Chapter 9
Elrod kept the group moving until he found a site he thought was defensible. The hunters carefully undid the straps supporting Heather and lowered her to the ground. They then lifted Betty down who immediately began fussing over her Princess. Camp was set up quickly and a tent erected for Heather. The bandage had stopped the bleeding but her pulse was faint and her breathing very shallow. There wasn’t much they could do except wait for Daniel. The priest did his part by praying and Elrod busied himself organizing the military aspects of the camp. He had scouts sent out to help locate Daniel and to track the enemy troops. Many sentries were posted and the defense plan decided on.
Darkness had fallen and still no sign of Daniel. Betty was nearing exhaustion but refused to leave Heather’s side. Despite her will, she fell asleep. The moon had risen before Jeremy and Daniel arrived. Their movement into the tent awakened Betty who began talking so rapidly that Daniel could not keep up with her. He finally said, “Betty, I am here now and need to concentrate on helping Heather.” He began the exam by taking her pulse which was weak but still regular. Her breathing was shallow and not so regular. He pulled down her eyelids and even in the candlelight the paleness was obvious. The dressing was caked with dried blood but when removed from the wound, fresh bleeding arose. Daniel began cleansing the wound with concentrated sacred water. A large mat of tangled hair was incorporated into the wound. It became obvious to Daniel that the only thing that prevented the blow from penetrating Heather’s skull had been her thick braid of hair. Her remaining hair was trimmed so the wound could be completely cleansed. He used small pieces of thread to tie off the arteries and veins that were bleeding. As he began stitching the wound together Heather would groan when the needle was pushed through her skin. Daniel said, “You hurt, my love, which means you live. Suffer this pain for me.”
The morning sky was getting light when Daniel walked out of the tent. Most of the troops were waiting silently outside of the tent. Daniel told them, “Heather of the Northern Palace, lives but is very weak. I have done all that I can. Now we must wait.”
The priest spoke up saying, “I will continue my prayer vigil.”
Daniel nodded in appreciation and then said, “Come and speak with me for a minute.” When they had withdrawn to the edge of the camp Daniel continued, “Heather has lost too much blood. My grandfather told me that it was possible to share blood but I don’t know how. Do the sacred scrolls contain anything on sharing blood?”
The priest assumed his meditative posture and began staring upward. For several minutes he concentrated on reading the pictures of the scrolls which were in his memory. He apologized to Daniel saying, “I just don’t have the experience with the ancient scrolls that you of the forest have.” He continued, “There is one scroll that I have studied which talks about blood and how it can only be shared once. It may have the knowledge you need.”
“Go on.”
The priest began reading from memory the ancient scroll, “The use of blood from one who is strong can give strength to one who is weak from loss of blood. The one who receives the gift may suffer from fever for one to three days following the gift. If a second attempt is made to transfer strength the recipient may suffer from very high fevers that imperil their lives. Proper preparation of the blood transfer tube with concentrated sacred water will minimize the fever.”
“Go on.”
“There is no more.”
“But the scroll did not tell us how to transfer the strength.”
“I’m sorry, my knowledge of the ancient scrolls is just too limited. I wish one of the forest priests could be here to help.”
Daniel realized he had been pushing hard and said, “You have given me something to work with, a starting place. Now it will be my responsibility to solve the rest of the puzzle.”
The priest looked at Daniel and said, “If you are to help the Princess, you must take care of yourself. You look exhausted. Maybe a few hours of sleep will allow your mind the peace it needs to solve this problem. I will pray for both you and the Princess.”
Despite his anxiety Daniel needed to sleep. Jeremy had pushed him hard and when the scout found them and reported on Heather’s condition he had pushed himself even harder. He needed to think but his mind seemed foggy from the fatigue. He sat in the shade of one of the ever present boulders to think. His thinking lasted only a few minutes before sleep overtook him and he slumped to the ground. For three hours he lay there unconscious but with his mind working on the problem. When he awoke his neck was stiff from the awkward position he had slept in. He was anxious about how long he had left Heather and his anxiety did not subside until he had checked on her. Her bleeding had stopped but she had not yet regained consciousness.
