The thought was all-consuming, and she closed her eyes in order to dream a little. But, then another thought struck her, and, opening her eyes, she looked up at First Rider and asked, "Did thou say thou plans to go and find me own husband?"
"I did. I…find him. Tracks fresh. My almost-brother and almost-cousin already on…trail."
"And, what does thou intend doing to him once thou hast found him?"
"Scouts justice" was all he replied.
"What be 'scouts justice'?"
"Cannot say."
"Thou cannot say? Why not?"
"Scout justice…known only to scouts. Cannot talk about."
"All right, but… Be it in thy mind to kill Ernest?" she asked.
"Maybe if…he attack me."
"Do not be killin' him. I wish no one harmed because of me."
First Rider didn't answer. And, a long moment of silence ensued between them, until at last, First Rider rose up to his feet and said, "Need more herbs. In…other room. I go…get. Fresh water, too. Sun soon rise. I get plants…I…need."
Liliann sighed. What was First Rider going to say when he saw the other bruises on her body? Though she didn't wish him to minister to her because she would have to undress, she sensed that somehow he would have his way and would look at them all before this night was through.
And, since there was a gash upon her that was close to a private spot, perhaps it would be best if her father were in the room, too, when her clothes came off.
She sighed. Aye, she was hurt. But, she was still alive. And, despite it all, she possessed a new treasure to hold on to forever: First Rider had told her she was in his heart. He had even asked her to marry him.
And, it was on this glorious thought when she dropped off into a deep healing sleep.
