"He's going to die before we reach home," Lor said softly, an edge to her voice that Victor liked not at all. She glanced at their prisoner, her mouth twisting faintly in displeasure. "The body can only go without for so long. He'll take nothing, not even water. This cannot go on, Victor. We cannot lose our son before we have had the chance to save him, and that selfish son of a bitch will rejoice in death."
"The man has lost his partner, Loraene, and found himself in the company of people who have imprisoned him. Speaking for myself, I can understand how a person could wish for death after losing everything that holds him to life," Victor replied, drinking from his cup. Lor turned his gaze to her mate, her dark eyes narrowing.
"While I appreciate your empathy, he is more than welcome to die so long as he does not take Samuel with him. How I wish I could just...just tear him apart with my bare hands! Curse his lover! I wish him eternal torment in the worst realm of Oblivion for what he has done, and I will take great pleasure in sending that imposter to his precious Tsarin there."
"Curse all you wish, wife," Victor said, his own tone growing stern, "But it changes nothing."
"We'll have to force feed him again. I will not lose my son, Victor."
Victor sighed, glancing in Idryius' direction with a small frown. "He allowed me to see to his wounds this morning. He has not done that before. Perhaps he will change his mind about nourishment as well."
Lor scoffed, shaking her head emphatically. "Your faith is misplaced."
Victor treated her to a dry smile. "Yes, they said that about you as well when we first met, yet here we are. Leave him be, Lor. Things will work out as they are meant to, no matter the outcome."
Lor fell silent, despite looking as though she had plenty enough to add. Victor rose before she had the chance, intending to check on Idryius and see if he had a need to relieve himself. However, as he did, Victor saw Idryius rise, his eyes fixed somewhere behind him. He paused and glanced over his shoulder, inhaling the scent of the wind even as his eyes caught sight of shadows bearing in slowly towards the camp.
"On your guard!" Victor growled loudly, not taking his eyes from the potential attackers. Immediately, those in the camp were on their feet and going for weapons, moving into a defensive formation around the camp. Victor glanced back at Idryius as he drew his sword, debating something. He seemed to come to a decision in short order. Sinking his sword into the snow, he withdrew one of his daggers and cut through Idryius' bonds, then pointed out one of the spare weapons leaning against a nearby tree. He said nothing as he took up his sword, leaving Idryius the choice to defend himself and fight, or not. He had serious doubts as to whether the man could do much of anything at all without having anything to eat or drink in so long, but he refused to leave him bound and defenseless during an attack. It lacked honor.