Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

"I don't want it."
[30.6] KING EDWARD VI
"Not many blades have bathed in Moraelyn's blood. 'Twill bring you luck. Do as I say."
"The tide's in."
"Aye and Firsthold could be on Jone for all the good it does us. I can't row one handed."
"I could..."
"No, you cannot. You haven't the strength. The current's swift here. I prefer to die on land.
Edward, we cannot stay here. The blood smell will draw beasts. If I faint, get well away and
climb a tree. And pray." He climbed to his feet and leaned on the staff, breathing hard. "Stay
close, but don't grab at me, no matter what happens." He took a small step, then another.
"I'm sorry."
"Doubtless. You picked a poor time and place to turn assassin. A good assassin always has an
escape planned."
"Yessir." Edward sniffed back his tears. "Sir, I cannot Heal you, but I can restore some vigor."
"Can you? 'T'would be of great help." The spell Edward cast shook the elf; he gasped, but
stood straighter and firmer after the shock wore off. "I can do it again," Edward offered
eagerly.
"Nay. You have plenty of power but want finesse. But 'tis much better, now."
Moraelyn was walking better; he sounded better too. Edward tried to blot the picture of the
injury out of his mind. They moved slowly, Moraelyn leaning against a tree from time to time
to rest. Nothing molested them. After an interminable time of silent travelling they reached
the old well. Moraelyn drained the first bottle and Edward refilled it, drank himself, then
filled it yet again.
"We'll spend the night in there." 'There' was a large ramshackle building, apparently deserted.
The elf kicked the locked door open. Inside it was pitch dark. "Light?" Edward offered.
"Nay. I can see. Save your power and stay by me." There was a skittering noise. Rats! Edward
shielded them both without thinking, pulled Tooth out, and placed his back to the elf's. A rat
leaped and drove itself onto the blade. Moraelyn swung the staff and laid out two more.
Others scurried off.
"Well done, lad!" They found a small windowless room and shut the door behind them. There
seemed to be some wood about; probably it had been some sort of storage room off the
kitchen. Moraelyn sat down against the wall.
"So. You can use a knife. Was all that pretense? To put me off my guard?"
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