A Savior's Worth (Book #3)

Chapter Seventeen

Eldon gasped when he resurfaced.

He heard ringing in his ears as he splashed around, searching for signs of Henry. When he saw nothing, he held his breath and dove below.

There was an unmistakable body flailing just beneath the surface. Eldon quickly swam over and wrapped his arms around Henry's waist. He pulled them back above, and Henry agonizingly coughed and wheezed like something kept crushing down his chest and lungs.

With the help of a boulder nearby, preventing them from going with the water, Eldon started to haul Henry up and onto the grass. After a beat, Henry touched Eldon's arm, stopping him. Then he got himself up on his own.

Eldon scrambled onto land next. He slid beside Henry and patted his back as those dreadful rasps persisted.

"It's a'right, yer a'right," Eldon whispered, unsure who he was attempting to convince.

When Henry's cough finally subsided enough for him to take a proper breath, he looked over at Eldon and thanked him, his voice scratchy and hoarse. Even his accent wasn't as distinct.

Eldon sighed. "I just almost got you killed, Henry. Ain't nothin' to thank me for."

Henry then shivered and hugged himself. With that scare aside, Eldon noticed just how cold it had gotten. Then he hissed through his teeth when he felt a sharp sting on the side of his head. Henry informed him he was bleeding from a small wound on his temple. Eldon shrugged, figuring it would soon heal itself, but he felt immensely grateful that it hadn't rendered him unconsciousness. He hated to imagine what would have happened to Henry had that been the case. It made him want to tackle the prince with an embrace to reassure himself that he was indeed fine and, most importantly, alive.

Eldon resisted, however, as Henry slowly got up onto his feet. Eldon followed suit. Henry was unsteady for a moment and couldn't stop trembling or the chattering of his teeth. Eldon promised him they would be back with Elouise soon, and they could change into something dry. Except, really, it was such an empty and stupid promise. From here, he had no idea where they could go to make their way back up to where Elouise was.

But he had to try. For their sake and hers. He took some comfort in knowing she was at least with Snow and Angus, and she had her magic to protect herself. If any harm came her way, she would be fine. He had to believe that. Otherwise, he'd lose his mind.

"We should get goin' before the sun sets," Eldon said to Henry.

Henry nodded. "Won't, won't be t-t-too... long now." His skin had paled, and his lips looked more white than pink.

Eldon swallowed hard and began to lead the way, thankful that he still had his sword. Unfortunately, Henry's bow was long gone. A sword was better than nothing, but it sure had been nice having a bow out here.

---

When the light of the day faded, the air became unforgiving. The breeze increased to a rough wind. Every part of Eldon's felt numb, like he'd just gotten out of a dreadful ice bath. He kept glancing up and around, attempting to see if there was any path that would lead them upward again. He saw nothing but miles of pine trees, blocking his view of any possible trails.

Dammit.

"Do ya know if we're goin' north or south?" he asked Henry, scratching the side of his head. "Think we're supposed to be goin'... north. I dunno which way is what anymore." Davidson once taught him a few tricks as to how to figure out his direction if he ever got lost. Right now, his mind was drawing the worst blanks, and it hurt to think too hard.

Eldon slowed to a stop. Henry hadn't answered or given any indication that he'd even heard the question. So, Eldon peered back, and he spotted Henry leaning against a tree, head bowed and hand on his chest.