Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
It’s also a little discouraging because that means it’s just one more place knocked off the list of potential places to stay for the brutal season. Now, more than ever, our discovery of the little stone village tucked into the canyon seems important. I know Hassen has his worries, but I think we’ll be safe there. Certainly safer than out in the open.
We’re both silent as we head into the valley, approaching the Elders’ Ship. Even from this distance, I can see a spread of small, hide-covered tents clustered around a central fire. Smoke rises from it, and I can see people moving. That means the sa-khui are still here. Good. One worry-knot in my belly unclenches.
A few people approach our sleds, and I see Farli with her pet, who’s no longer limping. There’s Georgie, holding her baby as she approaches, and Bek.
“Ho,” Hassen calls out. “We bring back supplies.” His voice is careful and even, and I know he has to be stressing. His gaze focuses on Georgie as he sets down the handles for the sled. “Where is my chief?”
“He’s out with Rokan and Lila,” Georgie says, adjusting her daughter from one hip to the other. “They’ve got a big group out at the fruit cave picking everything they can before the storm comes in.” She glances up at the skies and grimaces. “It’s going to be a nasty one, looks like.”
“The brutal season is upon us,” Hassen says gravely. He moves to the sled and puts his hands out for me, and I let him help me down. “Is everyone well?”
“Well enough,” Georgie says. She looks at Farli and Bek. “Can you guys take the sleds? Sevvah and Kemli are smoking some meat by the fire, and you can get their mates to help unpack things.” She shoots a look at me, bouncing Talie. “It’s been a long few weeks.”
“I’ll bet,” I say, putting my arms out to take the baby from her. Talie’s getting big, and Georgie looks exhausted. “So my sister’s not here? The fruit cave still exists?”
“She’ll be back tonight,” Georgie says, handing over her kit. “We weren’t sure when you guys were coming back, though she’ll be excited to see you. And yep, the fruit cave is still mostly intact, which is good. I’ve been half-tempted to dogpile everyone in there instead of out here in the snow, but there’s not enough room.”
“The Elders’ Cave,” Hassen asks, his gaze going to the ship. “It is…”
“On its side. Yeah.” Georgie rubs her forehead. “Rukh and Harlow say they managed to get out just in time, but there’s no way we can set up shop in there for the winter. We’re going to have to find an alternative.” She looks at the sleds, and a little of the tension eases on her face. “These supplies are going to help so much. I’m glad you guys came back when you did.”
She sounds…defeated. That’s not good.
“The South Caves?” my mate asks, his expression growing increasingly bleak. “Are they livable?”
“Gone.” She shakes her head. “We’ll figure something out. It’s going to be okay.” The smile she beams our way is tight and tired, and I’m guessing it’s an answer she’s had to give over and over again lately. Poor Georgie.
I squeeze Talie tight, and the baby just blinks up at me with big glowing eyes. Okay, I haven’t been much of a baby person in the past, but now that I’m carrying my own (at least, I’m pretty sure I am at this point, if the law of averages is with me), she’s suddenly fascinating and adorable. “Is everyone all right, at least? Everyone healthy?”
“We’re making it,” Georgie says, crossing her arms over her chest and gazing back at the small, scattered camp. “Maylak’s exhausted herself trying to heal everyone, so we’re making her take it easy for a while.” She gives us a quick look-over. “If you’ve got any broken bones, they might have to wait—”
“We’re okay,” I say quickly. “Don’t worry about us.” I move a little closer to Hassen, wishing he’d put his arm around me. I know he doesn’t dare because he’s back to exile status and I’m off limits, but we’re going to fix that. Somehow.
“Pashov?” Hassen asks, a hushed note in his voice. “Is he…”
“Good and bad,” Georgie says quietly. “He’s alive and recovering, but…his memory is gone. He doesn’t remember anyone. Not Stacy, not his son, nothing. But his body? His body is healthy enough.”
Hassen sucks in a breath. “No memory of his mate…?”
“Give him time,” I say, before Hassen worries further over his friend. “He’ll be fine. I imagine even a healer can’t fully fix a traumatic brain injury. He’s got a cootie, and he’s got people to look after him. He’ll be all right. These things just take time.”
Georgie just nods. “I hope you’re right.”