The Fox Witch

Part 8

Part 8

Eventually early morning came, and Brett still hadn't awoken from his unconsciousness. Eddy tireldy laid by him, after bundling the man up tightly. Seeing as the Khanzadeh was smaller in stature than him, he wrapped his arms around the man to give him more worth, "Don't get distracted next time when there's a dude with a sword."

He whispered wondering if Brett could even hear. Brett grunted and opened his eyes slowly. His whole body hurt like hell. Slowly memories came trickling in and he looked around. Right next to him he saw the witch.

Wordlessly he stared at the other man.

Eddy blinked owlishly, that was strangely and scarily good timing, "You're awake? Are you hungry or thirsty?"

He asked in a whisper being weary that loud sounds may hurt Brett's head or something like that.

"Thirsty." Brett's voice croaked and he uselessly tried to clear his throat. He was parched. The Khanzadeh watched as Eddy went to bring him some leftover tea and helped him drink it.

"Is the feast still going? You should go and enjoy it."

"No it has long since passed, I chose to stay by your side," Eddy would also get Brett water if he needed more after the tea, he boiled some for safety earlier. One could never be too careful in a world like this.

"How long was I out of it then, witch?"

He laid his head back on the pillow. Yes, he wanted the witch to keep him company on the bed, but not like this. Well, it was not bad, but not what the prince had envisioned if he was being honest.

"Six hours and thirty minutes to be exact. You lost lots of blood," Eddy watched Brett, taking the cup away once the prince had finished his water. He set it on the floor by the bed for close reach. He'd refill it if needed, "Are you sure you don't need anything else?"

"No, thank you. You were keeping me company the whole time?"

The man could not believe it really. The witch was elusive and not easy to please - except with heads apparently. Then what he had said, trickled in.

"Did you heal me, witch? You saved my life, right? Thank you then. Thank you."

"Yes I stayed by your side for as long as you were out and will continue to do so until you are better. For the most part yes I healed you, but your body still needs to do some healing of its own. It was my pleasure to save you."

Eddy stayed sitting on the edge of the bed to observe his patient.

Brett looked away from the witch and groaned. This was not how he envisioned it. He would rather be dead than this.

"Why did you save me? I would rather be dead. I embarrassed myself in front of you." He sighed and brought one arm over his face to hide his shame. His intended and witch should not see him like that. Not so ... weak. Not that early on. The Khanzadeh was supposed to be strong and capable, ready to protect the witch and his tribe, not almost die because he was too busy looking around in a fight. That was a rookie mistake and he knew it. If his teacher would be still alive, he probably would get a whooping he would never forget. Also with him being tied to the bed and not able to perform he could not claim the witch as his, and the other tribe was closing in rapidly.

He simply could not lose the witch to them! His father had a wonderful wife - his mother - yes, but they needed a witch as spiritual leader for the tribe. Neha was a good woman, loyal, honest and good, but she was not bound to the tribe other than her words.