence. Lúthiel stood up fromwhere she was feeding Beast and scurried over toward Reif. "MayI ask you a few questions?" she blurted then shied and blushed."I'm sorry. It's just, I'd like to hear how you..." Sheglanced at Stefan quickly then dropped her eyes.

"Yes, Reif," Beriima spat."Tell the girl how you saved the knight from death itself."

"Beriima!" Daeron stood and Iactually thought he might confront her.

Stefan's eyes bulged. "No,"he said quickly. "Reif's magic is his secret."

Stefan obviously did not wantLúthiel to know what he'd become. "As you wish, knight," Beriscowled.

"Could we not," I begged."Fighting among each other is not getting us anywhere."

"Ana is right," Andersagreed.

"Of course she is," Stefanrolled his eyes.

"Stefan, please," I said. Hecrossed his arms and bade me continue. "As we were discussing, it'sbest if we pursue the diminished horde and strike while they'reweakened."

"Drust still lives," Reifsaid.

"Yes," I agreed. "We aren'tsafe until he's dead."

"So it is decided?" Daeronasked.

I nodded and stood. "Everyoneget some rest. We move out at first light."

Everyone dispersed to go aboutpreparing for the morning. I went off toward my tent and Andersfollowed. "I see your new toy served you well today," he smirked.

"It is balanced much betterthan my old one," I smiled, removing my belt and placing theweapons off to the side. "But, it did not penetrate asdeeply." I sidled over to him and pressed my body close to his.

"Well, that just won't do."He slid his hands up my back under the loose shirt.

I leaned in and kissed his neck,giving his skin a graze of teeth. When he shuddered and his fingersdug into my back, I sighed. "Mmm... much better."