Free The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I by Irene Radford Page A

with the force of his efforts and the rhythm of the girl’s tune.
    The joint snapped into place.
    Jaylor sagged in relief. But he didn’t let go of either the paw or the joint. He had to see the joint with his mind to make sure it was reset properly. He’d do it in a moment, when his shoulders and arms ceased quivering from the strain he’d put on them.
    “You did it!” Awe tinged the girl’s voice. Her fingers reached underneath his and dug into the thick fur. A different tune filled the clearing. “He’ll need a bandage for a few days to make sure it doesn’t slip out again.”
    Jaylor nodded, too spent to speak just yet. He wasn’t sure how he knew, but he knew the woman spoke the truth.
    He closed his eyes as he sank back onto his heels, his body and mind drained of energy. He’d used his magic once too often these last few days. Even with the nap yesterday and the drugged sleep last night, he could barely move his chest to breathe. His fingers reached for the timboor tucked into his pouch. He wasn’t aware of the gray berry until it was halfway to his mouth.
    Disgusted with himself, he shoved the magic fruit back into the darkness of the leather pouch. He wouldn’t use the drugging effect of timboor to rebuild his store of magic. Nor would he allow himself the luxury of artificial strength.
    “I need to get him inside, near the fire.” The woman’s soft words penetrated Jaylor’s tired mind.
    Inside! The wolf probably weighed more than she did. Stargods! How was she supposed to get him inside? He’d have to help. It was only a few steps, though it looked a league across the clearing.
    Wearily, he opened his eyes again. “I’ll help you.” His voice came out as a croak. A little ale, or even water would sure help him right now. He hadn’t performed that much magic. This aching fatigue could be a kind of hangover from the timboor. He firmed his resolve to avoid the berries even as he felt his fingers inching toward the pouch.
    “No. You rest. I’ve done this before.” She smiled. The sun shone with her happiness. He closed his eyes against the glare and laid his head next to the panting chest of the wolf.
    “Stupid.” he told himself. “This beast is still in pain and could lash out.” His gaze lingered on the yellow eyes. Wolf and man continued to stare at each other, measuring and evaluating strengths and weaknesses.
    The girl returned in just a moment with a blanket. Gingerly, while Jaylor cradled the injury, they rolled the beast onto the blanket. She rested briefly before dragging her burden inside.
    For the first time, Jaylor looked at her. Really looked at her. Her eyes were clear and sparkling blue, like the Great Bay in sunshine. Her skin was dusted with healthy freckles, already kissed by the sun at the equinox. A thick braid of University red hair hung down her back to below her waist.
    It was rare to see hair that red outside the University. Rarer still on a woman. Not all magicians had true red hair, like hers. Jaylor’s light brown locks only took on red lights in high summer when he spent most of his study hours outside. But it was more common to find red hair on a talented person than not.
    Women had no talent, so they rarely if ever had red hair. He shuffled his numb body after her as she dragged the wolf toward the hut. “What is your name?” he finally asked. He didn’t want to think of her as “The Witchwoman.”
    She was young for a witchwoman. Usually they were old and ugly, forgotten widows.
    “Brevelan.” The name floated over his tired consciousness like a soothing blanket.
    “You are as beautiful as your name.” Brevelan. Cool, calm meadows laced by quiet stream, sunshine and blue skies filled with rainbows. He reached for her hand and gathered it close against his chest. “I’m Jaylor.” Peace. Sleep.
     
    Brevelan placed a fresh bowl of water beside Puppy’s sleeping body. She didn’t want him moving any farther than necessary when he awoke. He would be