“And especially when she saw all those bags of straight Dilly,” Pratt adds.
“So that’s it then?” I ask. “It works?”
Sampson shifts, “Well… it’s not the antidote and as we’ve come to discover, it won’t completely clear the virus. But it’s slowed it to an almost nonexistent rate,” he sighs. “Unfortunately, we’ll still need to gather the Nazual, but the straight Dilly has bought us some time. Enough to have you recover.”
“And how long is that going to take?” I glance to my right leg exposed from the cobalt skirt I wore from the first feast. I’m still in my baseball tee, but my legs lay outstretched in front of me, the right bandaged from my knee to my ankle with a large red stain down the center of the white gauze.
“Not more than a day or so. At most you’re looking at a three day recovery.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“You’ll need to remain in here. We’ll have the attendants bring you food and such, but it’s best you’re not on that leg. Give it ample time to heal.”
“There she is,” Clarence grins from the doorway. “I turned around and half the table was gone.”
“Table?”
“We were in the Dining Hall, celebrating our victory and your survival with some jugs of Hunnis,” he clears his throat, his face hardening. “Thought we lost you there for a second.”
“Can’t get rid of me that easy.”
“Yes, you’re tough—we get it. But seriously, you’ve got to quit doing that. Think you gave Reid a heart attack.”
“Where is he?”
“Probably drowning in Hunnis with the others now that you’re awake. I’m sure he’ll stumble his way back in here later.”
Oh…
“So how much Dilly did you get?” I look to Sampson.
“Filled every last bag. Everyone infected is doing much better, but it’ll be short-lived,” he sighs as his shoulders slump with defeat. “I really hate to admit it, but unless we’re able to secure the Tregmint, it seems the Nazual is our only choice.”
“Is it really that much of a suicide mission?”
“Depends on our strategy… but let’s not discuss that now. You’re awake, we have ample amounts of straight Dilly, and for the time being, we’re all in relatively good health. It’s time for celebrating.”
“I’m in,” I sit up.
“I’ll grab the boys,” Pratt jumps up and sprints out of the room before anyone can say otherwise.
“Will your mother be offended if we… indulge a little?” Mae turns to Ariana.
“Not at all. Although… I am not sure if she will join us.”
“It’s late anyways,” Clarence grins. “Probably best to leave the queen and chancellor out of our little celebration.”
“Think so?” Sampson asks.
“Oh yeah… I’ve just come from the Dining Hall. The kids are in no mindset to be around royalty.”
“Alright,” Sampson nods, “just us in here for the night. Princess Ariana, you are of course, more than welcome to stay.”
“I would love to for a quick moment,” her face lights up. “I have to tend to my mother and sisters first, but I will come right back. Maybe,” she leans toward me, “I can secure more Hunnis since the Dining Hall supply is nearly depleted.”
“Have they gone through that much already?”
“Been drinking since we returned this morning,” Clarence grins. “Can you blame them?”
“And Reid?”
“He hasn’t left your side since you returned. But like I said, he’s probably drowning in the stuff right about now. Yes,” Clarence turns to Ariana, “if you could secure some more, that’d be wonderful.”
“I will return shortly then,” she smiles brightly before turning for the door.
“I better go make sure Pratt’s handling them alright. She’s probably having a difficult time tearing them away from the Hunnis,” Clarence follows Ariana out, leaving me with Mae and Sampson.
“Alright,” I turn to them, “before they return, how bad is it?”
“How bad is what?” Mae looks puzzled.
“My leg, what we did—everything.”
“Like I said, your leg will heal up fine,” Sampson grins, “and the queen has mostly forgiven our trespass. I’m pretty sure she has helped empty the Hunnis reserve.”
“In worry or celebration?”
“Both.”
“Will she be onboard for a trip to Nerwolix?”
At my question, Sampson grows serious. “We’ve yet to broach the subject. It will probably play out similarly.”
“So that’s a no?”
“It’s something needing to be discussed at a later time. For now,” Sampson paces in a small circle, “we need to keep you and the others safe. Let’s use this time for recovery and rejuvenating.”
