On the Move by Catherine Vale Read Free Book Online Page A

down, when the time comes. And water and food will be brought shortly.” He dropped the cape to the floor.
    She’d forgotten he was naked beneath it. She tried not to stare, but then her eyes were drawn to his wounds and she cringed. They looked ragged and bloody, far too serious for Griffin to still be standing.
    “Do you have a piece of cloth? Something I can clean you up with?”
    He frowned at her, not moving. She threw up her hands in frustration.
    “Hasn’t anyone ever fussed over you before? Here. Sit.” She pulled him gently to one of the stools, and he sat. She picked up the cape, ripping off a strip from the bottom. At the sound of tearing fabric, Griffin blew out a frustrated breath.
    “Sorry. It’s the ceremonial cape, but I think I can put it to better use getting you taken care of.”
    He shrugged, then winced. “The ritual will be no more. It was no longer used for its intended purpose. Xavier had perverted it to his own ends. It was more a battle to the death among us, rather than the beautiful ritual I remember.”
    There was a soft knock outside and Addison jumped.
    “It is only someone with food. You may take it from her.”
    Addison pulled the pelt aside. A young woman stood holding a plank with water and food. Addison took it, and the woman bowed, leaving silently. Addison watched her walk away, then went back to Griffin. She set the plank on another stool, and poured water into a bowl. Griffin reached out, his hand over hers. She glanced up at him, ready for another argument about how he didn’t need anything done for him.
    “I need to tell you there will be a guard outside the hut tonight, and every night. Possibly for a long time.”
    “Is that normal? Because you’re the new leader?” But she didn’t believe it was only that. She’d watched the men, both before and after the battle. The ones she knew were Xavier’s guards had really been fighting, not merely biding time while Griffin and Xavier fought. They’d caused serious wounds to the others, drawing first blood.
    “Not everyone is loyal to me.”
    She nodded. “I thought so. Xavier’s men are still loyal to him, to his leadership. And you’re worried.”
    “I’m cautious. There is a difference. And there is no cause for you to be afraid. This village is well protected, as are we here.”
    She was silent as she dipped the cloth into the bowl again and then wrung it out.
    “What was the ritual like, before Xavier destroyed its true intentions?” She started with his shoulder, dabbing at the slashes that cut across his broad back. They were deep, but she thought they were actually starting to heal. Maybe the man was right, that he did have extraordinary healing powers. But he was still covered with leaves and sticky blood.
    “It was a ceremony joining two mates. The cape was intended to be draped over both man and woman, after the priest blessed them.” He jerked as she pulled a leaf from one of the long cuts.
    “Sorry.”
    “It’s fine.” He waved his hand dismissively. “The priest said a blessing for fertility and long life. The chant today was a war chant, something Xavier created. The priest was told to chant, under penalty of death, the war blessing, after anointing you.”
    “I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear he’s not under penalty of death any longer.” The wound on his back was almost clean. She dropped the cloth into the bowl of water.
    “Let me bind your hand. There’s nothing I can do for broken bones, but at least it’ll keep the ends of the breaks from rubbing together.”
    “How did you learn to do this?” He watched as she tore a fresh piece of cloth from the cape.
    “Give me your hand.”
    Gingerly he held out the broken hand. To her amazement the swelling had gone down, but when she touched him, he flinched.
    “I picked up a few things on expeditions. There’s always someone who gets hurt along the way. But never quite this severely, or intentionally.”
    “There are some herbs in the