Read Artesans of Albia: 02 - King's Champion for Free Online Page B

weak.”
    Robin interrupted. “We just need to get you strong enough to cross the Veils. Once we get you home, you can rest and recover properly.”
    The anguish that filled Sullyan’s face dismayed Rienne. Tears welled in her eyes, and she was about to say something when the Major glanced warningly at her. Then Sullyan took a deep breath.
    “Robin, I need you to take control of a Powersink. Everyone is drained and exhausted, so you must take over my powers too.”
    Robin gasped and Bull sucked in a sharp breath. Rienne saw his amazed expression.
    Sullyan ignored both. “Will you be strong enough?” she asked.
    Robin seemed stunned and answered haltingly. “I’ll be strong enough, trust me.”
    Confused, Rienne glanced at Bull, who shook his head and smiled at her. “She’s just casually handed Robin what she nearly killed herself denying Rykan,” he explained.
    Sullyan frowned. “This is quite different, Bulldog, as well you know. And Robin would never ask.”
    The Captain was actually trembling. “Are you quite sure?”
    She looked up into his indigo eyes. “I trust you with my life and all that I have. You should know that.” Robin briefly closed his eyes, and Rienne felt as if her heart would burst. Sullyan’s next words jolted her. “But I want Rienne to do the healing.”
    “What? But how ...? I can’t ....”
    Sullyan squeezed her hand. “You can. Just think of the power as a medical instrument or a potent salve. I will guide you. Just open your mind and think of what needs to be done. Robin, you must go very gently with the power. This will feel very strange to Rienne.”
    She glanced over to where Marik was loitering by the door, looking distinctly uncomfortable. Her voice was husky as she asked, “Count, will you join us? I need your power too.”
    His melancholy expression brightened and he took a step forward.
    Robin’s face flushed. “What do you want him for?” he spat, and Marik fell back as if slapped.
    Sullyan’s raspy reply was barely audible. “Oh, Robin. I owe my life to Marik as much as I do to you. I can never repay him for his care, and he has lost his livelihood because of me. If you love me, then you owe him your gratitude at the very least, not this jealous and angry suspicion.”
    Robin’s color deepened and Rienne knew the charge of jealousy was very near the mark. His anger at Marik had its roots in his guilt at not being there when Sullyan needed him most.
    “But it was his fault that you were taken in the first place!” he said. “He stood by and watched what that ... that animal ... was doing to you and made never a move to stop him.”
    Sullyan’s face, grey as it was, paled further. Rienne could see her gathering nonexistent strength to lash out at Robin, but Bull put a hand on her shoulder.
    “Enough,” he said. “Leave it, Robin. Isn’t it enough that Marik saved her life? If Sully doesn’t blame him, how can you? You weren’t there, you don’t know what happened. Make your peace, lad.”
    “Thank you, Bull,” murmured Sullyan. Rienne was relieved. Fighting with Robin was an exertion the Major could do without.
    Robin looked silently between Sullyan and Marik before letting his breath out in a huge sigh. “I’m sorry, Marik. I’m upset and jealous and I shouldn’t have said what I did. Of course I’m grateful that you helped Sullyan, and I know we probably wouldn’t have got her out without you. Please accept my apology.”
    The Count waved an awkward hand. “No need,” he said, but he didn’t sound convinced.
    Sullyan lay back in Robin’s arms. “Can you concentrate now?” she asked, closing her eyes. “I need to clear my mind. Can I trust you to accept Marik’s place in the structure?”
    “Yes,” soothed Robin. “I’m sorry. I’m ready now.”
    Rienne couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. The extraordinary experience of being able to comfort Sullyan’s damaged spirit had seemed so natural. It wasn’t something she had