by Fiona Faris
“Aye, I found one,” the man said, holding up a log that looked newer than the rest and very durable.
“Great, lad, let me have at it.” Aithe took one of the only open seats in the small cabin. There was nothing for him to do but work the log into a spoke. There was a chance it would take all night, but he knew he needed to work quickly.
“I’ll need tae get this thinner fer it tae fit yer wheel. But I can dae it. I’ll hack some bits away first then whittle at it.”
“Thank ye fer yer help. Tell me what tae dae and I will,” the man said, facing Aithe.
But Aithe was already moving outside. Something in his body was restless and equally exhausted. He had the nagging feeling that he would be unable to sit up if he rested for even a second. There were so many relying on him. Setting the log down, he lifted the axe he had found outside, and set to work, hacking away at the outside of the wood. Though his body ached, he did not stop.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Aithe readied a space in the corner to make himself a makeshift bed. Alice watched him, as concern furrowed into her brow. She was worried. Earlier in the day, he had seemed to be getting weak quickly. He looked exhausted, clearly, but more than that, he did not seem himself. Alice went over to him as he sat down in the corner.
“Are you alright, Aithe?”
Aithe nodded, “Aye, lassie. Just fine. Ye dinnae worry about me. Tomorrow we’ll see the family off, and then ye and I will be off tae Cadney.”
Alice placed her hand against Aithe’s cheek, but when she did, she pulled it back. She placed the back of her hand against his forehead.
“You seem to be running hot, Aithe. I think you should get some rest tonight.”
“I was going tae stay up with ye and the wife, make sure the wee one is alright, give ye two some time tae rest.” Alice shook her head, sternly.
“No, Aithe. I am doing fine right now. But you do not seem well. I think it is best if you rest.” She gently guided him to a laying position. She had one simple shawl that had become a scrap of fabric over their weeks of travel, but she laid it over him, nonetheless.
“Goodnight, Aithe.” She leaned down and placed her lips gently on his cheek. He smiled and closed his eyes.
Alice wandered back towards the center of the room. The woman had told her husband she would take the first watch with their son. She wanted to make sure he slept okay and that his fever didn’t climb higher. Alice sat on the floor next to the small bed the child rested on. She looked at the woman.
“I am here in whatever way I can help. If you need a moment's rest, you let me know, and I will check on him over and over again.”
The woman reached over and placed her hand on Alice’s. “Thank ye, dear.” She said in a low whisper since the men and her child were drifting to sleep. She nodded her head in Aithe’s direction.
“Ye and the lad are truly in love. Ye remind me of my husband and me only years ago. We are still vary much in love, but ye have that early marriage glow.”
Alice didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to admit that their marriage was one of convenience, not love. She did not want to tell the woman that she was falling in love with Aithe, against her own senses.
“You and your husband seem to really love each other as well. I can see how much you care for each other in how you ask about each other. He seems to only want your happiness and comfort while you seek the same for him.” Alice meant what she said. Seeing the couple, it revived the fantasy of a loving marriage. She knew what she had with Aithe, however, was what was needed. There was still a part of her that hoped he would fall for her one day.
“Aye, tis all ye can ask fer in a marriage, lassie. That ye both share the common goal of the other being happy and healthy.”
Alice didn’t add anything else. The point the woman made was clear and accurate. Given the other option of marriage she was presented with, Alice knew long ago that most marriages now were not based on love, happiness, or health. It pained her. But Aithe had rescued her from that, and from early on, he had only desired to do all he could to bring her happiness. But what if it was his love that would make her happy? Would he give her that too?
Alice and the woman sat in silence. They checked on the small babe over the next few hours. At one point, the fever was very high, and Alice was worried they would need to rinse him off in the creek in the dead of night. But it seemed to break at some point.
In the early dawn hours, the woman looked exhausted. She was about to wake her husband when Alice told her there was no need.
“I think the babe’s fever has broken. If you’d like, I can keep watch so the two of you can rest.”
“Ye are a kindhearted lassie. That would be very nice.” The woman cozied up on the floor next to her husband. Alice leaned against the bed the babe slept on and placed her hand gently on his head. He shuffled slightly but did not wake. His fever had definitely broken. As the sun began to rise in the sky, his fever lessened, and he was cool to the touch come morning.
Upon waking, the woman moved to her child’s side quickly. She smiled when she felt his temperature. “Thank the heavens. I was vary worried fer a minute there.” Her husband woke shortly after and squeezed his wife as she let out a soft tear. At that moment, Alice saw how difficult it was to be a mother, the fear that anything could happen. But seeing how much the woman cared also caused her to want her own child one day too.
Aithe woke shortly after the family, just as they were preparing to test out the spoke. He followed the man outside, but Alice saw he was weakened. He seemed pale in color, more so than usual. And as he moved through the small cottage and out, she could see he struggled. She worried for him but said nothing.
