Time seemed to speed up, and then out of the corner of her eye, she saw the fire truck arrive, saw the men hook up the hoses and come this way. She felt the mist of water caught and spread by the powerful wind and let herself go, overcome by smoke. She felt limp, fainted, and fell to the ground.

Not even the orchard is unscathed by this horrible war, she thought before sinking toward unconsciousness.

Somewhere in the corner of her brain, Ellie thought she heard a faint voice.

“Ellie, I’m here.”

Exhausted, eyes closed, she tried to respond with a slow nod. Then strong arms gathered her up, and in the midst of the smoke and her own haziness, she realized the voice was Sol’s. He must be carrying her.

“I . . . I’m . . .” she murmured, coughing, trying to squint at him.

“Just relax, Ellie. I’ve got ya.”

Though she was unable to stop coughing, she felt snug and safe in his arms. “I can walk,” she gasped, a burning sensation in her chest. It felt like he was carrying her a long way.

“We’re almost to the house.”

Once inside, Sol set her on the wooden bench in the kitchen. She was covered with soot, and she continued to cough as her mother wrapped a blanket around her. Then Mamm dabbed a cool, wet cloth on her face and neck.

Sol kissed the top of her head, frowning like he was worried sick. “My darling, ya put your life at risk,” he said, touching her hair. With her long tresses unbound, she could see they were singed.

Ellie tried to speak but couldn’t for the powerful urge to cough.

Mamm hovered near. Then to Sol she said, “I’ll look after her now.”

Sol nodded, and with another concerned look at Ellie, he left the house.

Ellie held the cool cloth on her forehead and over her eyes and nose, wishing she could witness the fire truck’s water hose drenching the flames with its mighty torrent.

Mamm sat beside her, soothing her with one hand on her back.

“I did everything I could.” Ellie eked out the words. “But it wasn’t enough.”

“My dear, new trees can be replanted, but your life could never be replaced,” Mamm said softly. “I’m so grateful Sol rescued you.”

Ellie turned toward her mother and fell exhausted into her loving embrace.

A few minutes before dawn, Lyle turned over in bed and reached for Elisabeth, who was awake and restless. “Were ya able to get back to sleep?” he asked as she nestled against him.

“Had bad dreams,” she said sleepily. “Who would do such a thing?”

“I’ll keep my opinion on that to myself,” he replied, unable to be certain and not wanting to judge. He exhaled. “But this—on top of Sol’s attack.”