Amira

I sat huddled by a tree as darkness fell over the land shrouding it in a cold blanket. Could I go home without Elias? Was there a home to go back to?

I was a short way down the cliff from where the Guardian's had shot Elias waiting still for a chance to go up to him, but for the last day, a small group of three hadn't left the area as they helped the surviving monks from the shambles of the burned monastery. A strange feeling wafted over me one that I couldn't place for a few hours. Remorse. Regret.

My shoulder where Elias had struck me stung and kept me conscience. The cold didn't bother me as my kind were made from the cold or at least that was the story of our existence. I hadn't slept since the start of our mission a sunset ago. What should I do? My thoughts was a torturing place to be right now.

Don't get me wrong, I have felt lost my whole life. Constantly walking on eggshells. I was hidden when I was a sheepherders daughter, and I was made into a fierce killing force by Andre and Elias. I had never quite fit anywhere- not even the temple. They had tried and for a time I had felt accepted, but my rare gift with Runes made it rather hard for any of the girls to associate with me. It didn't help I wasn't even that good at rune magic. Talon had picked a damaged vessel for her magic.

My stomach growled bringing me out of my self pity. I needed to eat. I got to my feet fumbling in my pouch for the right stone. Hopefully I had enough strength left to do one last spell.

"Tungi burutvas mensva," I whispered.

Thankfully the shadows welcomed me as one of them. Thank you, Goddess Talon.

I just needed to see if I could get into my horse's saddle and get to the food. I would also see if Elias was alive. If he was…

What would I do if he was? Would I free him just so he could try to kill me again? I couldn't just leave him with the Guardian's to die could I? What is wrong with me?

I had to careful with the snow so that the Guardian's didn't see my footprints and become alert to my presence. Thankfully they were all mortals. Elias had moved from his back to his side and I could see his labored breaths. I halted and scanned my surroundings. Had a night been enough to quell his anger? Could I redeem myself if I saved him?

The group that was left was very lax. They didn't even seem to notice that Elias was still alive. Perhaps they didn't care. Without thinking further, I acted. I knew what I needed to do- save Elias and figure out the rest later. I drew the knives on my thigh in a blink of an eye and threw them at the unaware guards killing them with ease.

I dropped the stone clasping the pouch closed and kneeled next to Elias.

"I'm here," I said gently placing my hand on his cheek.

His eyes focused on me like daggers as he brought his hand to clasp my elbow.

"Why… why are you still here?"

I knew enough about death that I knew he was barely holding on.

"You're my brother."

With that I stood up trying to figure out what to do now. We couldn't stay here, but moving him could put him more at risk. He was severely hurt. He was the healer not me. Why was I so useless?

"You…you're not," he whispered. "Useless, I mean."

He still was able to read my thoughts. That was good.

"We have to leave, 'Mira. A few more hours won't kill me."