Dream of Me/Believe in Me

drew her gown from her back. She felt his gaze on her. He moved away from the bed but returned almost at once. With gentle strokes, he applied a soothing ointment to the two thin red marks.
    His touch almost undid her. She yearned to turn over, hold out her arms to him, and reassure him that she was fine. Only the image of Hawk in the cell, still facing an unknown fate, stopped her.
    Though she loathed the need for it, Cymbra moaned again.
    Wolf sighed raggedly. He straightened away from the bed and gently pulled a cover up over her. A moment longer, he stood looking down at her. His hand lightly touched her hair. Then he was gone.
    Alone, she was free to cry out the turmoil of emotions plaguing her these many hours and did so, her tears soaking the pillow. At length, she quieted and raised her head. There was no sound from outside the lodge, no indication of a guard or anyone else nearby.
    Quickly, before her resolve weakened, she rose, threw on a cloak, and opened her medical box. It was the work of moments to find what she needed.
    The guards in front of the cells received a ration of cider and food several hours before dawn. Slipping from the lodge, a gray shadow concealed within the deeper shadows of the night, she made her way cautiously to the kitchens. The barrel of cider was just within, near the door. Carefully easing out the plug, she shook in a finely ground powder. It was the same drug she had given to Dragon to make him sleep.
    With the plug back in place, she shook the barrel lightly, then quickly concealed herself behind the door to the root cellar. A short time later, the senior guard came to fetch the food and drink. Cymbra held her breath until he was gone, then moved to the window looking out toward the cells. From there, she had a clear view of the men as they ate and drank, talking quietly among themselves. Quickly enough, their conversation gave way first to silence, then to snores.
    With a final, careful look in all directions, Cymbra left the kitchens and ran across the field to the cells. Her heart pounded wildly and her hands shook so badly she feared she would not be able to hold the key even when she found it. But the moment her fingers touched the cool metal, she calmed.
    The heavy lock made a faint screeching sound as it gave way, causing her to flinch. A quick glance over her shoulder reassured her that the guards in the watchtowers had not heard.
    When she turned back to the door, Hawk was at the grille, his hands closed so tightly on the bars that his knuckles were white. He stared at her in mingled hope and disbelief. “Cymbra, thank God! Are you all right?”
    She nodded quickly. “You must promise me something.”
    “What?”
    “You won't kill the guards. Wolf didn't at Holyhood and you mustn't either. Can you promise that?”
    He looked down and saw that she was about to release the lock. Saw, too, the men slumped unconscious outside the door. Understanding came swiftly and with it admiration.
    “You are a brave woman, my sister.”
    Although his praise warmed her, she shook her head. “Only a desperate one. Promise?”
    “Promise,” he agreed even as he motioned to his men.
    Cymbra opened the door to be caught in her brother's arms. He held her with great care but she felt his fierce joy all the same. Still holding her, he gave a few murmured orders. Barely were they spoken than the men were in motion, flowing out of the cell, hugging the darkness as they headed for the towers.
    The guards, taken by surprise, fell soundlessly. The gates to the stronghold were eased open.
    Cymbra hugged her brother close. She had no idea when, if ever, she would see him again and the thought tore at her. But she managed a weak smile. “I love you. With all my heart, I thank you for everything you did for me.” Her voice caught. She gathered herself and rushed on. “Now go quickly and in safety.”
    Hawk gazed down at her. His eyes were unusually gentle. He touched her cheek lightly. “So brave, Cymbra. Always the healer, always willing to sacrifice yourself for others.”
    She started to say again that she was not and again that he must go, but she had no chance. His arm slipped around her even as his hand closed on her mouth. As shock roared through her, he said, “But never would I leave you here after this.”
    Too late, she realized his intent and her own terrible mistake. She tried frantically to struggle but her brother'sstrength was as great as her husband's. He lifted her