Chapter 23 - Talking of consequences.

Three days later:

I had awoken with an ache in my back and a bottom numb from sleeping in the hard chair all night. I looked up to see Nathaniel sleeping soundly and my hand still wrapped around his. I stretched out my limbs then stood up, taking a cool washcloth and wiping it lightly across his forehead. He had been taking a few more spoonfuls each meal time and lugging down more water, but he still seemed unaware of where he was and who we were. Luckily, the doctor’s medicines and oils had helped to reduce the purple and yellow blotching around his eyes. I looked at him thoughtfully.. As much as I didn’t want him to hate me, his survival would be enough and over the last few days it was all that I had wished for.

The day we had cleared the village, I had sent Matthias to see Nathaniel’s parents and bring them to see him. As soon as they talked into the room, his mother broke into tears, while his father looked at him with love and worry. I realized as soon as I saw them, that they w