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“I see you have met Tsi-sdu, the Rabbit,” she heard the deep voice in her head. She knew it at once. She couldn’t move. Her head felt heavy. She tried to force her eyes open, to no avail. She took a deep breath and felt comforted by the aroma of bread and something herbal.
“Rest easy. You are with the People,” the voice continued. “You are not badly hurt, but you are weak, Du-yu-go-dv A-yo-s-di. I will tend you.”
“You call me ... Truth Seeker?” She managed, still trying to open her eyes and turn her head.
“You do not remember your time with the People before?” The voice asked. “I am the one who saved you from the Rabbit when first we met.”
“Tsi-sdu was the leader of them in all the mischief,” she remembered the line in the Ancient Language. She could feel the words in her head.
“You do remember.” A massive hand came to rest on her head, stroking back her hair. “Have no fear, Truth Seeker. Your strength will be restored. Asi-sde-li-sgi will be mended as well.”
“Asi ... the Protector? You mean Rowan?”
“He is your u-ya-hi?” She felt this word deep in her soul.
Lauren shook her head. “No. He is not my husband yet, but if we survive this ... I will marry him.”
“He has given you this promise?”
“Yes.” Lauren swallowed hard. “And I have given him mine.”
“This is good. Sleep now, Du-yu-go-dv A-yo-s-di.” The hand moved down over her eyes, and the herbal smell grew stronger. The voice left her, and she returned to oblivion alone.
* * *
“Dammit!” Mitch ducked behind a large fallen log. He grabbed Billy by the arm, yanking out a handful of synthetic fur before pulling him down. “There’s more of ‘em.”
“Where?” Billy popped up, reaching for the bottom of his mask. He moved as if to get a better look. Mitch grabbed him by the arm again and yanked him down with all his strength.
“Ouch, that hurt!” He moaned, laying back against the hill to ease the ache in his butt. He found the offending stick underneath the injured muscle.
“Dammit, you dork! Shut up!” Mitch snarked under his breath, punching the ape in his hairy arm.