she asked. “And be honest. It will do you no good if you are not honest with me.”
“Damn, you have a way of making me feel guilty if I attempt to lie.”
“I guess I have my answer.” She walked away from him.
He swung his legs off the bed and braced his hands on either side of him as if preparing to stand. “I barely realize the dizziness.”
“But it is there.”
“How long before it is gone completely?” He stood slowly.
Aliss shrugged and sat at the table to work with her herbs. “That is difficult to know. It could be a day or two or a week or two. You will know when you feel your full strength return.”
He began to walk around the room.
Aliss noticed how his steps faltered now and again, though not as badly as when he had first attempted to walk. He had had to lean on her, take short steps, day after day until he could finally stand on his own.
She had thought he would protest being dependent on her, but he seemed comfortable with her assistance.
He talked as he walked. “Tell me about yourself, Aliss.”
“There is not much to tell.”
“Tell me anyway,” he urged. “Your voice has a way of soothing the soul, which I have no doubt aids in healing.”
Aliss was never comfortable with compliments. Healing to her was a privilege and she respected her learned skill, and did all she could to learn more. She derived a sense of satisfaction and self-worth from her healing work and intended to continue with it for as long as she could.
“Where were you born?”
“Northwest of here, where the mountains rise so high you would think they reach to the heavens.”
“Your parents still live there?”
“My parents passed on ten years ago, and what of you?”
“We talk of you not me.”
She smiled. “Why do you and Tarr battle?”
Raynor broke into a huge grin. “Tarr is foolish to think that one twin is stronger than the other.”
“My sister is much stronger than I.”
“I see a balance of strength between the two of you,” he said. “And I do not understand how Tarr cannot see the obvious differences between you.”
“He does not look closely enough.”
“I heard the differences,” he said proudly.
“What did you hear?” she asked curiously.
Raynor paced slowly beside the table. “I heard a gentle caring in your voice.” He laughed. “I actually thought I had died and an angel spoke to me, then I heard your sister.” He laughed again. “For a moment I thought perhaps heaven and hell fought over me.”
Aliss could not prevent herself from laughing, though she was quick to defend her sister. “Fiona has a good heart.”
“I have learned that, but at the time the sharp tone of her voice warned me that she was not to be taken lightly. Where your hands healed, hers could do damage. You also have patience—”
“Fiona has—”
“Patience when it suits her,” Raynor finished. “Your strength comes in your tender, caring nature. Fiona’s strength comes in her quick mind and actions. She would defend you with her life.”
“As I would her.”
“A bond like yours is rare and I dare say cannot be broken.”
“We will not let it be,” Aliss said adamantly.
He walked over to her. “You and your sister can live in peace on my land. My people would welcome your healing skills, and they would welcome a warrior such as your sister.”
“You tempt me with your generous offer, but the choice must be Fiona’s. If she finds Tarr to her liking, then she will convince Tarr that we are not to be separated. Wherever we go, we go together.”
“There are no conditions to my offer.”
“I appreciate your generosity,” she said, comfortable that he spoke the truth to her. He was a warrior in strength, demeanor and word, which made him an honorable man and why she was curious as to his battle with Tarr.
“I have little time here.”
She held up her hand. “Tell me no more, for I will speak the truth when questioned.”
“When the time is right, I will tell you everything, and you must trust me.”
She was surprised by his adamancy. “I would trust that any decisions would be left to me.”
“You are wise beyond your years, and I believe you would make a wise choice.”
His answer disturbed her for it sounded more like a warning. She watched him make his way back to the bed, fighting to regain his strength in each step he took. Soon he would be fully recovered. She felt he probably was