Embers in the Snow

Chapter 23 | The Hearts Desire

Before the sun climbed up the rugged hills of the highlands, Aili lit a candle at her window's ledge. Behind her, Ewan lie in their shared bed, unmoving- as he had been for days since his return. She folded her hands and prayed the same prayer she had uttered every morning and night since Ewan had been brought back to her.

Once her prayer was finished, she rose from her knees and went to Ewan's side. She slipped her slender fingers inside the calloused palm of his hand. She savored the warmth she felt radiating from him. It meant that blood was still pumping through his veins. Ewan's eyes were closed, giving him the appearance of a peaceful slumber.

The bandage wrapped tightly around the crown of his head had begun to soak through with blood. It was time for his bandage to be changed. There was a timid knock at the door. Aili released Ewan's hand and went to unlatch the door. To her surprise it was not Mary who stood there with medicinal supplies in her hand, but Sofia.

Unintentionally, Aili's eyes went straight to her belly. It was noticeably larger than when she had last laid eyes on Sofia, filling out the front of her skirts. The top seam of her bodice was bursting from the fullness of her breasts. Aili's eyebrows rose with evident surprise at her growing condition, and that she was here at her door.

"Good morrow." Sofia whispered, through the crack in the door.

"I have come to help." Aili opened the door wider, causing an eerie creak to emit.

"Ye have come to help?" Aili asked, the confusion and uncertainty evident in her voice.

Sofia nodded her head.

"I ken herbs and healing. The Laird needed my help with tending to the other wounded, but I came as soon as I was free to do so."

A surge of protective instincts began to boil in Aili's blood. She twisted her lengthy fingers around the tail end of her long braid while she pressed her lips firmly together. Sofia only looked at her, eyes wide in anticipation.

"Ye also have knowledge of hexes, aye?"

Sofia blinked slowly, taking in the meaning of Aili's words. Sofia's lips twisted into a grimace.

"I regret that. I was unkind to ye. I am sorry."

Aili opened the door wider, and stepped aside. Sofia did not wait for any further invitation. She walked in briskly, before Aili could change her mind. Aili shut the door behind her, and stood at the foot of the bed, inspecting Sofia's movements.

She worked diligently, surveying the state of Ewan's wound. When she was done, she released a long sigh, then turned to face Aili. Their eyes locked intently.

"Ye have done well. There is nothing more for me to do. How did ye learn healing arts?"

Aili began fiddling with her thumbs.

"My mother taught me."

Sofia nodded, as if expecting that answer.

"She taught you well. Ye can do no more for him. The rest is up to him."

Sofia struggled to dip into a curtsy, and wobbled as she regained her standing posture. Then, with nothing more to say, she exited the room, closing the creaky door behind her.

Tears silently began to stream down both of Aili's cheeks as she looked down on Ewan. She swept to his side, and grabbed both of his hands in hers once more. Teardrops landed on his calloused, scarred skin.

"Ye must wake up now, Ewan. Please. For me. I just now found ye..." Aili dabbed the seam of her sleeves at her cheeks and eyes. Then, she left him there sleeping.