“Will you be sharing a jug of Hunnis?”
A shadow of a smile crosses Sampson’s lips. “It’s never been my drink of choice. I think I may stay for one drink, then leave you and the others to the celebration.”
“Just one?”
“I’d fare better tending to the queen and chancellor. Clarence may stay for a jug—Qippert as well—but I wouldn’t be surprised if they retired early.”
“And what are the plans for tomorrow?”
“You’re staying right there,” he indicates to the coral bed, “while Clarence, Qippert and I work with the queen and chancellor on the next phase of regrouping the kingdom. I’m serious, right there,” he points again. “You’ll also have a full body exam, external and internal, just to make sure you’re healing well.”
“Yeah, Reid mentioned something about that.”
“It’s very simple and quick but it needs to be done,” he heads for the door, pauses and glances back at us. “I need to speak with Reid briefly. We’ll return momentarily.”
Once Sampson leaves, Mae turns to me with a frown.
“You should’ve seen him, Fallon. When he carried you in… he had this look on his face…” she gathers her thoughts. “And then he wouldn’t leave you. What happened when you woke up?”
I inhale, my chest tightening at the memory of his red eyes. “He was upset. Then he just left. Said he’d be right back, but…” I look to the door.
“He probably just needed a minute.”
“Yeah, but why’d he need to go? He could’ve stayed.”
Mae shrugs. “He wouldn’t talk to anyone all day. He just sat by your side, waiting for you to wake up.”
“And the second I do, he leaves?”
“Ay—you’re up!” Jace grins, standing in the doorway. “We missed you at dinner—or, I guess, drinks.”
Tucker, Booker, Werzo and Pratt pile into the room after him, followed quickly by Clarence and Qippert.
“Welcome back,” Tucker smiles. “You had us worried.”
“You had Boss worried. We knew you’d pull through,” Jace laughs, glancing around the room. “Speaking of…”
“He’s with Sampson,” Clarence looks at the door. “They should be here any second.”
“Alright,” Werzo rubs his hands together, “so, uh, where’s that Hunnis we were promised?”
“Haven’t you had enough?”
“I think Pratt’s right,” Clarence sighs. “How about one more drink—a toast to Fallon’s revival—and then we cool it for the night?”
“That’s ending the celebration a bit early…” Werzo mumbles.
“Early?” Booker scoffs. “You’ve been going since we got back.”
“We’ve all had a long day,” Clarence laughs. “Best thing is a final drink and then retirement.”
“And the princess?” Qippert asks. “Will Ariana be joining us?”
“She went to get another jug of Hunnis.”
“Yes…” Werzo whispers under his breath.
“One last drink,” Clarence narrows his eyes. “Then we should probably have Fallon rest. She needs time to recover.”
The door opens and
Ariana enters with a set of small bowls and one rust colored jug. She glances around, her focus settling on me. “Am I late?”
Tucker shakes his head. “Sampson and Reid aren’t here yet.”
“Oh…” she turns, looking for a place to set the jug. “Well I can…”
“I’ll take those,” he helps her with the bowls and begins passing one out to each of us. “Werzo, make yourself useful. Start pouring everyone a drink.”
“On it, Rogue Leader,” he takes the jug from Ariana’s hands and does as requested, making his way around the room. As he stands over my bed and pours a portion of Hunnis into my bowl, Sampson enters the room, followed quickly by Reid. Werzo looks up at the same time, an eager smile crossing his lips. “Yes. Now we can start.”
“Everything alright?” I look at Reid.
He glances over my leg. “How do you feel?”
“Same,” I shrug. “Fine.”
He nods, accepting a bowl from Tucker as Werzo quickly fills it.
“And you, Fychu?” Werzo raises the jug over Sampson’s bowl. “Can I interest you in a drink?”
“Just one for me,” he nods the Rogue on. “Then I’ll be off. I’d recommend the same for everyone as we’ve all had a long day. And Fallon,” he turns to me, “I know you’ve just awoken, but you’ll need as much rest as possible. That leg needs time to heal.”