Heather had responded to the pain of suturing which made Daniel think that her head injury did not include brain damage. She just needed strength to recover. He decided to try and give her the strength of his blood. He asked that Jeremy be found. When Jeremy arrived Daniel told him, “I need a small stem of a reed that is hollow and less than one-fourth the diameter of your little finger. It should be at least two feet long.”
Jeremy did not ask what the stem was for, instead he replied, “I will need to find some ground that is moist at least part of the time. I think the water grasses will meet your needs. We will need to search the dry creek beds, it will take some time.”
“The quicker the better. Thanks.”
While Jeremy and several of the hunters headed out looking for the hollow reed he needed, Daniel redressed the wound on Heather’s head. After gently cleansing it he lightly kissed the top of her head before applying an herbal cream to the wound and a clean dressing. Then he waited. Time seemed to crawl by. When he had awakened from his short sleep he had already formulated a plan, now he needed a tube. Daniel had never been good at waiting and now the wait was agonizing. It was late afternoon before Jeremy returned with a handful of slender reeds. It was obvious that Jeremy had pushed himself hard to accomplish the task. Daniel placed his hand on Jeremy’s shoulder and said simply, “Thanks, my friend.”
Daniel placed two of the reeds in a basin which he filled with concentrated sacred water. While they soaked he looked for a vein in Heather’s arms but nothing was visible. He compared his veins which were easily visible but she had lost so much blood that there wasn’t enough left in her body to fill her veins. Daniel then remembered the large vein he had tied off in her scalp. With Betty questioning his action, he used a knife to cut the threads holding her scalp wound closed. He explained his plan of inserting the reed into this vein and then inserting the other end into one of his veins.
Betty immediately objected saying, “We should use my blood because I’m a woman too.”
Daniel reminded her that because of his much larger size he could give more blood. Betty accepted this but still insisted on helping. Daniel accepted her offer and had her prepare the cloth by soaking it in the sacred water. When Daniel stretched the wound looking for the vein, Heather groaned from the pain. Daniel said out loud, “My love, I am sorry for the pain but it does show you live.”
Daniel inspected the vein. The part he had tied off had collapsed but by gently pulling the tissue further apart he found a section which was filled with blood. He covered this with a moist dressing and turned his attention to his own veins. His left leg had a large vein on the side of his calf. He tied a string around his leg below the knee which caused the vein to stretch even bigger because of the increased back pressure. He washed the area with the concentrated sacred water and picked up his obsidian scalpel. He cut the skin above the vein, biting his lip to control the pain he was inflicting on himself. He then teased the tissue away from the vein. Daniel could taste the salty blood from biting his own lip but he ignored the pain. He placed a piece of thread around the vein. Touching the vein ever so lightly with the obsidian scalpel opened a slit in the vein which b
egan losing blood immediately. He had Betty hold pressure as he picked up one of the reeds. He let fluid drain out of it and inserted one end into the opening of the vein. He then tied the thread loosely around the vein and the tube. Blood was now running out the end of the tube. When Betty held pressure against the vein the bleeding stopped.
Daniel was now working hunched over with his leg near Heather’s head. He used the obsidian scalpel to make a similar slit in Heather’s vein. He inserted the tube into this opening and tied a thread around it loosely. When Betty released pressure on his vein some blood began to flow from him to Heather. He was very uncomfortable hunched over and when he tried to sit the tube kinked. Daniel resumed his original position but could no longer feel any blood flowing through the tube. He gently massaged the tube but it seemed to have been damaged.
Betty asked what was wrong and Daniel replied, “We need to change the tube.” Daniel reversed his initial steps and removed the tube from first Heather’s vein and then his own. He took the second reed he had prepared and inserted it in his own vein first. After checking to make sure the blood flowed easily through the tube, he again had Betty hold pressure against the vein. He inserted the free end into Heather’s vein and again secured it with the thread. Now when Betty released the pressure he could feel the blood flowing through his vein and the tube into Heather. He slowly stood up which caused the blood to flow a little faster.