Outside, the man placed the wheel he and Aithe had fixed back on the carriage. One by one, they climbed in. Alice watched as his wife let out a small cheer as she bounced inside the cart. Once it was attached again to the horse, they found the new spoke held well and the wheel seemed to work fine.
“Thank ye very much, Aithe.” The man shook Aithe’s hand. “Without ye, I wouldnae been able tae fix this.”
“Nay, lad, ye would have found yer own solution. I merely helped ye with it. Yer a mightae husband and an even better father. Dinnae worry.” Aithe clapped the man on the back.
The family walked back inside and checked to see if there was anything they would be needing.
The woman walked over to Alice and handed her a small satchel of things.
“If we were travelin’ yer way, we’d take the lot of ye. I wish I could help with more, but here is some provisions fer yer journey. I anticipate we’ll be makin’ it sooner than we thought. So, here is what we can spare.”
Alice looked in the small satchel and saw some bread, salted meats, and cheese. There were some carrots and potatoes as well, along with a small pot should they need to boil water. She pulled the woman in for a tight hug.
“Thank you, this will be very helpful. I am so glad your son is doing much better.”
“Aye, me as well, lassie.” The woman squeezed Alice tightly.
All four stood outside looking at the carriage as the man ensured that the luggage was secure in the carriage before turning to face them.
“If ye all are ever in our area of Scottland, dae make it a point tae come visit, aye?” He asked, facing Aithe and Alice.
Alice leaned against Aithe and wrapped her arm around his waist. She could feel then how warm he was.
“We will,” Aithe responded, “And the same goes fer ye and yer wee one. If ye are ever in Cadney, please dae come. We’ll always have room fer ye. I am glad yer son is doin’ well. Now go on, get home, all of ye.” He waved as if encouraging them to leave.
Alice felt tears sting in the corners of her eyes. The woman was one of the first friends Alice had ever had. Even if it was for only a night, she felt connected to her. She hoped she and Aithe would go visit, or that they too would visit soon. Throughout much of her life, she didn’t have many chances to co
nnect with other women. Her only friend had been her brother, and even he was distant from her for much of her adult life.
The man climbed into the driver’s seat while his wife and child climbed into the carriage. He urged his horse on, and they moved away from the cabin. Alice watched until their carriage grew smaller in the trees. It was a bittersweet goodbye. They had done all they could to help the family and had formed a solid connection. But it was difficult as it was hard to tell if they would ever see them again.
Aithe turned to go back into the house. When he did, he stumbled and nearly fell to his knees. Alice reached to steady him, placing her cool hand against his face. Aithe was steadily growing warmer and warmer.
“Aithe, you are getting hotter by the minute. We need to rest.” She held his arm as he moved towards the cabin.
But Aithe fiercely shook his head. “Nay, lassie. We must keep movin’. We are close, so close, I can taste Cadney. We must go today.” The way he shook his head made Alice wonder if the fever had already made him delirious. He seemed determined to go, but Alice knew it was not a good idea. If he became ill, away from the cabin, they would not be able to do anything about it. Sleeping outside, in the cold, would only harm him further.
“Aithe, the family left us some provisions. We have more than enough for our journey. I urge you, let us stay the night and rest here. You need it. If you get sick out there, mid-journey, there will be nothing we can do. At least here there is a bed, a creek nearby, and food.” She looked at him and saw his eyes glazed and knew he needed rest.
“Lassie, I must keep ye safe. Please, let us go. I assure ye I will make it tae Cadney.” As he said this, Alice could hear the shakiness in his voice. She could not, in good conscience, let them go on.
“I am sorry, Aithe, but we must stay. Let us at least rest here for a few hours.” She was struck with an idea, knowing how much he cared for her well-being. “If not for you, then for me. My feet are heavily blistered. I need some rest as well after being up with the babe all night.” Though she was awake all night, Alice felt fine. She did not need to rest. Being so close to her new home was giving her a great deal of energy. But she knew she needed to convince Aithe to stay, and staying for himself would never be an option.
“Och, alrigh’ lassie. If ye need rest, then we shall stay. Only for a short while.” He agreed reluctantly. “An’ we have enough food tae last the journey if I dinnae go huntin’?”
“Yes, Aithe. We have plenty of food and a small pot as well. I will ready something for us soon, alright. Now, we must get you inside to rest. I will lie with you. It is a small bed, but we can rest together.” Alice had no intention of resting. She did, however, intend to care for Aithe. He had cared for her on much of the journey, and now she needed to help him. Her domestic skills would prove useful.
The two walked inside the cabin, and Alice guided Aithe to the bed, where he practically collapsed. When she felt his face, he seemed to be getting hotter. She was worried. Though they were not far from Cadney, they could not arrive there quickly if he was very ill. She covered him up with the small quilt from the bed.
