In the Shadows of Dragons, Part 2: To Live and Die
“…seized again.”
“The fever broke…”
“…some kind of palsy…”
“I doubt he'll regain much use…”
Nishal supposed the healers thought they were doing him a favor, propping him up in his sickbed so that he could see out the window overlooking the courtyard. Working his jaw a bit, he watched his fellow students meandering their way across cobblestones to various destinations. He tried to be happy that he had feeling again in the left side of his face and that his tongue was no longer swollen where he had bitten it. But he could only stare at the healthy children and wonder why no one had shoved a pillow over his face yet. When he thought he saw Timri crossing by, he almost wished someone would. She, however, spared no glance for his window.
A servant silently adjusted his pillows while another brought a tray. Nishal closed his eyes. Maybe today half his meal would not dribble down onto the sheets. The slight girl deftly tucked a napkin under his chin and settled in at his bedside. Nishal could feel the spots of color on his face as the first spoonful came toward him. He found out earlier that there was no fighting. This tiny servant was far stronger than she looked.
And so he was being fed like a babe when she entered, a faint breath of air heralding her. Nishal suspected that was on purpose, to give him time to shove the servant away with his good arm and attempt to feed himself. Layli would know that he would not want her to see that. With a great deal of effort, Nishal lolled his head around to gain a view of the rest of the room. Layli smiled a smile he did not return and lowered herself to the spot vacated by the servant. “On the bright side, I don't think you are legion fodder anymore.”
“And I am saved that horrid song.” Nishal's voice came out slightly slurred, and that was an improvement.
“I would have come earlier, but it seems they conspire to keep me away. They say…without saying, of course…that I'm wasting my time.”
“Perhaps you are,” Nishal responded bitterly.
Layli snorted with a very unladylike sound. “If there is anyone who could figure out how to survive, it would be you. Your mind still works.” Nishal said nothing. “Unless, of course, you've already decided to lay there and take what has been given you like a cheap whore, in which case, my Nishal is dead.”
“It doesn't matter. My parents are coming. They will not stand for this…weakness.”
“Or is it you that won't?” She leaned over so that her burning bright eyes were a hand's span from his. “Unless there is another Cathak Bertram in the world, your father is missing half an arm, and Tulia can be handled. If it's pity you wish, you will not get it from me. I am willing to help you with all my resources, but you have to try.”
“I must be able to stand on my own!” The slurring got worse and he inwardly winced at the spittle that hit that lovely face. “A feat,” he continued softer, “that I cannot even physically manage.” And they have Timri, he thought, but didn't say aloud. Perhaps that's why he still drew breath. They were waiting for his parents to make the merciful choice.
Layli delicately wiped at her face as she pulled back. Her face was stone as she spoke with great control, “Fine. Contact me when you decide to live. Otherwise, I mourn my love.” And she was gone. Nishal stared at the ceiling, swallowing down a lump. Let her be angry. It will make it easier for her. Opening his eyes, he turned his head toward the window and into the eyes, for an instant, of a large, black bird.
Despite her words, Layli returned the next day. Nishal kept his face turned toward the window, saying nothing. He felt her weight on the side of the bed, felt the heat of her body warm against his side, and tried not to respond to the touch. “Nishal…” He tried to pull away, but he could manage little more than a flinch.
“Why do you insist on seeing me like this?”
“I have something to tell you. They asked me to.” Layli's voice was soft. “It's Timri.”
Nishal snorted. “What did she do this time, excrete jade and make the world spin?”
“She's dead.”
Nishal rolled his head around and blinked. “Dead?”
Layli nodded her pale head. “They found her this morning at first light, near the steps of her dormitory. It looks as if she fell from the top.” She frowned. “Don't look at me like that, Nishal. I certainly had nothing to do with it. No one has said anything, but I've heard she was covered in scratches and that something had pierced her through one shoulder. They think it was an animal.” Nishal tried to hold back his reaction, but it bubbled up from his stomach and broke through his teeth. He chuckled, and the more he chuckled, the harder it was to contain.
Layli scowled faintly. “I don't see the humor in this. She may have been a horrid little girl, but she was still a child.”
“Ah, my friend, but you do not see the world as I do.” It was Tulia's face he saw. All she had was a broken son now. “Help me.” Nishal drug the words out of himself between chuckles. “I would like to be able to at least sit up.”