Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 19)

Ky nodded. “Okay.” She’d just meant Rönn — but she supposed he wasn’t much of a secret these days. And if it was an enemy it’d be safer to be with him than for her to flag the rider down alone. She strained her eyes trying to see who it was.

The horse slowed as the rider spotted them, and it trotted toward them. Gaius's gaunt face peered out from under a fur-lined hood.
"Good gods," he said softly as he saw them. "I'd hoped it wasn't true."

Ky wanted to feel relief. But she was still so resentful of him. Here was Gaius, come to play hero again. “Can you get him back to the Keep?”

Gaius nodded and helped Rönn hoist Tomhas up onto the saddle in front of him. Tomhas slumped forward. "You'll see her back safely," Gaius said to Rönn, who nodded. Gaius dipped his head and turned the horse, cantering back the way he'd come.

Ky watched them for a moment, then let herself drop to the ground. Her knees buckled as she hit and she fell over, then pushed herself back up. Her entire body was stiff and sore, like it was frozen in place. “I can walk now. Since it’s not a rush anymore.” She very clearly couldn’t.

"I carry you." He bent down and offered her his arms. "You tired and sad."

She hesitated. He wasn’t wrong. “…are you sure? You’ve got to be tired, too.”

"No." He shook his head. "I been more tired. I get you home."

“… thank you.” She hesitantly stumbled towards his arms, losing coordination. She should have asked for her coat back. “How far are we?”

"Far." He cradled her tightly and stood up again, taking off at a jog. "Rest for now."

“Okay.” She nodded and relaxed against his chest, trusting him fully with her body weight. She was vaguely aware that he’d lied before — he was going much faster now with just her. He should have left her and taken Tomhas… but she guessed it was nice he hadn’t.

"Try not to blame too much," he said gently as he went. "He seem hurting a lot."

She nodded weakly. “…I tried the same thing, I guess… but he’s… he’s got kids. And… a territory. And… a wife. He… he shouldn’t…” she was trembling now that the adrenaline of caring for Tomhas had left swiftly.

"That not mean he not feel things as much as everyone. Sometimes..." He was silent for a moment. "Sometimes everything ache so much you think you help everyone more when you dead."

Ky nodded again, letting her eyes flutter closed. “Definitely seems easier.”