The Bairn of Brianag

I closed my eyes again. "I love you," I said. "I am so happy to be home."

He said nothing, but stroked my fingers with his thumb.

"Robbie," I said, remembering. "Did you find my letter?"

"Yes, I found it when I arrived last night," he said. "I am sorry I did not come to you at once. You would not have needed to walk all the way."

"It is no matter," I said; "we are together now."

He did not answer, but continued to caress my hands. The gentle sensation soothed me, and I finally fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

______________________________

I woke slowly, my first awareness being of comfort. Gradually the recognition of my surroundings came to me. I felt such a flood of relief and joy that I shivered with it; then shuddered as the pain of my wounds awoke also.

As I stirred, I heard movement in the room; then I saw Rabbit come toward the bed.

"I go fetch Mr. Robbie," she said, and hurried out.

A moment later I heard Robbie's boots on the stairs. I pushed myself up with my arms; pain seared through my skin and shuddered into my mind. My vision clouded; through the ringing in my ears, I heard Robbie shout to Polo. I breathed slowly until I could see again.

He was reaching out his hands to me; but then he drew back. I looked at him, taking each breath carefully. His face was tight and pallid, his lips flattened out; his eyes were as dark as oak leaves in winter.

"May God damn your mother to hell," he said.

Beneath the pain a tiny tendril of strength grew in me.

"Rabbit! Bring the ointment," he said.

"Yes, Mr. Robbie. I fetch the water, too," she said, scurrying out.

A long moment later Robbie held a glass to my lips; I jerked back at the sting of spirit in my nostrils but he put it to my mouth again and this time I drank, gagging briefly, then swallowed over and over, determined not to retch.

The whisky burned into my belly, and Robbie held the glass for me to drink again, and I did. The heat of the spirit took my attention from my wounds and spread from my middle into my limbs as I sat leaning on my hands, breathing, breathing. At last I opened my eyes again and looked at him.

"Better," I said. "Thank you."

"Lie down again, lass," he said. "Rabbit will bathe you again, and put on the medicine."