26.

You chose rashly.

I've warned you before.

She is far too clever and you underestimate the Sapient.

-Queen Sia to the Warden; private letter ***

"It's poisoned!"

Finn clambered over the table and grabbed her; she choked, clutching his arms.

"Do something!"

Gildas shoved him aside.

"Get my bag of medicines. Hurry!"

It took him precious seconds to find it, and by the time he got back Gildas had Attia lying on her side, writhing in pain. The Sapient grabbed the bag and tore through it, then pulled the cap off a small vial and held it to her lips. Attia struggled.

"She's choking,"

Finn muttered, but Gildas only swore, forcing it on her so that she drank it and coughed and convulsed. Then, with a horrible racking sound she was sick.

"Good," Gildas said quietly. "That's it."

He held her tight, his quick fingers feeling her pulse, the clammy skin of her forehead. She was sick again, and then slumped back, her face white and mottled.

"Is it out? Is she all right?"

But Gildas was still frowning.

"Too cold," he muttered. "Get a blanket."

Then, "Close the door and guard it. If Blaize comes, keep him out."

"Why would he...?"

"The Key, fool boy. He wants the Key. Who else would have done this?"

Attia moaned. She was shivering now, a strange blueness on her lips and under her eyes. He obeyed, slamming the heavy door.

"Is it out of her?"

"I don't know. I don't think so. It might have entered the bloodstream almost immediately."

Finn stared at him in dismay. Gildas knew about poisons; the women of the Comitatus had been experts, and Gildas had not been above learning from them.

"What else can we do?"

"Nothing."

The door shuddered; it hit Finn on the shoulder and he turned, drawing the sword with one fierce slash.

Keiro stood still "What's ...?"

His quick eyes took in the scene. He said, "Poison?"

"Some corrosive."

Gildas watched the girl retching and squirming. He stood slowly, resigned.

"There is nothing I can do."

"There has to be!"

Finn shoved him aside.

"I could have eaten that! It could have been me!"

He knelt down next to her, trying to lift her, make her easier, but her mutters of pain made him stop. He felt angry and helpless.