Read The Guardians of the Forest: Book Two Page 30

  ***

  Sixteen year old Kiethara snapped back into the present, her hand squeezing the cool glass of the vile. She had, fortunately, never needed it. The worst illness she had ever befallen was a fever. Durga needed it more than she did…

  Kiethara took a deep breath. Aaron would probably be furious, but how could he stop her? She looked up at Markii, who was scrutinizing her intently.

  “Here,” she said, thrusting the bottle at Markii. “Take this.”

  He took it, bringing it closer to his eyes. The increased intensity they held was most likely the closet thing she would ever see to amazement on his face.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “It’s a potion,” she explained. “It heals any serious illness. If Durga isn’t feeling too well, a mouthful or two should set her just right.”

  Markii stared at the potion for a moment longer, and then inclined his head, stowing the potion away in the folds of his clothes. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it,” Kiethara said through a yawn. She was dead beat, her eyelids already drooping. Looking up, she saw the sun inching its way away from the center of the sky. More time had passed then she thought.

  “I should go,” Markii said, making his way to his feet. His voice sounded gruff.

  “No!” she cried, grabbing his arm. She blushed when her thoughts caught up with her actions, but she continued nevertheless. “If I’m exhausted, you must be to.”

  He stared down at her.

  “How long will it take you to travel back to your tribe? A day, at least?” she asked. Unlike Navadar, he did not have a horse. “You’re probably exhausted, and falling asleep out there somewhere, alone, in the dark, is not really smart. Sleep for a little bit, then take off. I would feel horrible if you got hurt after helping me.”

  After a few very long and uncomfortable moments, he finally nodded. He resumed his original position, leaning his head against the bark.

  “Thank you,” he said again. She might have been flattering herself, but she thought he sounded a small bit relieved.

  She sighed and leaned against the other tree that supported her hammock, happy that she had made someone stay in the forest after a catastrophe. Navadar was always so quick to leave…as though he was anxious to get away from her and this forest. At least someone was brave enough and nice enough to keep her company after their life had been threatened.

  “My…responsibility…” she mumbled incoherently as she fell asleep.