“YOU’RE injured.” Tarsius eased away. To an outsider, the comment would’ve sounded inane, considering the serious nature of his own injuries, but he wasn’t worried for himself. His wounds were healing.
Zara’s grip on his neck loosened, and her eyes rose.
He cupped her chin and assessed the damage. She raised a hand to her face, wincing slightly at the light touch. Tilting her chin up to catch the light, he pulled her hand away so he could see more clearly. A bruise encased the left side of her face where Ray’din had hit her, reminiscent of an earlier mark. One eye had swollen, but the skin was unbroken. A faint red welt in the shape of a small handprint across her right cheek puzzled him, but he decided not to mention it.
“I’ve had—” She halted and bit her lip.
“You better not say ‘worse’,” he warned with a grin and shook his head. The motion sent pain through his head, and he winced even as he chuckled.
Her eyes narrowed. “More severe?”
“You are incorrigible.” Tarsius laughed at the playful look in her eyes and hugged her.
* * *
Zara had no idea what “incorrigible” meant, but as long as Tarsius was happy about it, it must be good. He rose unsteadily to his feet then reached down to help her stand. Her head spun only slightly less than before, and she swayed.
Worry flickered across Tarsius’ face, and he held her upright. Dizziness receded but didn’t entirely subside. He led her from the room. She clung to him to guide her footsteps in a straight path.
Soldiers filled the hallway, chatting amicably amongst themselves. Ray and Trace waited patiently with them. Trace looked less than comfortable with his companions and brightened when Zara stepped out. The crisis had passed, and Tarsius was safe, which left time for puzzles. Why did the lieutenant and the sorcerer dislike each other so much?
Ray took one look at Zara and Tarsius and barked orders to soldiers. Men hurried down the hall.
So much for the puzzle. She’d have to figure out the issue between Ray and Trace another time.
“Meaning no disrespect.” Ray’s tone held very little apology as he turned to Tarsius once the men were dispatched. “But perhaps you should sit.”
“It looks worse than it actually is. Mother will tend my wounds when we return to the compound. They can wait.” Tarsius closed his eyes, his less serious wounds closing before their eyes, giving credence to his words.
His hand covered Zara’s where they gripped his arm, and the swelling around her eye decreased, clearing her vision.
* * *
Ray’s men met them at the front door with one of the estate’s carriages. Tarsius offered Zara a hand up. Shaking her head, she backed away and eyed the carriage dubiously. Fearfully. She commandeered a horse from one of the soldiers. Too tired to delve into the mystery, Tarsius motioned for a horse. Sort it out another time. A soldier put reins in his hand. He mounted with some difficulty and settled into the saddle.
A few soldiers remained at the estate as temporary guards. Others rode in formation around Tarsius and Zara. The remainder brought up the rear, escorting prisoners. Marcon’s personal guard had been taken into custody until their knowledge of events could be sorted out. Those with no knowledge of Marcon’s subterfuge would be released. The others would be held accountable for their involvement.
Knowledge of what awaited the latter made Tarsius frown.
“They deserve any punishment meted out.” Trace brought his horse alongside Tarsius. The animal tossed its head impatiently. He glared at it. “Behave, you horrid beast.” Once his mount steadied, he returned his attention to Tarsius. “Having knowledge of a crime is as bad as committing it.”
“I know.” Tarsius sighed wearily. He didn’t question how Trace knew his thoughts, recalling Jarden’s words about the man’s skills. “Such a waste. Lives forfeit because they were foolish enough to follow a man undeserving of loyalty.”
“It’s the law.” Ray joined a less than pleased Trace.
Tarsius nodded.
“Zara? How are you faring?” Trace asked.
“Fine.” A tired smile didn’t reach dark eyes.
The sorcerer’s mount hopped sideways past a rut in the road and nearly unseated its rider. Trace frowned and fought to stay in the saddle. Ray reined his mount away without difficulty and shook his head.
Tarsius smiled but said nothing.
Zara hadn’t appeared to notice, preoccupied with some thought or another.
The skittish horse quickly fell into step with the others again. Trace scowled at the back of its head. “I freely admit I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
Ray snorted. “Really. Never would’ve guessed.”
What was that about? Tarsius had never known his friend to be sarcastic. He shot Ray a disapproving frown.
Nothing more was said.
“How did you find me?” Tarsius steered the topic of discussion to safer ground. He addressed the group, but Ray answered.
“Zara. Don’t ask how she knew. I doubt I’d understand even if she explained.” His gaze cryptic, he glanced back at the procession holding the prisoners. He turned his mount back, away from further questions.
“Sear’dan told me.” Her soft words settled between them.
“Why? How?”
“Because I asked.” She shrugged, her gaze still distant.
What would Father think of that?