Page 50 of Lionheart

"Untiehim! Quickly!" She touched his leg, and he stared down at her. "FetchMair," she ordered Alan, who had dismounted and hovered nearby. His browcreased with worry, he hurried off.

Giles andSir Osgood lifted Lionheart from the saddle and would have carried him into thekeep had Lionheart not insisted upon walking. With a man on either side to lendsupport, Lionheart managed to stagger halfway up the stairs before his legsgave way beneath him.

"Donot let him fall!" Vanora cried, rushing to lend a hand. "Take him tothe solar."

"Thewound is naught but a scratch," Lionheart gasped through bloodless lips."I have suffered worse in my lifetime."

Both Mairand Father Caddoc were waiting for them in the solar. While Lionheart was beingcarried to the bed and stripped of his mail and chausses, Father Caddoc pulledVanora aside. "Is this your doing, child?"

"Nay,Father, 'twas Sir Ren. He wounded Lionheart to save my life. Lionheart ran meto ground a half-day's journey from Cragdon. We clashed swords, and Ilost."

FatherCaddoc crossed himself.

"Iacquitted myself well, Father, but my strength gave out beneath Lionheart'sfierce attack."

"Youwere wrong to leave the keep. Where was Lionheart's patrol while you wereengaging in swordplay?"

"Iknow not, though they arrived not long afterward. I did not want to leave him,Father, but Sir Ren insisted. Once we were sure we were not being followed, Isent Sir Ren on his way and returned to Cragdon. I wanted to be on hand whenLionheart arrived. Excuse me, I must go to my husband."

"Iwill stay in case I am needed to give last rites."

Blooddrained from Vanora's face. "Last rites will not be needed. Lionheart mostcertainly will not die." Turning abruptly, she fled to Lionheart'sbedside.

Mair hadalready begun probing the wound. His expression wary, Lionheart watched her."Be careful, woman, I do not intend to die by your hand."

"Mairis a healer; she will not harm you," Vanora said in an effort to calm him.

Lionheart'spain-glazed eyes lifted to Vanora, the glimmer of a smile turning up the cornerof his mouth. "It gladdens my heart to hear you say that."

"Youhave lost a great deal of blood, Sir Lionheart," Mair said after finishingher probing. "But it could have been worse. Who pulled out the arrow andstanched the flow of blood?"

"'Twas him," Lionheart said, his voice lowered to a thin whisper."The White Knight. I had him at the end of my blade. Know you his name,Mair?"

Mairducked her head, her eyes veiled. "Nay, I know no such knight. 'Twas a goodthing he did, however. He may have saved your life."

"Wereit not for him, I would still be hale and hearty. 'Tis yet another grievance Ihold against the young fool. He is younger than I imagined, and skilled beyondhis years."

"Donot talk, Lionheart," Vanora advised. "Conserve your strength."

"Luckwas with you," Mair said. "The arrow pierced the flesh beneath yourarm but was stopped from doing further damage by your ribs, though they may becracked. I will bind them after I stitch your wound."

"Makehaste," Lionheart said. "Lying abed is a waste of time."

Mairrolled her eyes. "Your wound may not be fatal, but 'tis a painful one. Youwill not feel like riding or wielding a sword for at least a fortnight."Lionheart gritted his teeth. "Do what is necessary, woman, and let medecide what I can or cannot do."

Maircarefully cleansed the wound, then threaded a needle with fine silk."Father Caddoc, hold his arm still," she ordered.

"Nay,"Lionheart said. "Vanora shall serve as nurse. Send the priest on his way.He is not needed here. I shall not die this night."

FatherCaddoc looked to Vanora for direction, and when she nodded, he left thechamber. "Proceed, Mair. Do your worst; I am ready." Vanora grippedhis arm and held it away from his body, exposing the wound to Mair's needle.Vanora's efforts were unnecessary, however. Lionheart did not so much as flinchas Mair's needle pierced his flesh.

Vanoramarveled at Lionheart's strength. His flesh beneath her hands was warm, hismuscles solid. His face was somewhat pale, but his eyes divulged no weakness.

He was aman who carefully guarded his heart. Could she reach it? Did she want to? Theanswer escaped her. Of one thing she was certain: She did not wish forLionheart's death.

Lionheartstudied Vanora's face as she held his arm steady. She winced each time theneedle pierced his flesh, as if the pain were hers. Did she feel something forhim? Did he even care? The answer surprised him. He cared.

"'Tis done," Mair said as she knotted the thread and broke it off."Vanora can apply the healing salve and bind your ribs."