Page 69 of Marin’s Promise

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The Grahams had left not long after the archers, thank goodness. Marin did not see them the following day either.

She swept into her sisters’ rooms to find Leila sitting up in bed, her face chagrined.

Isla had informed Marin the youngest sister had developed a slight fever, though one would never suspect as much now. Leila fidgeted with the irritation of a healthy girl trapped in her room.

“I don't understand why I wasn't allowed to at least go out and look down at the Grahams.” There was an uncharacteristic petulant whine to her tone. “They couldn’t hurt me from where they were.”

The fragrant smell of steeping herbs filled the room. Isla worked soundlessly near a table, carefully adding a small portion of honey to the tea.

“You know it's only because we love you, Leila.” Marin swept the hair from her sister's face. The chubbiness of youth had left her cheeks. New slender lines of strong cheekbones were showing and hinted at the beautiful woman this sweet girl would become. Marin's heart swelled with maternal pride, the way it always did when she regarded Leila.

“If they come back, may I go outside to see them?” Leila asked.

Marin put a hand over her sister’s. The temperature of her skin was wonderfully normal. “They won't come back-”

“They will.” Leila's mouth pursed. “There is great sadness on the horizon.”

A ribbon of fear curled in Marin. She knew well enough to not dismiss lightly Leila's words, especially when spoken with such seriousness.

“You mustn't say such things,” Marin chided.

“She has a gift.” Isla turned toward them with the steaming mug of tea cupped in her palms. “Ye shouldna silence the child when she speaks with the wisdom given to her by the gods of old.”

“A gift that can get her killed if overheard by the wrong people.” Marin gave the healer a hard look.

Isla rolled her eyes. “Fools, the lot of them.” She pushed the mug toward Leila.

“Dangerous fools.” Marin moved back from the bed to allow the healer to approach Leila with the tea.

Leila did not accept the tea.

“This will be yer last, then ye’re free to go about,” Isla promised.

Leila obediently drank, her eyes large and haunted by whatever they'd seen, eyes that were far too old to be that of a ten-year-old child. If only Marin could simply wrap her sister in her arms and blot out everything awful and terrible.

Life on the border was hard enough without the threat of Leila being denounced as a witch. Isla had managed to avoid accusation thus far as her healing skills were invaluable. But would Leila’s own dabbling in herbs and healing be enough to keep her safe in the future?

“This will make ye sleep a bit more.” Isla took the empty mug and settled a withered hand over Leila's head. “And then ye may rise from yer bed for as long as ye have the energy to do so, aye?”

Leila's mouth lifted at the corners in a wan smile, as though she were trying to rally her own flagging spirits. Marin caught her sister in a hug.

“You don’t understand,” Leila whispered in a choked voice. “Our poor Anice. She will be so sad.”

“You needn't worry on such things.” Marin gave her one last squeeze and released her. “She is stronger than you think.”

Leila's mouth twisted to the side and she looked away, giving her head a slight shake. Marin swept a hand lovingly down her silky cheek and stood by the bed waiting for the girl’s narrow chest to rise and fall with deep and even breathing. Isla remained as well, which was exactly what Marin had hoped.

“You cannot encourage her visions,” Marin said in a low tone. “Look at what it does to her. If accusations will not kill her, she may well be undone by the pain.”

Isla frowned and shook her head. “Ye canna stop the sight, so ye might as well benefit.”

“Do not encourage her further,” Marin said resolutely.

The old woman nodded, and her tawny eyes sparkled. “Did yer wedding night go well enough, lass?”

Marin cheeks went immediately hot and she stared at the healer for a long moment, unsure of how to respond. The woman seemed to revel in discussions that ought not be spoken aloud.