Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“Shamus,” he called out, and the young man hurried to his side. “Ride to the keep and inform Kirk of what has happened, also tell him that we require a cart and more men.”
Shamus took off on his horse and Tarr’s glance was once again drawn to Fiona. She hovered over her sister, protectively administering to her gently. That she feared losing her was obvious, and he suddenly regretted ever trying to separate them.
They possessed a special bond he had come to understand and respect. He would not force them apart; he would provide for Aliss as if she were his own sister. He would do this because he respected and admired Aliss and because of his love for Fiona. He wanted her happy and content, and that would not be possible without her sister’s presence.
He directed his horse over to Fiona and as he approached he could see her hands tremble and noticed how she nibbled at her bottom lip in worry. She had bandaged Aliss’s head and blood was seeping through the cloth.
Fiona’s head jerked up and her green eyes implored him for help.
“I sent for a cart and more men. We will get her home safely so that she may heal.”
“She needs to wake up,” Fiona nearly shouted on the verge of tears. She glanced down at her sister. “Do you hear me, Aliss, wake up!”
Raynor stood and reached out to calm her but she rejected him, jerking her arm away.
“Nay, she will listen to me and wake up,” Fiona shouted louder.
Tarr dismounted and approached her slowly. “When Aliss is ready, she will wake up.”
“She,” Fiona pointed to her sister, “will wake up now.” She pounded her fisted hand against her palm. “I insist. Wake up now, Aliss. Now.” Fear chilled her bones and she shivered. “She must wake up. Oh, God, please let her wake up.”
Tarr went to her side, and though she tried to deny his comfort, pushing him away with flaying hands, she finally crumbled in his arms and wept against his chest.
“Quiet!”
The forceful shout surprised them all.
“My head hurts,” Aliss said more softly.
Fiona was instantly at her side as was Raynor.
“An arrow pierced your skin and you still bleed,” Fiona said, then hurriedly asked, “What do I do?”
“Stitches?” Aliss winced as she raised her hand to touch the wound. “If the bleeding does not stop soon”—she paused for a breath—“you will need to stitch the wound.”
“I am not good with a needle,” Fiona protested.
“Do what must be done.” She took a breath. “I am weak and may not remain conscious long. Follow these instructions.”
A shout sounded for Tarr that riders approached, and with a quick look to Raynor to watch over the women, he hurried off.
When Aliss finished, she barely had a breath left in her.
Fiona took firm hold of her sister’s hand. “You will be fine, I will see to it.”
She watched Aliss’s eyes as they drifted shut.
“She needs rest,” Raynor said.
“You reason while I worry.”
“I try to look at this as Aliss would, and do what she would do. She did the same for me once and saved my life.”
“Aliss knows what to do.” Fiona shook her head. “I fear I do not know enough.”
“She instructed you and I listened well. I can help you.” He reached out and placed his hand over hers and Aliss’s. “We will save our sister together.”
“Forgive me. It will take time for me to realize I have a brother who truly cares.”
“Do not worry,” Raynor grinned. “I shall not let either of you forget it.”
“Aliss will be all right,” Fiona said with certainty, yet she wanted Raynor to confirm it.
He obliged with a hasty, “She will be her old self in no time.”
Fiona turned a sad smile on her brother. “We both attempt to convince.”
“Better than to think the worst.” Raynor shook his head, glancing down at Aliss. “The bleeding does not subside. You need to stitch the wound now.”
“What has happened?” A shrill screech ripped through the silent chilled air.
Raynor and Fiona turned to see Anya rushing toward them. Her purple cloak flew out behind her and her green eyes were wide with fright.
Raynor stood shocked to see his mother. She immediately went down on her knees beside her daughter. “Mother, what are you doing here? Where is father? How did you get here?”
“Your uncle Odo arrived shortly after you left and he brought me here. I could not bear to be away from my daughters. Now tell me what has happened to Aliss.”
“An arrow has grazed her temple,” Fiona explained, and wondered over a sudden sense of hope and comfort that rushed over her. It was the same feeling she had gotten when she was little and her mother would tend her when she was sick or wounded. “She slips in and out of consciousness and has told us what must be done.”