THE OVERCAST SKY CAST A CHILL when they crossed the courtyard, heading for the gate. Alek tried to keep his mind on the task at hand. Two vastly contradicting emotions ran through him at the moment.

The first; fury at whatever had attacked the village. The second; a strong wish that everything would just disappear so he could take Cat back to bed and stay there, for a few days at least.

It didn't help at all that he could still sense her energy. Their link seemed far ...