"Jonathan," I said weakly sitting up, my stomach still felt questionable.

“Like Daddy and his Brothers wouldn't be there when the shit goes down. The men's weapons will work," Kennedy huffed.

“Like Hannah and I won't be there to defend him! Don't go Loosing your fucking mind now!"

“Don't curse," I scolded rising unsteadily from the bed and stumbling to the main room. It wasn't like Kennedy to curse, I must have really scared her.

My men were in my head and I felt the jumble of their concern. They had felt my mind break and they had not liked it. For a moment they'd all felt like falling apart, but Luckily our bond wasn't Like that. I was still separate, although they felt my pain acutely. A quick talk with Arnold's family and they were on their way back to camp.

Hannah and her Sister crammed themselves into our main room once they heard my voice and the Little cave I shared with Rose felt tight. The girls were talking rapidly about what had transpired.

“Here,” Rose said pushing a cup into my hands, “drink this."

I sunk into one of the chairs by our fire pit and sipped the strange, tangy liquid. I felt drained, but I was still so worried for Jonathan. Tears burned my eyes and Rose encouraged me to drink more.

Arik and his Brothers had been alerted to my situation and knew of a newly discovered plant with calming effects on humans. Abram had instructed Rose how to prepare it. This concoction wouldn't dull me completely Like the men's calming cream did. They hoped this herb would just center me. Rose had made the drink to try to settle my mind. I had been to out of it to try it before now.

“How Long?" I asked embarrassed.

“The evening meal is in a little while," Rose answered pressing a cool cloth against my forehead and cheeks.

“Our camp mates understand your distress. Many of them have children in the compounds."

“I have to help him," I said whispered to Rose as she snuggled next to me on the chair.

"You don't do well when you have no way to control your children's safety," she said seriously.

“That is what usually creates this panic for you. We will help him, but you can't do it alone. Trust in your campmates and friends.”

I nodded and sipped at the liquid.

My stomach felt queasy, so I told Rose. A bit of the root was produced from the shelf in my room and Rose cut a serving off for me. The rest she put back. I nibbled the food and focused on calming my raucous thoughts.

I'd let myself panic because I'd felt powerless, but Rose was right. The camp had pledged itself to the compounds near here. Other camps had the same plan. I could help and I would help, but losing my mind did nothing. A free woman needed to be strong, I needed to be strong.

Hannah and Kennedy were busy discussing their own jobs in the coming fight. They planned to be at the Barnas compound when the war happened. Both sets of girls wanted to be there to protect their younger brother and his family. They'd have to hide carefully before the fight, but they were sure they could do it.

Suddenly, Hannah focused her attention on me. She cocked her head and stared at me. I watched her eyes narrow and her nostrils flared in anger.

“Why," she asked harshly, "do you have root here? Why would you need a ready supply of that?"

“My stomach is weak sometimes, Hannah," I explained as Rose gripped my arm.