21
As soon as they appeared, Sparrow came running up to greet them. “Tarkyn, are you all right? Everyone’s talking about you being hurt. And there are huge eagles everywhere in the trees here. Someone said they’re mad at the mountainfolk for hurting you. They look pretty scary. I hope they’re not mad at us too.” She peered up at him. “Your face has patches of red and purple on it. Are they bruises? That’s not very nice of them, is it?”
Tarkyn grinned and, despite his protesting muscles, bent down to pick up the chattering little girl onto his hip.
“Ooh,” he groaned quietly, “Waterstone, can you please hand me up your daughter? I don’t think I can lift her.”
As he delivered Sparrow, Waterstone whispered into her ear, “Careful, young lady. Tarkyn is a bit sore.”
Sparrow put her arms aro