Betty asked, “How long does it take to transfer strength?”
Daniel answered her, “I don’t know. When it seems like we have transferred enough I will remove the tube and hold pressure until all the bleeding stops.”
Daniel began whistling softly as he stood quietly allowing his strength to drain into Heather. It did not seem that the transfer was affecting him. He would check his pulse every few minutes and noticed that it was going up a little but otherwise he wasn’t noticing any change. He tried to visualize how much blood was coming out of the tube but since he didn’t know how much blood he had in his own body it was a meaningless exercise. It did seem that Heather’s color was improving. He carefully stooped down and felt her pulse. It was definitely stronger. As Daniel stood up again everything began to rotate around him. He tried to fight the sense of motion and impending darkness but it was more than he could bear. He passed out.
Betty began screaming for help which was just outside their tent. The priest entered first and asked what happened. Betty said, “The healer stood up and then fell asleep and now this tube is bleeding.”
The priest could see blood draining out of a tube which was still attached to Daniel’s leg. He asked Betty, “Did the healer tell you what to do?”
Betty was under better control and relatively calmly said, “He had me push against the thing he called a vein to make it stop bleeding.” She immediately used one of the moist cloths to hold pressure and the bleeding slowed. She said, “I think the tube should come out.”
“Do you know how to take it out?”
Betty remembered how Daniel had undone the thread and pulled the tube out. She nodded her head and began trying to untie the thread. It didn’t seem to want to come off so she just pulled on the tube and it came out of the vein. The vein was now bleeding again but pushing against the vein made the bleeding stop.
There they sat with the priest holding pressure against Daniel’s leg and Betty holding pressure against Heather’s scalp. It seemed like everyone was trying to look over their shoulders to see what was going on. The Betty finally said, “The Princess can’t breathe with everybody in here.”
That was enough of an order that everybody else left the tent. After about 15 minutes Daniel began groaning and opened his eyes. It took him a few minutes more to become aware enough to ask what happened. The priest explained what Betty had seen. Daniels next question was how Heather was doing. The priest assured him that she was doing OK. Daniel began fretting about her scalp wound but when he tried to sit up the world began to move again. He fought the sensation but to no avail, blackness returned and he fell back to the ground.
When Daniel awoke the second time he was much more cautious. He lay quietly until his thoughts were organized and carefully rolled over until he could feel Heather’s pulse. It was strong and regular and her breathing was almost normal. She was warm with a little fever just as the ancient scroll had predicted. Betty was still holding pressure against the vein. He had her release the pressure and some blood began to ooze from the wound. Daniel propped himself up on his elbows and inspected the wound closer. He had Betty hand him another piece of thread which he tied around the vein. This stopped the bleeding completely. The wound needed to be re-closed, Daniel first cleansed it again with the sacred water. He began using his needle to again close the wound. Heather groaned each time the needle penetrated her scalp. After several stitches were placed Heather awoke and Betty had to hold her arms down. She was confused but definitely reacting to the pain.
Daniel stopped his suturing and said, “Heather of the Northern Palace you must lay still while I finish sewing.”
Heather was orientated enough to reply, “It feels like you’re sewing my head shut.”
“I am.”
Heather lay quietly while Daniel finished his repair work. She would wince with every suture but she stayed quiet. Betty began explaining all that had happened in her simple speech. Heather tried to follow this story but her mind was still fuzzy and it didn’t make much sense. Daniel finished his last suture and lay back exhausted from the effort. He tried to stay awake but he was just so tired that he slipped back to sleep. Heather was going to be okay.
Betty was repeating the story for the third time before it finally began making sense to Heather. She was not understanding how Daniel could have transferred his strength to her. Betty explained again about using the grass tube but Heather held up her hand and said, “That’s enough for now. I need to rest.”
The night was coming on and Betty covered both of them with their capes. She then sat in the back of the tent watching over them. The tent opened and Jeremy stepped in. It took his eyes a bit to adjust to the dim light. He could see the two figures lying on the mats and finally recognize Betty sitting in the back. He whispered to her, “I’ll take the watch for awhile, why don’t you get some food.”
