Page 154 of Moon Chosen

“Well, he’s never been very likable, but since he and Odysseus made it back from the ambush, his attitude has been even worse than what was normal for him. Whatever he saw, whatever happened, it took away any kindness he might have had before. He’s mean, and angry. All the time. And he hates you, Nik. Watch out for him.”

“I will. Thanks for the warning.”

“If you ever need anything, come to me, Nik. I owe you.”

“No you don’t!”

She rested her hand on his arm. “Yes, Crystal and I do. Your cousin is in Nest Three. You know he’s bad off, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“I’m sorry,” Sheena said. Then her lips tilted up ever so slightly. “Change is hard.”

“It is.” He smiled sadly at her. “Sheena, try to let go of that picture of Crystal, and get some sleep. Captain needs your strength.”

Sheena nodded. “I’ll try.” Then she walked wearily back to Captain’s bedside. Just before Nik left the nest she called, “I’m glad you came back.”

“I’m glad you did, too.”

Nest Three was across the platform, and Nik was there in seconds. He stood outside the opening, breathing deeply of the night air and reminding himself that whatever he saw inside—however bad it was with O’Bryan—Mari could heal him. Mariwouldheal him.

He stepped in the nest. The fetid stench of advanced blight was so thick that he could taste it. The smell brought back memories of his mother’s painful last days and he had to steady himself to keep from either running from the nest or gagging. It seemed like a very long time, but it could have only been seconds when a Healer approached him.

“How may I help—” Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized Nik. “Nikolas! You’ve returned. Are you injured? Do you need care?”

Nik took her offered hand, smiling with sincere warmth. Kathleen was the oldest of the Healers, and Nik thought she was also the kindest. She’d been at his mother’s side when she died, and he would forever be grateful for the gentle care she’d given her.

“Kathleen, I’m fine. I’m here to see O’Bryan.”

The old Healer frowned up at him, and the grizzled Terrier that was never far from her mimicked her expression so completely that Nik almost laughed.

“Fine? How could that be? Sheena said you were speared and sucked into the run-off.”

“That’s true, but I was also tended by a great Healer, so I’m fine.”

“Healer? From what Tribe? How?”

“Not Tribe, Clan. Earth Walkers tended me,” Nik said, and then waited for the old woman’s reaction.

“Scratchers?” She looked completely mystified.

“Earth Walkers,” Nik corrected.

“Nik?”

He looked around Kathleen at the sound of his name to see O’Bryan trying to struggle to a sitting position. Nik hurried to him.

“Cuz, how are you feeling?”

“Nik! It is you. Thought you were part of my dream.”

Kathleen pulled a chair next to O’Bryan’s pallet and motioned for Nik to sit before whispering, “Don’t stay long. He hasn’t much strength.” Nik nodded absently and took the seat, leaning in so that he could catch his cousin in a hug.

Nik was shocked to feel O’Bryan’s bones through his tunic, and when he lay back on the pallet, he saw that his face had taken on the bloodless blue tinge that signaled his death was frighteningly close.

“I hope it was a good dream.”

O’Bryan smiled up at him. “It is now.” He clutched his cousin’s hand. “I can’t believe you’re here. They said you were dead.”