Enemy Territory-On Hiatus

Chapter Ten-Wilderness

For days the group traveled. Through harsh terrain and ever-changing weather, they preserved, despite the strenuous walking. A few times, they would stop to sleep when the area was less dense and dangerous. Food was aplenty since wild animals populated the places they passed through. Water had also become easily found.

Everyone never went thirsty or hungry again because of this. Though, the hearts of the people would become weighed down with every step they took away from an area that looked populous.

"Howfur is she?"

Isla questioned while gazing down at the shivering child lying on Glenn's lap.

They had decided to rest for a night in an enclosed area protected by large canopy trees and tall shrubs. Everyone was sitting in a semi-circle in front of the large bonfire with thick covers around their bodies made from the bears, lions, and deer skins the men had caught months ago.

Small children were snuggling closer to their mama's, who had survived the harsh conditions of the wilderness. Babes who were also born in those uncertain times were also being caressed by their mama's. Even Isla cradled their one-month-old son, Finlay. His tiny body snuggled in thick wool made from wild sheep against her bosom.

Gazing down at wide awake Ainsley and crying Ara, Glenn sighed.

"She haes regained color bit the wound is still fresh."

"Wis it infected?"

"Aye."

Sucking in her teeth, Isla was sympathetic towards the child.

"Then we need tae chaynge the bandage, sae the wound wull nae become worse."

Raising an eyebrow, he lifted his eyes to stare at his wife. He was astonished, for he never knew her to be akin to healing and treating wounds. Her being a midwife had also amazed him.

"You nivir cease tae amaze me, Isla. Howfur did ye learn aboot thir things?"

Averting her eyes to look up into the sky, Isla sighed.

"When the plague haid struck, it murdurred the on'y physician that we nott. And wi'oot the Chief and the ithers, including ye, guidman, tae rectify this, ah hud tae step in and dae whit wis necessary tae keep the rest o' us alive."

Nodding with understanding, he lifted his hands to touch her cheek with a smile.

"Ye did weel, ma wife."

Returning his smile, she gently placed Finlay into his arms. Gently, she lifted the whimpering child from his lap, but she suddenly began to cry both out of fear and pain.

"Na. Lat me carry her."

Nodding, Isla placed her back in his lap.

"She seems attached tae ye, Glenn."

"Aye, she is."

"Ainsley, please haud yer, brother. Yer mama is gaun tae treat yer sister."

Looking down at Ainsley, who had lightly grasped onto whimpering Ara's hands, he smiled.

She nodded as she slowly pulled her hands from Ara and carefully held onto Finlay, as Isla had taught her. Glancing down at shivering Ara, she frowned.

"Wull sister be alright?"

She innocently questioned, her heart aching at the sight of whimpering Ara.

Without sharing a word between each other, Ainsley and Ara had somehow bounded to the point where Ainsley began calling her little sister.

He encouraged her decision, for he too viewed Ara as his very own though Isla hesitated.