Jerry knew only that the Grayfur Rat Priest came from the Stuen Clan, just as he did. He had never imagined she was female...
The Grayfur Rat Priest bathed in an icy stream up to her waist while Jerry stood rigid as a spear on the bank. It looked like a Ratfolk tale of a princess in distress and her knight.
Once she had washed away the mud and blood, the Grayfur Rat Priest stepped ashore.
Jerry lowered his head. "Grayfur Priest, we should return to the Hive City now..."
"No. The Hive City has been exposed."
"Grayfur Priest, the craftsmen and Rat Mothers are in the Rat Nest. We have to warn them..." Inspiration suddenly struck Jerry. "Why don't you hide here while I go back?"
"...I'm coming with you."
The Grayfur Rat Priest walked over to Jerry. The difference in their heights sent his heart fluttering again.
But the Grayfur Rat Priest belonged to the Clan's true upper ranks. Jerry had no right to get too close to her, even as a Champion Rat Captain.
Suppressing the desire in his eyes, Jerry carried the dripping Grayfur Rat Priest on his back and hurried toward the Rat Nest.
The cold night wind stole heat from the weakened Grayfur Rat Priest, but the warm, strong body against hers kept her from freezing.
As the water on her fur dried, the Grayfur Rat Priest's icy exterior began to thaw...
Late that night, they approached the Rat Nest.
"We'll stay here a while," the Grayfur Rat Priest said. "Rest while you can. I'll need Captain Jerry to protect me later."
Jerry did not argue. He leaned against a rock and closed his eyes for the first time in days.
He did not know how long he had slept before a sharp pain