“We retiring to separate sleeping quarters?” Jace asks.
“Not as of yet,” Clarence shakes his head. “I believe the chancellor wants to resume that once he feels his people are well enough. We’ll also be able to discuss it tomorrow morning at breakfast with the queen.”
“Sounds good to me,” Werzo lifts his cup. “So, are we toasting or what?”
“Yes,” Sampson raises his bowl and everyone does the same. “To returning after a most brutal mission when all our odds were stacked against us. And,” he lifts his bowl higher, “to Fallon, who refuses to give up, even in the direst circumstances. May our good fortune and strong will continue. Cheers.”
“Cheers,” everyone says, lifting their bowls to their mouths.
It’s the first time I’ve ever tasted the beverage. It’s like swallowing a shot of fire and instantly, I’m shaken awake, everything growing slightly fuzzy.
“Woo!” Werzo exclaims. “Every time!”
“That’s uh…” Mae gulps, “…strong.”
“I’m dizzy,” Pratt holds her head.
“That’s probably enough for you,” Clarence takes the bowl from her and stacks it with his own. “Anyone else done?”
I raise my hand and he collects mine as well, placing all three on the floor.
“Me too…” Mae drops her bowl with the others and Sampson and Qippert follow.
“Alright,” Sampson scans the room. “Everyone, please have a safe and enjoyable evening. I’m heading to the queen’s chamber with Qippert. Princess Ariana,” he gestures to the door, “if you’re ready.”
“You’re not staying?” Tucker steps forward.
Clarence rests his hand on the Rogue Leader’s shoulder. “Princess Sansa has moved into Varille’s chamber. With the straight Dilly having such a positive effect, it’s only appropriate to have all royalty housed together with the chancellor.”
Dismayed, Tucker nods. “Will you be at the breakfast tomorrow?”
Blushing, Ariana nods. “Yes. I will see you all there,” she smiles, looking around the room, settling on me and then Tucker. “Have a wonderful evening.”
Tucker nods again as Sampson and Qippert escort her from the room.
“Another drink?” Werzo holds the jug over the Rogue Leader’s bowl.
Still staring after the closed door, Tucker nods and once filled, he brings the cup to his lips, drowning the beverage in one fast gulp.
“It’s only until tomorrow,” Clarence laughs. “But Sampson’s right—Fallon should probably get some rest. If anyone is still looking to stay up, why don’t we uh… retire to the Dining Hall for a bit?”
Tucker, Werzo and Booker make for the door behind Clarence. Jace heads after, but pauses with a look over his shoulder. “Boss?”
Reid silently shakes his head, sitting on the edge of the center bed. He leans forward with his head down, his elbows on his knees and fingers threaded.
Pratt and Mae exchange glances.
“Uh—we’ll hang out with you guys for a bit…” Pratt makes her way to the door, Mae right behind her. “I’m not too tired yet.”
“Me neither,” Mae looks back to us with a soft smile. “We’ll return in a little while.”
The group heads out, leaving Reid and I alone. A long, silent moment passes and Reid keeps his head down, lowered between his shoulders. He inhales and just when I think he’s going to say something, he doesn’t, his anxious breath the only sound in the room.
“Reid?” It comes out a whisper.
Another long minute passes. “Yes?”
“Look at me.”
Slowly he lifts his head, his brows arching so high in sadness that my chest tightens. He brings his threaded fingers up and rests his chin on them. For a long moment he just looks at me, like he’s trying to figure something out.
“What?”
He inhales again, a large lump rolling down his throat. Still watching me, his focus jets to my leg, some thought ticking away.
I search his eyes, trying to understand. “Are you mad?”
“No.” His voice is soft, fragile almost.
“Then….”
“I thought you were dead. I thought that Gorgen crushed you. And this life…” he shakes his head, his eyes misting over. He stands and starts pacing the room.
“What?” When he stays silent, I press him. “Tell me… please.”
