From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [34]
The man blinked once.
“Good. I know you are in pain, but try to relax and lie still. You are bleeding. I would like to stop that, but it might hurt some. Are you ready?”
One blink.
“Very well.” Vrell took a bundle of linen from Gren and tore it in two. She rolled half into a wad and handed it to Gren. “Put pressure on his chest.”
“Me?”
“Now, please.”
Gren crouched beside Vrell, her black skirt puffing around her. Arms shaking, she set the linen on the man’s chest and pressed down with her fingertips.
“Harder.”
Gren’s hands shifted a bit. Vrell pushed her hand over Gren’s to show how much pressure.
The man groaned. His body stiffened.
“Shh. You are very brave.” Vrell laid her linen over his neck and pressed down lightly, concerned about his breathing. “Are you thirsty?”
The man’s face turned pink. One blink.
“Good. We’ll get you a drink in a moment.”
The man sucked in short gasps. Vrell lifted the linen from his neck, uncertain where to press to stop the bleeding and not cut off his air. She pressed down with two fingers where the blood seemed to pool. Better.
She reached for her water jug with her free hand, wedged it between her knees, and pulled out the stopper. “Here is a drink.” She tipped the jug over the man’s lips. His chin quivered as he lapped the water. “Tell me, sir, do you know Arman, the One God?”
The man blinked once.
Joyous heart. Arman would save his soul, then, if she failed to save his body. “I would like to ask Him to ease your pain. Would that be acceptable?”
The man gurgled an intelligible response. His eyebrows sank, and he blinked.
Vrell took hold of his hand and closed her eyes. He squeezed until her fingers pinched. “Arman, You are aware of this man’s pain. We ask for Your healing touch on his body. We know You are able to mend these wounds.” The man’s grip relaxed. Vrell forced her voice to remain even, though tears tightened her throat. “We also know You will choose what is best. Bring this man comfort and strength. Be glorified in his life. May it be so.”
Vrell opened her eyes. The man’s eyes remained closed. He had stopped trembling. She laid his hand over his chest and set hers on top of Gren’s.
“Thank you, Gren. That will do.”
Gren pulled her hands away. “Is he dead?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Gren sucked in a short breath. “I knew him. Not his name. But up until a few weeks ago, he served night duty between the great hall and the kitchens.”
“And he joined the Kingsguard?”
“Captain Loam assigned him to personal guard. The man was mighty proud. I heard him bragging to his chums.”
“A personal guard to whom?”
“Lady Gypsum.”
Vrell met Gren’s gaze, no doubt exchanging the same curiosity, but neither willing to voice it aloud. Why would one of Gypsum’s guards be in the vineyard at such an hour?
Vrell called to Anillo. Lady Averella Amal.
Yes, my lady?
I am in the southwestern vineyards helping the wounded. I found a man who I believe is one of Gypsum’s guardsmen. He is dead. Would you send someone for his body, please? He lies in the tenth row thereabouts.
Right away, my lady. Should I inform your mother of your location?
If you must. Vrell stood and gathered her satchel and water jug. But why might Gypsum’s guard be out here?
It would be best if you returned to the castle.
Fire sparked in Vrell’s chest and spread quickly through her limbs. Tell me now, Anillo.
Very well. Lady Gypsum was abducted from the courtyard. Do not fret! She is back in the castle, well and safe. Her abductors took her through the vineyards. She will be saddened to hear that Arne did not survive.
Vrell glanced down at the soldier named Arne. He gave his life to save my sister.
He tried, my lady. Lady Gypsum says that Arne was struck down long before she escaped. My lady, if you don’t mind looking… The prince helped Lady Gypsum into the southwestern tunnel. Yet he did not follow her and is no longer responding to the duchess’s calls.
The prince? Achan had