Chapter 71: Blood Loss II

"We all have been unhappy," Amia pointed out as she firmly pushed Zande to a sitting position. "How could what Clent did to me, to all of us, leave us unchanged? But Dedari will not desert us. He would never do such a thing, not even in the guise of a carelessly received wound."

  "Do you think he was careless then?" That frightened Zande even more. If Dedari had been careless, it meant her fears were closer to the mark than ever. 

"Take my blood, Zande. It is freely offered to you and Dedari. I hope that it provides both of you with strength and peace," Amia replied softly. She opened her wrist with one sharp nail and held it to Zande's mouth. "For Dedari, if not for yourself." 

Zande fed, then leaned down to her brother, whispering softly into his ear. 

"Take from me what is freely offered, brother, what you need. Take it for yourself and for all of us who depend so heavily on you. I offer up my life that you might live."