Chapter 15
The breeze tossed a leaf against Steigan's face. He tried to lift his hand, but the arm felt too heavy to rise. His whole body ached. He shook his head and the leaf dislodged and tickled its way across his face. The movement sent his head spinning.
He didn't remember going to sleep in the forest, but he definitely could smell it. Had he left his window open and now the wind blew in the sound of crickets. No, if he were in a bed, he wouldn’t feel a sharp rock beneath his shoulder blade. Nor would he feel the damp undergrowth against his tunic.
He hadn't fallen asleep in the forest.
With that certainty, adrenaline shot through him. How had he gotten here? Why couldn't he open his eyes? He last remembered being at the feast with Martias.
A sound like rocks clanking together ma
