Darkness of Time, page 24
Only time would tell.
When I’d finished, I said, “What should I do? Maybe we should find this John James character.”
“No, no,” Emily said, wiping the air before her. “That’s surely a dead end. If my father couldn’t find him, we won’t either. Besides, he could have already passed away.”
“I guess you’re right,” I said, folding my arms behind my head.
Loud footsteps pounded the ground outside, heading in our direction.
“Olivia!” Marcellious shouted. “Come quickly!”
Given my numerous injuries, I leaped to my feet as best I could. “What is it?”
“It’s Roman! He’s here!”
Without another thought, I raced from the teepee and followed Marcellious. A faint sliver of light still hung on the horizon.
Ahead stood a horse with a man slumped over its neck.
“Roman!” I cried out. “Oh, my God! Roman!”
I sprinted toward him.
Marcellious helped me lift him from the horse.
Roman was barely conscious, but he was alive.
“Bring him to my teepee. Emily and I will tend to him,” I ordered Marcellious. “I wonder where he came from. How did he escape Balthazar?”
I hurried next to Marcellious, who carried Roman over his shoulder.
“Let’s just be glad he’s here,” Marcellious said with a grunt.
I pivoted in a three-sixty, searching for a clue.
A figure stood beneath the same tree I’d sat under earlier.
A chill launched up my spine.
The figure met my gaze. His eyes shone emerald green, and he wore all black, from his boots to his pants and shirt. Something about him was strangely familiar to me—so much so that I wanted to run to him.
He nodded at me.
Before I could call out and ask him his name, he whirled and faded from sight. His disappearing act was like Balthazar would do, vanishing from sight as if he were never there.
Olivia
Night fell hard, bringing with it a sharp wind. The gusts blew through my bones as I hurried after Marcellious, who carried my lover as if he were a child.
Broken, beat up, barely clinging to life, Roman had found us here, with the tribe. I could hardly believe it. But I was also frightened. No way could Roman have escaped Balthazar—he was too severely damaged.
I glanced at the tree where the man with emerald eyes, clad entirely in black, had been staring at me. He had disappeared, faded out of sight like a thundercloud blown by a tornado. Who was he? Had he rescued Roman?
If this mysterious man had been responsible for Roman’s escape, then Balthazar would have been enraged. He would be relentless in his pursuit of us.
My stomach twisted into a hard knot as I hustled behind Marcellious. This kind of stress couldn’t be good for our unborn child.
A female voice called out. “Hunting Wolf! Bring Swift Hawk into my teepee!”
Gratitude filled my heart. If anyone could heal Roman’s ravaged body, it would be Leaping Deer.
Once Roman settled in the teepee, Leaping Deer jumped into action.
“Marcellious, you stay here—we will need your strength. Emily, bring water from the creek. Olivia, you will be Swift Hawk’s support.”
I translated for Emily, and she scurried from the dwelling.
Leaping Deer procured a deadly-looking knife and sliced Roman’s clothes from his body. She peeled them back until he lay on the furs, naked save for the dagger strapped to his thigh, covered in wounds from nasty-looking burns to angry gashes to his swollen ankle.
Leaping Deer gently palpated his broken bones. “We will have to set this for it to heal properly. This will hurt Swift Hawk even in his unconsciousness. Marcellious, position yourself at his foot and wait for my instruction.”
Marcellious did as commanded and waited while Leaping Deer inspected Roman’s body.
“Little Moon, see those baskets over there?” She pointed to the edge of the teepee.
“Yes,” I replied, reaching for my rudimentary command of the Sioux language.
“Go get the red one and the orange one.”
I did as she requested, returning with the delicate weavings with lids.
“I have healing salves in those two baskets. Once the leg is set, you will apply salve to his many wounds,” Leaping Deer said.
“Understood,” I said.
“Now, Hunting Wolf, you are to straighten these bones.” Leaping Deer pointed to Roman’s mangled foot. “The bones will have begun to knit together, so you must act swiftly and brutally. Do what I tell you, even if Roman cries out.”
Even in the soft glow of firelight, Marcellious’ face visibly paled. “All right.”
“Olivia, you take his hand. He might bear down on you, but let him do what he must.”
“Okay,” I said, lifting his hand and clasping it with mine.
“On my word, Hunting Wolf, make the right foot match the left. See how this one is angled inwardly?”
Marcellious nodded.
“It must align like the other one in a straight line. Here…” Leaping Deer looked at me. “Little Moon, retrieve one of those arrows for me.”
I turned my attention to where she pointed and fetched the arrow.
Leaping Deer held it next to Roman’s broken ankle and said, “When you are done, the lines of the bones will match the line of this weapon. Ready?”
A look of fierce determination crossed Marcellious’ face. He gave a single nod with his mouth set in a firm line. Then, he grasped Roman’s foot and ankle with his hands.
Roman let out a moan.
Marcellious sucked in a quick sharp breath. “Let’s get this done.”
“All right, Hunting Wolf. On three. One. Two. Three.”
I held my breath as Marcellious jerked the bones into place with a loud crack.
Roman let out an ear-splitting cry that shattered my heart. He squeezed my hand so hard I thought my bones would be crushed.
But, when Marcellious finally released the leg, it matched the arrow’s line.
Roman became quiet, sinking deep into whatever tortured state of mind he roamed.
Marcellious fell back on his ass, his hands landing on the hide-covered ground.
