Dante shoved him so hard, he stumbled—but didn’t drop his book.
Zen started to laugh, but his head throbbed, and he grimaced with a rub at his temple.
“Sun still getting to you?” Khel asked. “Morty! Levitate this, won’t you?” He unhooked his shield and held it above Zen’s head.
“Float,” Morty said with a half-hearted wave, and when Khel released the shield, it remained aloft, protecting Zen like the awning of a building.
“Thank you,” Zen said—for the third time. “I hope I won’t be more bother than help on this quest.”
“Nonsense,” Khel dismissed. “We’re not expecting a warrior. We need a priest. We’ll look out for you on and off the battlefield. Don’t be afraid to say if something’s bothering you, brother. Otherwise, how will we know?”
The ease from the heat made it easier to smile ba