“I thought this life was over.”
I frown. “But you have—”
“Everyday,” he exhales as he walks, “everyday I have to deal with the fact that my family and Allison are somewhere without me, grieving me. Everyday it breaks my heart that I did that to them, that I chose that for them. But I know… I know it was the right decision. It was the only decision and I would make it again for the rest of my life,” he pauses and, with a heavy look, focuses on me. “Because this is where I’m supposed to be. Here…” he gulps, “…with you.”
My heart stops. I want to ask a million questions, say the thousand thoughts running through my head, but instead, I manage the only thing I can. “What do they think happened to you?”
Reid continues pacing, arms crossed over his chest. It’s a few minutes before he speaks again, and when he does, he keeps his head lowered, as though talking to himself. “I taught Kung Fu. In my studio—it’s what I did. Sometimes I competed,” he inhales deeply, head still down as he paces. “I was coming back from a competition in Moscow and there was some sort of malfunction… the plane went down. I was…” his breath hitches, “…certain I’d die. In fact, I even prayed. First real time in my life. I asked God, please, please let me live. I wasn’t ready. There was so much I didn’t do, so much I wanted to. If I got another chance, I would make it count. I would take whatever time I had and make the most of it.” Reid gulps, the terror reflecting in his eyes. “But I was sure it was over. And I’d never get that chance. Everyone was screaming and the sounds the plane made....” he shakes his head, sinking into the memory. A quiet moment passes before he starts again. “I must’ve been knocked out or something because the next thing I remember is Clarence dragging me onto a beach. He looked unsure… like he was trying to decide something. But by that point, I didn’t even remember the plane crash. He told me there was a huge calamity and that he was there to help me. To save me… to take me to my new home.” Reid closes his eyes briefly, his voice growing quiet. “I didn’t even remember the promise I’d made. Not until Harrizel, not until Clarence gave me back my memories. At first I thought Harrizel—everything that happened—was my second chance, and that I’d go back to my old life and fulfill the promise I’d made.” Reid slowly sha
kes his head again, a long quiet moment passing. “But it wasn’t.”
“How do you know?” It comes out a whisper.
“Because,” he steps closer, a lump rolling down his throat. “Being on that plane was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
I bite my lip, my chest constricting with an overwhelming swell. It’s hard to breathe, hard to speak. “But you had a life… a fiancé.”
Reid nods.
“How…” I gulp, afraid of his answer, “…how can you give that up?”
“It’s not easy. It’s…” he inhales, rubbing his hands down his face, “…the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
“Then why—”
He laughs, “You really don’t get it, do you?”
“What?”
Reid kneels in front of me, taking my hand in his. He brings it to his mouth and kisses my palm. A hot tingle flutters through me, my breath catching as I look between his eyes. He closes them and, still holding my hand, he brings it to his cheek, leaning into me. I can only watch as he sinks into a serene calm. “What you mean to me.”
A sweet bloom aches in my chest, heavy and full. There’s so much I want to say, so much to ask about him… about us. Is this his way of telling me he’s done waiting? Do I ask? Or can I just tell him what I want… what I feel?
Alright, here it goes. “Reid, I—”
The coral door bursts opens, the Rogues and Clarence all suddenly filing into the room, Pratt and Mae right behind them. Everyone stops, shifting focus between Reid and me, aware they’re imposing on some important moment.
“S-sorry, Boss,” Tucker stutters, “the attendants wanted to close the Dining Hall. But uh… we can come back—”
“No,” Reid rises to a stand. “You’re fine.”
“Are you sure?” Jace smirks, glancing at me. “We’ve got enough Hunnis to last the rest of the night if you need it. We’ll go drinking in the Great Hall or something.”
“There’s still some left?” I toss him a quizzical look.
“Not much,” Booker laughs, moving further into the room. “But I’ve had my share for long enough.”
“Me too,” Tucker sighs, eyeing the bed. “I’m ready for sleep.”
“You’re ready for breakfast, so you can see the princess.”
Plague of Mybyncia Page 24
