Robbie lay in the second wagon.
“Mistress Isabella.”
The man who’d called her name, Ralph Faas, William’s older brother, hurried toward her. It was his wife, Esther, who had done all she could do to treat both Jamie and Robbie.
“William asked me to tell you no to stray too far from the wagons because we doona stop for the night. We’re only going to water the horses and give them a few hours’ rest before we start out again. My Esther says yer Guardian canna afford the delay of a full night on the road.”
Isa’s thank-you was lost on Ralph, who’d already turned his back, heading off to tend to the animals.
As she reached the second wagon, Esther was climbing down.
“That was a long ride,” she sighed, sending a tired smile back up toward Editha, who crouched at the opening, her small son in her arms. “I’ll hurry back to watch over Sean for you so you can have a stretch of yer legs as well.”
“I’ll watch him for you. Go ahead with Esther,” Isa offered, her arms fairly itching to hold the little boy.
“Are you sure? He sleeps at the moment, but he’s rare fussy with his back teeth coming in. Only being held seems to help him sleep.”
“I’m sure.”
Editha moved to the side of the opening, allowing Isa to climb inside before handing over the sleeping child. With a grateful smile, she left them.
The interior of this wagon was exactly the same as that of the other, packed with goods to sell and provisions to keep the families going on their travels. A pallet was tucked into the front, identical to the one she and Jamie had slept on.
Robbie lay very still, his chest bare save for the great bandage swathed around his ribs.
Isa made her way over to him, balancing the sleeping toddler against her shoulder as she stretched out her hand to feel his forehead.
The skin under her touch was hot and clammy. Though Isa made no claims to any knowledge of healing, she was sure this wasn’t a good thing.
The child in her arms slept soundly, his little mouth slightly open even after she’d managed to situate herself onto a spot on the floor next to Robbie.
She leaned her face down to the child’s, delighting in the soft feel of his sweet breath tickling her face. Tracing a finger lightly over Sean’s cheek, she marveled at the soft, smooth texture of his skin.
“Quite a picture, you with that babe in yer arms. Like a natural mother, you are.”
Isa started, looking up to find Robbie’s eyes fixed on her.
“I thought you slept,” she whispered, mindful of not waking the child. “How do you feel? Is the poultice helping?”
Esther had combined a variety of herbs and powders such as Isa had never seen before into a pasty mix that she had smeared across Robbie’s wound before wrapping it tightly with a bandage.
He completely ignored her question.
“Jamie came in to see me moments ago. His injuries are no healing properly. His face shows signs of infection, and since we’ve no medicine, you must promise to have Leah see to him first.”
He was panting as he finished speaking, as if so many words had taken more than he was capable of giving. Words that obviously came from the brainsickness of his fever because they made no sense.
“Promise me,” he hissed, trying to pull himself up to one elbow.
“You have my oath on it,” she answered, fearful he’d injure himself even more if he kept this up. “I’ll have yer... yer Leah see to Jamie first.”Daughterhad stuck in her throat, as if her heart would not allow her to form the word.
“Good,” he sighed, lying back down as if satisfied with her answer.
For long moments it was silent in the wagon save for the baby’s gentle snore and Robbie’s labored breathing.
“When we reach the keep, there’s one more thing I need you to do for me.”
His voice breaking the silence startled her. She’d been so sure he’d slept, she hadn’t realized he was simply gathering his strength until he lifted his head, his eyes glassy in his determination to speak.
