Her head pounding, Saeryn listened to the sounds of where she lay. The same gentle voice as before spoke. The door opened and closed softly once more. A delicate touch sent spasms of pain through her. Saeryn flinched, but did not resist the careful inspection. Footsteps grew fainter as the woman left again. On the other side of the wall, the wind picked up. Time? she wondered groggily. She felt the world slip slowly away.
The door opened once more and Bethberry, accompanied by two wide-eyed youngsters, returned. With the children's help, she shifted Saeryn upright.
"You must keep Saeryn awake," she told the children softly, "but by quiet means. You must talk with her and get her to talk with you. She is conscious enough now to attend to you. Do not let her fall back into sleep. Should you hear any disturbances, one of you come to the Great Hall immediately and request Eodwine's presence. There are trolls about, but the fey people will watch over you as you keep your duty, so fear not." Turning, Bethberry slid out of the room.
The children watched the girl, impressed. "Heros..." one whispered to the other in awe. Saeryn groaned as she tried to look about. Her eyes fell on her small companions. "Halflings?" she murmered to herself.
"Halflings?!" responded the older of the two. "No, lady... we are Rohirrim. You are too. Bethberry says we are to stay here with you."
Saeryn grimaced, cradling her face in her hands. "Why are you here?"
The younger one spoke. "Bethberry says there's trolls around." Startled, Saeryn made to move. The sudden motion sent a searing blast behind her eyes; she cried out and fell back against her pillows. Rolling to her side, she vomited over the edge of her bed.
|