“I’m okay.”
“Betty, I heard what you did. The Forest Folk consider you a hero but even heroes need to eat. You need to take care of yourself if you’re going to help Heather. Go eat.”
Betty left the tent and Jeremy sat in the deepening darkness looking at his friend and the woman he loved. They both seemed to be sleeping fairly comfortably. Their breathing was almost synchronized but yet easily told apart. Daniel had a faint snoring characteristic to his breathing which hadn’t changed since childhood. Just listening to the sound brought back memories of the many forest adventures they had shared. Heather’s breathing seemed to match Daniel’s rhythm but had a more musical characteristic to it. They fit together well. Tears welled up in his eyes when he considered the possibility of losing his friend. Silently he said, “I’m not sure what you did but you’d better recover from it.” He had always taken it upon himself to watch over Daniel even when they were young children. The elders in the village occasionally complained that he endangered Daniel and himself during their excursions but things always worked out. They had some great adventures together. When he thought of Heather, he could not help being a little jealous. This stranger had come into Daniel’s life and now he had to share Daniel with her. He knew Heather brought happiness to Daniel’s heart but in his own heart he felt he was losing some of his friend.
Betty soon returned and resumed her watch in the back of the tent. They both sat silently watching over their friends. Sleep soon overcame them also. As daylight was presenting Jeremy awoke, he listened to the regular breathing of Daniel and Heather and slipped out of the tent. Ben had returned from his missi
on to the Northern army. He had arrived in the camp just before moonrise and the start of the attack on the catapult. He had walked by the sentries and announced himself to the camp proper. The sudden appearance of the stranger in their midst had caused an uproar which even awoke the King. Nobody wanted to believe he was an envoy of the Princess until he showed them the locket she’d given him. He was finally allowed to see the King.
The King received the locket from Ben and kept turning it over in his hands while he listened to Ben’s report. As soon as Ben finished the King gave the order to prepare for the attack. While the camp prepared itself for battle, the King asked Ben to stay with them awhile so he could hear more of his daughter. The camp mobilized quickly but was not yet ready when the valley filled with the light and noise of Daniel’s work. The advance troops were moving and the battle soon began. The Northern army was now on more equal footing without the attacks from the defenders catapults. They pushed hard against the frontline defenses and soon penetrated through the narrow confines of the valley. The battle raged through the night and the next day before the Southern army began its retreat to the next defense position.
Ben stayed to the rear at the King’s side but was allowed a pretty complete picture of the battle from the reports brought to the King. Confusion on the enemy’s part was a major advantage to the Northern Kings army. Losses were heavy on both sides but the Northern army felt the advantage for the first time and pushed hard. Ben told his story during lulls in the reporting. The King mostly listened with only an occasional question, absorbing the story.
When the Southern army began retreating to its next defense position, the King told Ben, “Take the report of our success back to my daughter.” He continued, “I would have you take an order back to her telling her to join me here but I know better. I may be the King but I’ve never been able to command my daughter to do anything. Negotiated settlements are the best I’ve done. Take this letter back to her and give her and her companions our prayers and thanks.”
Ben’s return trip was far easier because the Northern army had pushed well into the valley allowing him a much easier ascent into the high country. Ben had traveled hard for almost 72 hours with almost no sleep. Jeremy and Elrod decided the King’s letter could wait. Everyone needed some rest. Elrod summarized the reports from the scouts, the enemy now had more important things to do than pursue them. It appeared they would be safe for the time being. The entire troop had reassembled and several injured needed care. They did their best until Daniel could recover. Seven of their companions had died during the attack on the second catapult. Elrod suggested it would be safe to send a group back to recover the bodies for proper burial. Jeremy appreciated the idea and asked for volunteers. A group of 20 was sent out. Supplies were running very low and many of the remaining able-bodied were sent out on hunting and gathering forays.
