I tiptoed out and made my way to the infirmary. I visited the privy, brushed my hair and washed my face. Then I went to stand beside the sleeping Ardal, half of me wanting him to wake up so he would know I was there, the other half knowing this peaceful slumber was what he most needed.

Muirrin was hanging bunches of seaweed up to dry. “This kind’s called newt’s tail,” she explained. “It’s effective in an infusion for easing cramps. Tastes not unlike cress.” When I did not reply, she looked over at me and added, “He’s doing better, Sibeal. He’s been resting a lot more comfortably, and Evan says his water’s not so dark.”

I looked down at the sleeping man. “Has he said anything today? Talked to you at all?”

“Don’t expect too much, Sibeal. Breathing is enough of a mountain for him to climb. In fact, he asked for you, in quite presentable Irish. I told him you’d be here later.”

A small, warm glow had awoken within me. “Thank you,” I said.

A silence followed. When I looked across, my sister’s hands had stilled at their work and she was studying me intently. “Does his fate matter so much to you?” Muirrin asked quietly.

I nodded, pleating a corner of Ardal’s blanket in my fingers. Fang was nowhere to be seen. She’d be needed later. The nights were cold; I did not envy Gull the three trips he made each night out to the privy and back. I had become almost reassured by the pattern of them, the creaking of the back door as he went out, the creaking as he came back in. I was used to falling asleep quickly once I knew Gull was inside again. But I was always glad of the warmth of my blankets and the shelter of my little chamber.

“Why, Sibeal?”

I believe our fates are tied up together. I could not say that to the ever-practical Muirrin. “I believe I can help him,” I said. “Later, I mean, when he’s stronger.”

“Well, it does look as if you may get your opportunity. I think we’ll be able to pull him through this. Your man’s a fighter. Sibeal, you’re not crying, are you?”

“Of course not. Muirrin, I’m going to my room awhile now. I’ve agreed to tell a story after supper, and I must decide on one.”

I managed to hold back the tears just long enough to get past the curtain that screened my chamber. I sank down on the pallet, put my head in my hands and allowed myself to weep.

CHAPTER 5

~Sibeal~