Page 94 of Search for the Lost

They huddled over Cypher’s still body. “We’re here, buddy,” Leo said, his expression unexpectedly tender. “You saved my Crispy’s life. Now we’re going to save yours.”

Cypher nodded weakly, his face tensed in pain.

Their companions formed a protective circle around them. Even Dorothy, who squeezed Cypher’s hoof. “You’re going to be all right, handsome deer-boy.”

Together, Crispin and Leo laid their hands on Cypher’s chest and closed their eyes. Crispin, with his magick, could almost see inside his ex-assistant’s supine form, could feel where the sword had done its damage. He felt Leo next to him and they blended their magicks, bringing them together with a satisfying sizzle. Bending their combined wills to Cypher’s healing, bit by bit they wove the torn tissues back together. But not too perfectly.

It was a complex task, requiring deep concentration, but they fell into it easily.

Blood vessel reconnected to blood vessel, muscle to muscle, sinew to sinew. They worked together seamlessly, like two expert surgeons, and slowly the wound narrowed and closed.

At last the skin formed a smooth brown surface. Even the soft brown fur had mended, though it was a bit lighter and fuzzier than the hide around it.

Cypher seemed unharmed now, save for the tear in his loose white shirt, which was stained with purple blood.

Crispin sighed and let go, opening his eyes. He felt exhausted.

Leo met his eyes. “Is he…?”

“Cypher?” The voice was young, feminine.

Crispin blinked away the fatigue and looked up to see another faun, her fur a tawny grey instead of Cypher’s chestnut brown.

“Is he all right?” She knelt next to her brother—for this had to be Cypher’s sister.

Crispin looked past her, to the open cottage door. Not my mother. “I… don’t know. We fixed him, but he lost a lot of blood⁠—”

Cypher gasped, taking in a gulp of air, and his eyes flew open and locked onto his sister. “Myra?”

“Cyphie!” She threw herself onto him, hugging him tightly. “You’re alive!”

Cypher blinked. “I am. And so are you!”

Warmth spread through Crispin as his eyes met Leo’s. We did it.

Leo nodded, and took Crispin’s hand.

But his happiness was tinged with something else. “Was… is my mother inside the bunkhouse with you?” She still might be. Maybe she was tied up, or ensorcelled, or….

Myra shook her head. “You must be the King of the Fae.” She lowered her gaze, falling to the ground. “Thank you for saving Cypher.”

“You’re welcome. And none of that.” He reached out and gently raised her chin. “The title’s only temporary, until I find her. She’s not inside?” His gut sank when she replied.

“No, it was just me and the Dukes.” She shuddered. “They were planning to do horrible things to me. I heard them talking about it.”

Leo dropped Crispin’s hand and embraced her. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.”

After releasing her, he smiled at Crispin. “Don’t worry, babe. We’ll find your mom.”

Crispin nodded. I have to believe that. But how would that happen, now that the Dukes were dead?

“I know where she is.” Dorothy set down the bucket, her face grim with determination. “Help me clean up this mess. After we have a little rest, I’ll take you there.”

32

Leopold

The morning after the Battle of East Kansas, Leo was still feeling a little dizzy.