Daniel would wake occasionally and check on Heather without sitting up. She seemed much stronger despite the mild fever. She also would awaken occasionally but mostly they both slept. After sleeping for most of 24 hours Daniel awoke and the call of nature was insistent. Jeremy was sitting in the tent and Daniel said he needed help. Jeremy offered to get a pot but Daniel looked over at Betty and Heather and refused saying, “I’m fine as long as I don’t stand up. It would better if you helped me move outside.”
Jeremy simply picked Daniel up and carried him over to the latrine on the edge of camp. After nature’s call was satisfied Daniel asked to sit by the campfire. He could sit in a semi reclining position without getting dizzy. Soup was cooking in a large pot and he was famished. It wasn’t really cold but he was chilled and wrapped up in both his and Jeremy’s capes. The soup warmed him and he began asking about the rest of the troop. Jeremy tried to avoid mentioning the injured but Daniel kept probing until the status of the injured Forest Folk came out. Daniel insisted that they be brought to him. He began treating his fellow injured without rising up. Mostly he told Jeremy what to do. Some of the suturing he did himself propped up on one elbow. By the time the injured were treated he was exhausted and had Jeremy carry him back to the tent. He checked on Heather one last time before falling asleep again.
When Daniel next awoke it was daylight and looked up to see Heather sitting up on some packs with Betty fussing over her. “Well Heather of the Northern Palace, I see you have awakened.”
Heather responded, “And you, Daniel of Issip, have apparently saved my life a second time.”
“There were many who struggled so you would live. My heart would not have survived had you not lived. Your Betty is the real hero.”
“I will hear more about this later but first I need to know how you, Daniel of Issip, are feeling?”
Daniel tried to sit up but the dizziness returned. He replied, “It would appear that I am still weak but otherwise I am doing well. Your recovery will speed my own recovery.”
“It appears my foolishness has cost us both dearly and for that I’m sorry. We have much to discuss but first I need to know if you were successful.”
“Jeremy and I accomplished what you asked of us.”
“And our status now?”
“It appears your Father’s army has given the enemy something else to worry about and they are no longer pursuing us. If you are strong enough to be worrying, then you are strong enough to be eating something. The rest of the story can wait.”
Heather insisted on sitting by the campfire. Betty in turn insisted she stayed so bundled up that she was almost hidden in the capes covering her. The air had the nip of early winter. Daniel was amazed how chilled he was despite having two capes on when most of the Forest Folk were apparently comfortable in just their shirtsleeves. He figured it must have been because of the strength he transferred to Heather, which made it okay. They slowly ate the marrow soup, which had been prepared just for them, as they listened to the stories. Heather could not help but smile as Jeremy recounted their attack on the catapult. He was able to make even the deadly seriousness of war entertaining. The exploits of Betty the Brave, as she was now known, were even more amazing. Ben awoke and joined them adding his story to the tales being told. He handed Heather the letter from the King.
Heather opened the letter with hands which were still not stable. She read in silence and then summarized for everyone, “My Father sends both his prayers and thanks for our efforts. As Ben has already told us, they have broken through the valley defense. He would like us to join him as soon as possible.”
The discussion ensued as to their desire as a group to join with the King. Those of the forest were adamant that their services were pledged to Heather of the Northern Palace. They would go where she told them to. Heather was not certain confining these men to a traditional war would be a moral thing to do. Jeremy asked Daniel, “What does our healer think about the wounded traveling?”
Daniel replied, “It would be best if travel could be delayed for at least a week and two weeks would be better.” He added, “Unless Jeremy wants to carry me the whole way.”
The kibitzing continued until Heather asked, “What is the status of our supplies?”
There was a general consensus that the packs were quite light. As winter forced game down from the high country, hunting should improve. Nobody was going to get fat but they knew how to survive. Since they were no longer being chased they could concentrate on hunting and gathering. The Forest Folk were not concerned about the supplies.
Heather listened to this consensus building before saying, “I’ll send my Father a letter telling him we will not be ready to travel for two weeks. I would like to offer him the services of some scouts if volunteers are available.”
