of the wound; sometimes she is lucky other times she is not.”
“So what do we do?”
“Clean the wound with fresh water, bandage it and”—she choked on her words—“pray that she wakes up.”
Tarr watched Fiona from a distance. He wanted to go to her, take her in his arms and absorb her pain. But she would not appreciate interference now while she tended her sister. She would expect him to see that whoever did this was apprehended and punished.
He had every intention of doing just that for the coward that did this was surely a fool to think that he could penetrate Hellewyk’s borders, harm a member of the clan, and escape unscathed.
Tarr tempered his rage, losing it would do him no good. He must keep reason clear and his mind sharp so that he could outwit this man who dared to challenge him so blatantly.
“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