The Bairn of Brianag

He took another breath and opened his mouth to speak, but he only let out a low sound. I said, "Don't speak, Robbie. I shall give you broth and tea and Old Creek Woman gives you medicine. Soon you will be stronger, and we shall go home."

He closed his eyes. I felt Kevin's hand on my shoulder, and slowly released Robbie's hand. I rose and followed Kevin out.

In the light, Kevin's eyes were narrowed, his mouth tight. "We must get him to Barraigh as soon as possible, out of this filthy place," he said.

"Yes. But Kevin . . . you can see how weak he is."

"He needs the doctor."

"Yes." Hope rose in me. "Can you bring him here, Kevin?"

He looked at the sky. "He is half a day's ride away," he said. "I fear there will not be time before the snow comes."

"But surely-"

He looked at me. "I will ride at once," he said. "We will travel through the snow if necessary."

I took both his hands. "Thank you, Kevin. Please, hurry."

He kissed me, his blue eyes on mine. "I shall."

He went away, and shortly returned mounted. I looked up at him. "Hurry," I said again.

He looked down at me, and then pushed his hat more firmly onto his head. "I will return as soon as I can, God willing," he said.

"I shall pray every moment until you return," I said.

He turned the horse and galloped away. I watched him grow smaller until he disappeared completely into the trees. I felt a cold touch on my cheek, and looked up. Large flakes were falling slowly, like tiny feathers floating down from the low clouds. I watched for a moment, then returned to sit beside Robbie.

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He slept most of the day. When he woke, I spooned broth and Old Creek Woman's medicine into him, a drop at a time. As the time passed, his sleep grew restless, and his fever returned. By nightfall, he was again in delirium.

"Jessie! Oh, Jessie, lass, lass!" he moaned. "Jessie. Let her live! Let her live!"

I held onto his hand and spoke soothingly to him, but he was unaware of me. Old Creek Woman brought in her leaves again and performed her rituals. I sometimes wept into my hands as he sobbed and groaned. In my mind I prayed, "Please, God, let him live!

Please do not let this be my punishment. Have I not atoned already? Please, do not take Robbie from me, for I myself will not live. Let him stay with the clan for the rest of his life!