Ben agreed to return and deliver the letter. Several others agreed to accompany him and stay on as scouts. Heather thanked them and said their journey could wait until morning. She looked over at Daniel and saw that he had slumped from his semi reclining position to a full reclining
one. She announced, “It appears that our healer is telling me that we have been up long enough. Enjoy the evening and tomorrow will be a new day.”
Daniel awoke when Jeremy picked him up but did not complain when he was carried back to the tent. Even with both capes on and the heat of the fire he was chilled. When they were back in the tent, Heather asked Daniel if he was up to talking. When he replied in the affirmative Heather asked Betty to wait by the campfire so she could talk to Daniel. Betty giggled and left the tent. Before she began, Heather made sure that Daniel was well covered and supported by their packs. She began, “Daniel of Issip, it appears you have now saved my life twice. We are now joined by your blood. I would suggest it is time that we be joined in marriage.”
Daniel did not reply and Heather was afraid he had not heard her or worse, he didn’t wish to hear what she had to say. She was about to repeat herself when Daniel said, “Just the thought of being with you makes my heart soar. Having you as my wife would be the dream makers wish. There are two problems which must be overcome before this dream can become real. I must ask your Father’s blessing before we wed and you must understand that I cannot ever return to the Northern Kingdom.”
“I have been considering the problem of the church’s ruling and if they do not rescind it, I’ll not return either. Why do you need my Father’s blessing?”
“Marriage is more than the joining of two people. It is a merging of traditions and kin. Without your Father’s blessing the marriage would be incomplete and I cannot deprive you of the wholeness you deserve.”
“I can accept your reasoning but how do you plan on obtaining my Father’s permission?”
“Since we cannot go to your Father we’ll ask him to come to us.”
“He is fighting a war. He won’t come.”
“I think you underestimate your Father’s love. If he can come, he will.”
“How do I ask him?”
“Tell him the truth, you are recovering from a wound and cannot travel. Ask if he can take a little time and visit us here. If circumstances prohibit his travel, we will wait.”
“OK.”
“Now, my love, I must sleep but you have insured my dreams.”
“May I use some of your paper to write the letter?”
“My journal is in the pack.”
Heather moved her mat closer to Daniel’s to help keep him warm. She began to hum a song from her childhood. Daniel’s gentle snoring began almost immediately. She lay there awake composing the letter to her Father and thinking about her future with Daniel. At the morning light she rose and felt well rested for the first time in a longtime. She searched for Daniel’s paper and began to write her letter. She simply told her Father what had happened and asked him to visit if possible. She signed the letter and carefully folded the paper. She quietly left the tent and heated her Father’s seal by the campfire. When the wax softened she used it to seal the folded paper and imprinted it with her ring.
Ben and the other volunteers were preparing to depart. She handed the letter to Ben and asked him to deliver it to her Father. He agreed. Heather asked, “Identify a route passable by horse if you can. My thanks and prayers go with you.”
Ben simply nodded in the affirmative and continued his preparation. Heather turned back towards the tent and saw that Betty was waiting for her. They moved to the edge of camp and completed their morning ritual. Her strength was definitely improving, but even gentle movements would make her head throb. When they returned to the tent she was quite tired and content to sit quietly and watch Daniel sleep. The sounds of cooking made her hungry and she asked Betty to get her something to eat. While waiting she picked up Daniel’s journal and began carefully turning the pages. His handwriting was difficult to read but there were occasional drawings. She recognized the bridge from his sketch. Most of the sketches were of plant leaves and birds he had seen on his recent travels. One of the sketches seemed gruesome. It showed someone who had fallen but above the body, suspended, was another body. He had drawn an unusual looking cape on the suspended body. She began turning the pages looking for her name amongst the scribbles.
Betty returned with their breakfast and Daniel awoke when she reentered the tent. Betty giggled when Daniel said, “Seeing you, makes the day already a good one.”
Heather smiled and asked, “How are you feeling today?”
