Chapter 24At the feel of a cool, wet cloth pressed to his parched lips, Nyles tried to latch onto it and suckle like a child at a breast.
“Not too much, my friend. You will only be sick.” The voice was soft and reassuring, but not one Nyles knew.
Forcing his eyes to open a little, he looked at the smiling face of a young man with a well-trimmed beard and wearing a black turban. “Who…?” Was that really my voice? He steeled himself to try again, but the man placed an authoritative finger over his lips.
“Let us not worry about me, but you. Nod or shake your head as necessary. Looking at your wrists, you were bound? A prisoner?”
Nyles nodded, letting the stranger place a damp cloth to his lips again. Then some blessed, cool water slid past his lips.
“Were they bandits looking for a ransom
