Anna, Deidra and her two helpers hurried into the chamber with their supplies.
"Her legs do not appear to be broken," Colin said. "But she might have other hidden injuries."
"We'll check her over." Deidra removed the blanket.
"I'll wait over here." Colin turned his back to stare out the window at the leaden, gray sky and snowy mountains.
He prayed they would find no other wounds. The head injury and broken arm were bad enough. The women worked quietly, murmuring amongst themselves for several minutes.
"The men said Holme was dead," Anna murmured at his elbow.
Colin glanced at her, nodding.
She blinked back tears. "What did he do to her? Beat her?"
"I have no inkling. But we figured he had her rolled up in a sooty canvas. He probably took her from the bedchamber in it. 'Twas lying beside the road."
"Did he toss her from the horse?" Anna's green eyes flashed with rage.
Imagining that, Colin's whole body ached and his fury flared again. "Knowing Holme, aye. Or, considering they were riding like the devil, she could've fallen off. Either way, 'tis most likely why her head wasn't bleeding—the canvas at least protected her in that way."
"I'm thankful to you that Holme can no longer hurt anyone else."
"Thank your brother also. Ralston shoved me aside and rushed in first. That's why he was injured."
Her eyes widened. "Good Lord. He must truly be our brother."
"I believe he is."
Anna moved back toward the bed, but knowing Kristina was still uncovered and likely unclothed, Colin did not turn.
"What have you discovered?" Anna asked.
"She has several new bruises that are starting to swell and turn violet, especially her shoulder and the upper part of her back on one side," Deidra reported. "But, thankfully, no cuts. And no more broken bones, besides her arm."
The absence of cuts was good news. Less chance of infection. But still, hearing about the bad bruising made Colin want to strangle Holme, even though the bastard no longer drew breath. How could any man treat the lass in such a horrific way?
"She wasn't—" Anna's voice caught. "The knave didn't force her, did he?"
"I saw no signs of rape," Deidra said.
Thank the saints for that. Colin hadn't seen any indications of rape either when he'd checked her legs earlier, but he was glad to have it confirmed by the healer.
"What about her ribs?" Anna asked.
"Let me see." Silence followed. "I don't feel any broken ones, but they could be cracked. I'll have to check them again when she wakes."
Colin closed his eyes, wishing he had been the one who'd sustained the injuries instead of Kristina. Although she was resilient and strong in spirit, she was physically too fragile to endure such rough handling. Still furious with Holme, he clenched his teeth.
"We have her covered now," Deidra said.
Inhaling a deep breath to dispel his anger, Colin turned around, again struck by her wan skin. "When do you think she will awaken?"
"Cannot say." Deidra frowned. "Hopefully this eve or tomorrow."
"What can I do to help?" Anna moved closer to the bed.
"Mix these herbs into a poultice. We'll put it on her head to reduce the swelling."