Daniel replied, “Let me sit up and I’ll tell you.” Daniel proceeded to push himself into a full upright sitting position and the world began to spin again. He allowed himself to lie back down and said, “A bit weak yet, but otherwise I’m fine. How are you doing?
“My head throbs when I move about but I am feeling stronger and my appetite has returned.”
“I would expect the pain will last for some time yet. You need to listen to your body and not push yourself too much.” Daniel then asked Betty, “Would you see if Jeremy is around?”
When Jeremy poked his head into the tent Daniel said, “I need to answer natures calling, and I still can’t stand up.”
“Happy to oblige.”
Jeremy again picked up Daniel and carried him to the latrine. While there Daniel asked, “If Heather and I were to marry would you be willing to stand up for me?”
“This is more than a hypothetical question, isn’t it? Of course. When’s the wedding going to be?”
“Nothing’s certain. I need to speak to her Father first.”
“Sounds like we have some planning to do. Does anyone else know?”
“I don’t even know for sure.”
“Have you asked her yet?”
“She brought it up and I agreed that it was a good idea, but there are a couple of problems. First, I need to speak to her Father and second, I can’t return to the Northern Kingdom.”
“And she’s willing to forsake her homeland?”
“Says she is, but I’m not so sure her Father will agree.”
“Why are you making such big deal out of getting her Father’s permission?”
“Heather deserves to have things done right. Forsaking her homeland is bad enough, forsaking her family is too much.”
“Should that not be her decision?”
“Maybe, maybe not. If something were to happen to me, and she had forsaken both her home and her family, what would she have left?”
“Heck, even with you she doesn’t have much, so you’re probably right. Just think; all of those young maidens back in the forest will be heartbroken when they learn you have wed. Good thing they still have me. Of course, this means I’ll be spread a little thin, but I’m sure I’ll rise to the occasion.”
“We must have pity on those poor maidens, mustn’t we. I think it’s time for some breakfast. Heather will think you let me fall into the pit.”
“I would never let you fall in. I may push you, but I’d never let you fall.”
Jeremy carried Daniel to the campfire and set him down next to Heather. Daniel was able to sit almost straight up without getting dizzy and he was definitely hungry. First came a bowl of marrow soup followed by a pancake made from the acorns they had gathered from the higher country. The hot tea made from the local shrub seemed refreshing enough. Everyone was in high spirits, and Daniel just leaned against Heather for support and enjoyed the companionship. He saw Jeremy talking to some of the traders who had traveled with them; he figured they were planning something. He hadn’t realized he had fallen asleep until he awoke when Jeremy picked him up. He protested but Heather overrode his protest and said he needed to rest.
Daniel rested until lunchtime. After some more warm soup he asked the other wounded be brought to him. Most of the wounds were doing fairly well and he cleaned them with the sacred water before again covering them in clean dressings. The hunter with the fractured leg was still in a lot of pain but at least the wound where the bone had poked through was clean. He had done a limited bone setting but was not happy with the angle of the bone.
He decided to reset the bone. Daniel’s supply of poppy extract was getting low. He gave what he had to the hunter and finished seeing the rest of the wounded while he waited for the extract to work.
Daniel sat to the side and had Elrod support the hunter beneath his arms. Jeremy was then instructed to gently begin pulling on the injured leg. The poor hunter began to perspire from the pain and clinched down tightly on the cloth roll he held between his teeth. Daniel made Jeremy pull ever harder to overcome the muscle spasm which was holding the broken bone askew. The hunter was now drenched in sweat and a terrible groan of pain was coming forth but they didn’t stop until Daniel felt the bones realign. At this point the poor hunter had all but passed out from the pain. The motion of the broken ends of the bone had started the bleeding again. Daniel held gentle pressure from his semi seated position until the bleeding subsided. Clean dressings were applied over the herbal balm and Daniel began reattaching the splint to the leg. When everything was secure the poor hunter was taken back to his tent.
Jeremy said, “You do some awful things to people. Watching would have been bad enough but you made me help which was even worse. I’m glad it wasn’t me.”
Daniel replied, “I do what must be done. That’s enough for now though, I’d better rest again.