Nameless (Nameless #1)(39)

Suddenly Gryphon remembered the Wolf in the cave. The way he’d reacted to seeing Zo in danger. The man’s promise to kill him repeated over and over again. Gryphon sat down on a stool in the middle of the dark barn. He rubbed his face with his hands.

“You’re in some trouble, I imagine,” called a strained voice from a dark corner of the barn.

Gryphon’s head whipped up. He held up the lantern. “Where are you?”

“That is, unless they put you up to it.” The Wolf’s voice bit through the blackness. “Make a show of killing me, then let me live so you can knife me for more information later.”

Gryphon rose to his feet. “Come out. We need to talk.”

“My shoulder has already stopped bleeding. Perfect blade placement.”

Rain pelted against the roof of the barn. Gryphon couldn’t even hear the crunch of hay from his boots as he crept toward the sound. “I spared your life, Wolf.”

“Yes, but to what end?”

A crack of lightning struck outside. The ground shook from the impact as light exploded through the seams of the building, showing Gryphon his enemy only five feet away. The Wolf used the wall to support him. He held a pitchfork in his hands, the three deadly points fixed on Gryphon’s heart. “Don’t move, Ram.”

Gryphon held up his hands to show he had no weapon. His mind raced for a way out of the situation. He could run, but he’d earn himself a fork to the back. Not a good idea.

“Where is she?” the Wolf demanded.

When Gryphon didn’t answer right away, the Wolf stabbed at him with the fork. Gryphon jumped back but the metal grazed his arm, ripping his shirt. Gryphon dropped his hands. Furious. “You just made a big mistake.”

“Where is she?” cried the Wolf. He stabbed at him again, only this time Gryphon was ready. He sidestepped the jab and took hold of the shaft of the pitchfork. The lantern dropped to the ground, the light snuffed out. The men struggled until they both stumbled to the damp barn floor. Gryphon landed hard, losing his grip on the weapon.

The door to the barn flew open. Lightning flashed behind Joshua, Zo at his heels. The sight of them stunned Gryphon. Joshua raised his sword and the Wolf charged him.

Zo pushed the boy aside in time to catch the tips of the pitchfork in her stomach. The weapon clattered to the floor. Joshua cried out as Zo’s pale face dropped from the light of his lantern.

Gryphon slammed the stunned Wolf into the ground. His head connected with a stall door. Unconscious.

“I told you to wait at the house!” Gryphon yelled. The poor boy met him at Zo’s side. She clutched her stomach and forced down a cry.

“Bind and gag him. I’ll be back soon.” Gryphon went to help her stand but noticed dark stains pooling from the holes in her shirt. He switched his hands with some hesitation, pulling her arm around his shoulder while scooping up her legs.

“Where are you taking her?” Tears collected in Joshua’s eyes. He used his sleeve to wipe them away.

The girl rested her head on Gryphon’s shoulder, and he no longer felt pain from the fight. “To the house. She needs her kit and a warm fire.”

Zo reached a hand out to comfort Joshua. “It’s not deep, Ginger.” She gently ruffled his red hair. “I’ll be fine.”





Up at the house, Gryphon rested Zo on the floor by the hearth. He rushed to bring blankets and her kit. Her eyes didn’t even register fear as he pulled out his knife to cut through the clothes around her waist, the fabric wet and sticky. Three shallow holes oozed ink dark blood. Zo’s whole body trembled. “Who was that man?” she asked.

Gryphon could tell by her voice that she really didn’t know. “My enemy.” He hovered over her, his clumsy hands outstretched, wanting to help but not knowing how. “Tell me what to do.”

Zo closed her eyes and started taking slow breaths.

Gryphon grabbed her by the shoulders. “Tell me!”

She opened her eyes and slapped him across the face. Gryphon sat back on his heels and rubbed his cheek, stunned.

“I … I’m sorry. I don’t like to be touched.”

Gryphon could only watch with mouth gaping, his hands curling and uncurling at his sides, as she propped herself up against the wall and stripped a portion of her shirt into a bandage. She gasped at the effort of wrapping the cloth around her small waist, and cried out as she pulled tight the dressing.

“Let me help you.” Gryphon inched closer but kept his arms by his side.

“Wash your hands,” she said.





As the soldier washed, Zo pulled out a few bottles from her kit. She felt awkward blessing the herbs and tonics for herself. The wound burned. Her concentration wavered. So much of healing rested in the love of the healer. With her enemy sitting inches away, Zo conjured the words of the blessing in her mind, and worked to bind her love to … well, herself.

The familiar click that usually registered in her heart didn’t come. Instead it rested just on the edge of where it should. Taunting like an aching knuckle in need of a good pop.

“Ready.” The soldier held up his clean hands for inspection.

Zo nodded. “Good. Soak the wool in these.” She pushed four jars toward him with shaking hands. A new wave of chills rocked her frame. Her head felt light from blood loss.