Owlyn brought back the herbs. Cassandra grounded them into a paste and applied it to the sorceress's wound. The Czarevna was less restless now and her breathing had evened out before she fell asleep again.
"Now what are we going to do?" Cassandra whispered softly in despair, her worried eyes kept staring at Vasilisa's pale face. The owl looked at her with a gentle surprise.
"The marshes are dangerous, it is true, but for a brave soul as yourself..."
Cassandra bit her lips to keep the tears from spilling.
"I'm not brave," she said. "Please don't say that. I can't protect Ruslan and now even she is hurt."
"My lady shall be fine." The owl's voice was faint but reproachful. "It is you who must not lose hope. It is you, who we depend on. You are the one..."
"I'm not," cried Cassandra. The
