[Undómë]

‘You’re more than welcome!’ Meghan straightened back up and took a sip of her own tea. ‘I wish we had some honey from my family’s farm,’ she said, her nose wrinkling a little at the bitter undertaste of the herbs.

She shivered beneath her thick cape. The wind had shifted from the west and now the cold eastern currents swept over the plains bringing the assurance of a storm.

‘Move over a bit!’ Meghan reached out with the edge of her boot and nudged Brand a little. ‘My legs are still cold and wet from the trek through the bog with Sythric.’

Tucking her cloak beneath her, she huddled down next to Brand. ‘Cat got your tongue, eh?’ Meghan took another drink of tea, thinking perhaps he was just tired. She leaned forward, picking up a small chunk of wood to throw in the fire. As she leaned back, her right shoulder hit against his left.

‘Sorry! Didn’t mean to hurt you.’ Meghan thought she heard him stifle a gasp. A glance his way showed he was shivering hard. Setting her mug on the ground she put a hand on lightly on his forearm. ‘Are you alright, Brand?’ she asked, a look of concern on her face.

His head was in profile to her. She reached out and tipped his face toward her; her fingers lightly guiding his chin. Alarmed at what she saw, she called out loudly.

‘Leod! Come quickly! He’s sick!’