Once Aithe was settled, she opened the bag of provisions. Aithe had his eyes closed, and she figured it was a good time to fetch some water from the creek. She could boil it and make a simple broth soup for them to share. That might help make him feel stronger.
She went over to Aithe’s side and laid her hand on his face.
“Aithe, I am going to run to the creek to fetch us some water. I’ll make us a quick soup.”
“Nay, let me go and fetch it.” He put his hand on hers but did not open his eyes.
“It’s alright, it’s very close. I’ll be right back.” She said in a whisper. Aithe simply nodded, already drifting into a feverish sleep. She pulled away before he could argue further, and slipped out the front door holding her pot.
Alice wandered back the way they had come only yesterday. She could hear the faint rustle of the creek and followed the noise. As she walked, she was careful to avoid the open areas, keeping to the clusters of the trees and in the shadows. She found the water, it was only minutes away and quickly filled the pot. She knew a good soup would help them both. Though she had no other tools, she could easily break up the carrots and potato and boil them. There was some cutlery inside the cabin, old ones, but there were at least a cup and spoon. If it wasn’t usable, they could easily share the pot and pass it back and forth.
Alice lifted the pot from the creek. She glanced at the water and was glad to see it was free of sediment and looked clean.
When she returned to the cabin, the fire from the previous night was small but still burning. She quickly added some wood to make it burn brighter. Next, she tore some of the salted meat with her hands and tossed it into the pot with the carrot and potato. Once she was satisfied, she moved the pot over the flame. Alice waited for the water to boil, and then she pulled it from the heat, stirring it around until the salted meats were softened and the potato and carrot seemed cooked well enough.
Alice searched through the house while it cooled and found a bowl along with the cup and more spoons. They were clean if not a bit dusty. She poured some soup into a bowl, and set it on the floor near the bed. Keeping in mind his fever, Alice was gentle in waking Aithe, running her fingers gently through his hair.
“Aithe, I have some soup for you.”
He let out a low grumble but pried his eyes open. “Thank ye lassie,” he clutched his stomach. Alice could see he was in pain by the way he curled in the bed.
“Can you sit up, Aithe, I’ll feed it to you.” He nodded and moved to sit, but Alice could see how difficult the movement was for him.
He reached for the soup and did not let her feed it to him. With his eyes shutting and repeatedly opening, he drank the soup in a haze… drained the last few drops of broth by tilting it back.
“Thank ye, lassie,” he said as Alice finished her portion. She felt instantly better having some food in her stomach.
Aithe tried to stand. “We must go now, Alice. I have rested, I can go on.” He stood shakily and moved towards the front door, and Alice rushed to stand.
“Aithe, wait, let us—” but she was unable to finish her statement, for, in that moment, Aithe crumpled to the floor. Alice rushed to his side, panic racing through her body.
“Oh, Aithe,” She tried to lift him, but the man was built sturdily. “Aithe, can you hear me.” His eyes fluttered opened barely. He recognized he was on the floor and tried to sit up, only to fall back to the floor again.
“Aithe, we need to get you back in bed. You need to rest. You are burning up.”
“Alrigh’. Alrigh’.” He was barely able to speak two words. Knowing he was unlikely to be able to stand, he moved towards the bed on his knees. Once he was at the side of the bed, he lifted himself into it.
“I’m sorry, Alice. I’m sorry,” he mumbled. Alice felt his face, his skin was hot and clammy and he seemed delirious. She knew then that there was no way they were leaving the cottage. He needed to sleep, and she hoped that was all he needed. She feared for his health. Aithe had been pushing himself for weeks, doing all he could, carrying Alice on his back at times when she was worn out. Now the journey was taking its toll on him.
Alice sat at Aithe’s bedside and watched as he slept. She had no idea what she could do to help. She could fetch him more water or even try to find some healing herbs, but she knew so little of the medicinal plants and feared finding something that would do more harm than good. Why now? She thought to herself. They were so close to their new life. Why did it seem, each time they were within reach of their freedom, something crossed their paths, making it much more difficult? She could only hope that her uncle had no idea of where they were. They had been gone so long she didn’t think much about him as a threat. But she also knew he would look for her until he found her dead. At least at Cadney, they had the whole clan to keep her safe, but here, with Aithe ill, she only had herself to count on.
Alice had no idea what to do, but for now, all she could do was try to care for Aithe both day and night. With the soup finished, she decided she would go back to the creek. She needed to get him some water. His body would need it with that fever.
“Oh, Aithe, I am so worried about you.” She reached over and laid her hand atop his. She watched as he took short, shallow breaths. All she could do was hope he would recover, and quickly. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and prayed.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Once night time came, Alice sat on the floor near Aithe. She ran her hand over his head and through his hair, each time wincing at the heat of his skin. His fever was getting worse and it did not appear to be breaking. She tried to give him some sips of water and bits of bread to help ease his stomach pains. But nothing helped. He laid on his side and Alice tried to be helpful, tried to whisper soothing words.
