Chapter 27

Solna made quick work of stripping Vius out of his filthy clothes, and then pulled up the sheet temporarily. Vius needed to be cleaned of all the forest grime. He opened the door and nearly missed tripping over the boy, a bowl of water and rags in his thin arms.

“My mam said you’d want this,” he said. Solna nodded as he took the bowl and retreated back to Vius. Thank the gods for practical-minded women.

The boy came to the doorway and leaned his slight frame against it. “Name is Jule.”

“Hello, Jule.” Solna kept his back to Jule and began the somewhat familiar ritual of cleaning Vius. This was not a pattern Solna wanted to continue after they reached Vius’ home. Or before then, come to think of it.

“Mam wants you to know that you’re to hop in a bath too, when you’re done with the elf.” The boy behind him sniffed. “I’d not argue with her.”