Brian Pratt - Warrior priest of Dmon-Li

He nods his head. The door opens and then feels another person sit on the bed. Then he hears Jiron’s voice say, “Man, am I glad you’re back.”

“Me, too,” James croaks. “Water,” he says reaching out weakly. The cup is returned to his lips as he takes another small sip.

“Not too much at one time, now,” she advises.

When he’s done drinking, he asks, “Are Tersa and the others here?”

“Yes, they made it,” Jiron says happily.

“They’re staying at Hern’s old place right now,” Mary tells him. “When they showed up and explained things to us, they were allowed to move in while they waited for you.”

“Thank you,” he says. Cracking his eyes open, he can see Mary and Jiron sitting on the bed. The light hurts his eyes, but they seem to be getting used to it, either that, or the water has somehow helped.

“You’re welcome,” Mary says. The door cracks open again and he hears a small voice ask, “Is he okay mama?”

“Cyanna,” her mother says, “he’s fine.”

James can hear her say something to another by the door when her mother says, “Girls, now leave him be. He needs his rest.”

“Yes, mama,” Cyanna says and then the door closes once more.

“We better go,” Mary says to Jiron. “He still needs a great deal of rest.”

“Alright,” he replies. Getting off the bed, he looks to his friend “You get some rest James. If I’m not here when the next time you wake, I’ll be over with Tersa.”

Then Mary gives him one more sip before rising. “Get some sleep,” she advises. “It’s the best thing for you right now.”

As they leave the room, he closes his eyes and before drifting off to sleep one more time, remembers the message that Abula-Mazki had sent: The Fire walks with the Star. They know, and they’ll be coming for it.