Page 69 of Cottage in the Mist
“Can ye tell us what happened then, lad?” Fergus asked as William and Jeff joined them.
He opened his mouth but no words came, his gaze still locked with Lily’s.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter, Robby. What matters is that we’re here. And we’re going to help you.”
His name seemed familiar somehow, but remembering was nothing in the face of making sure that he lived. Obviously, he’d been there for some time. The crust of blood on his head and chest gave credence to her thoughts, but even so, the pulsing new blood was her main concern. If it could not be stopped then Robby could not be saved.
Gritting her teeth, she tore the linen shirt, exposing the wound. It was a long gash, a sword wound, clearly. And while the edges were trying to heal, the center still oozed. “We need to clean this and maybe cauterize it.” She wasn’t sure where the knowledge was coming from. Girl Scouts or maybe some biology classes, but she knew she was right. “We’ve got to stop the bleeding.”
Fergus leaned over her shoulder. “She’s right. And I think burning it is the only way. Although it will hurt beyond reckoning.”
Jeff nodded and motioned to William and the two of them set about starting a fire.
Lily pressed the folded linen to Robby’s chest. “I know this is frightening,” she crooned, “but I’m not going to leave you. And in the end this will save your life. I’m certain of it.” She wasn’t certain of anything, but she needed him to believe her. Living was part believing, after all.
Robby nodded, squinting his eyes as he bit his lip, trying to not to give in to the pain.
“I’m here, Robby.” She struggled to maintain her composure. Now wasn’t the time to lose it. She concentrated instead on the young man’s face. Somehow she couldn’t shake the fact that she recognized his name.
“Who are you?” he asked.
“Lily.” She smiled at him, then lifted her concerned gaze to Fergus. “Try to tell us what happened,” she said, returning her attention to her patient.
“Betrayed,” he breathed.
Lily nodded, not wanting him to stress himself further. “It’s going to be okay.”
He frowned at her words.
She focused and smiled. “All right. Robby, it’s going to be all right.”
Behind her, Jeff was holding his sword, the tip red hot.
She leaned down toward the injured man, shifting so that her arms encircled him. “I’m sorry, Robby, but this is going to hurt. It’s the only way to stop the bleeding.”
He tightened his jaw and nodded, his eyes locked on hers. “Do it, then.”
Lily nodded to Jeff, while Fergus and William moved into place to secure Robby’s arms and legs. Lily stroked his face, tears filling her eyes. Jeff crouched beside the injured man, the heated sword in his hand.
“Ready?” he asked.
Robby nodded, and Lily cupped his chin. “Think of something lovely.” It wasn’t enough, but it was all she had.
Jeff dipped the tip of the sword against the wound. Robby bucked and screamed and then was quiet.
“Jesus,” Jeff whispered. “Bloody brave bastard.”
“Aye, a rare hero, that,” Fergus added.
“Shite” was all William had to say.
Lily felt her stomach heave, but she fought against the wave. If Robby could stomach what had happened, so could she.
“Will he be okay?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“I canna say.” Fergus shook his head. “Puir wee bastard. He shouldna have lasted as long as he did.”
“I feel like I should know him,” Lily said, still trying to sort through her memories.