I applied the salve to Roman’s injuries.
Then, all we could do was wait for him to heal.
I remained in Leaping Deer’s teepee for three days and three nights, staying close to Roman. He moaned and writhed, wrestling with his own demons, but he stayed unconscious the entire time.
I continued to dab healing salve upon his wounds as instructed by Leaping Deer. The tribe brought me food, but I ate little. My sole focus was on Roman. No way would I leave his side.
Emily and Marcellious came and went, checking on Roman and me, ensuring I’d been fed, and offering care. Leaping Deer monitored Roman’s well-being, but she slept with Red Bird since neither had a husband. Leaping Deer’s mate had died of a hunting accident, and Red Bird’s husband had been killed after falling from his horse a few years ago.
I was grateful for her kindness and worried to death about Roman. What if he never comes to?
I awoke from a hard sleep on the fourth morning and checked on Roman. The swelling in his ankle had reduced significantly since Marcellious had wrenched the bones in place. Although his gashes and burns were healing, he had not regained consciousness.
My heart grew heavy with despair.
Leaping Deer entered the teepee, carrying a basket of jerky. “Little Moon, you must eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” I said, despite my stomach growling.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said, her expression serious. “You must eat. I don’t wish to care for you both. Eat.”
She thrust the jerky toward me, and I took it.
I selected a piece and began to chew on it.
Leaping Deer said, “Grey Feather is on his way to speak with you.”
“Oh!” I said, somewhat alarmed. “Is anything the matter?”
“Not that I know of—he simply asked to speak with you.” She lifted the bison hide covering Roman and inspected his wounds. “He looks better. I’m pleased.”
Grey Feather lumbered into the dwelling, carrying a staff to steady his steps. “Little Moon, how is Swift Hawk?”
“You can see for yourself. His wounds are healing, but he is not waking. I’m worried he won’t recover,” I said.
The chief leaned heavily on his sturdy carved stick. He studied Roman for a long time while I eagerly held my breath.
“Swift Hawk will survive, Little Moon. He is strong and will come out of it. Don’t worry about his body—his soul is shaken.”
I pressed my hand to my mouth. “What can I do to help him heal?”
Leaping Deer rose and made her way next to the chief. “You must speak to him. Even in his unconsciousness, he can hear you. Tell him everything—your concerns, your fears, and your love. Share from your soul, and you will reach his.”
My attention focused on Roman’s face, which appeared gaunt. His skin clung to his bones, making him look skeletal, haunted. Yet, looking at him with soft, loving eyes, I could see his essence, honor, and fortitude shine through in the set of his jaw, even in repose. Roman was a warrior through and through. He would make it. But could I reach his spirit? What had happened that made Grey Feather say Roman’s soul was shaken?
“All right,” I said to Grey Feather and Leaping Deer without looking up. “I’ll do it.”
I gripped Roman’s hand as Leaping Deer and Grey Feather slipped from the teepee.
Then, I gathered my thoughts, tugging them free from the fearful abyss I’d been in these last few days.
“How were you saved, my love?” I used my thumb to stroke the skin on the top of his hand. “Who was that man who stared at me from the shadows? Did he help you escape?”
Roman’s breath stayed steady and even.
“I’m afraid we’re in more danger than before. Balthazar will surely be enraged to find you missing. And I have not discovered the journal. If he finds us, I have nothing to show him.” I ran my fingertips up his arm.
“And this news will come as a surprise as it did to me. You’re going to be a father.”
I squinted.
Did he just sigh, or was it my imagination?
“I’m worried that Balthazar will come after the child and us. I love knowing there’s life inside me that we both created through our passion. But I’m also hesitant to keep this child, knowing how unstable our lives are and how mortal life is for us now. We have nothing to call our own but each other—no home, no place to raise a child. I want to raise our children in a real home somewhere.”
A lone, wistful tear tracked down my cheek and landed with a soft plop on my deerskin-covered thigh.
“Will you even be the same man when you wake up? Grey Feather said your soul is shaken. What happened, my love? What despicable things did Balthazar do to you and say to you?” I let out a long sigh. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I promise to do everything I can to care for you until you’re strong again, side by side with me.”
I stretched out my cramped legs. “We need a plan. We found her father’s journal when Emily and I were at her home in Weston Hills. After reading it, we discovered that my mother had a relationship with Emily’s father, and Emily is my half-sister. They had been searching for a man named John James.”
I lapsed into silence, my heart pulsing with love for my fallen warrior, lover, and life.
Several beats passed, one stretching into the next, but I felt deeply connected to Roman as I sat caressing his skin.
Our silent respite was broken by Marcellious, who lifted the door flap and softly said, “May I enter?”
“Of course,” I said, blinking at the intrusion of light streaming in.
Marcellious slipped inside and closed the door, enveloping us in the faint light.
“How’s he doing?” Marcellious said, sinking into a cross-legged position on Roman’s other side.
“I don’t know. I don’t know how he’s doing. Grey Feather and Leaping Deer seem certain of his recovery,” I said, meeting Marcellious’ eyes.
“They said as much to me, as well. They also encouraged me to share with him—to unburden my soul to him, even though he is not awake.” Marcellious’ gaze dropped toward Roman. “So, I should like to do that when you’re ready.”
“I just did the same.”
“Did it help?” he said.
“I don’t know the answer to that, either, at least not as far as helping Roman. But it seemed to bring peace to my heart, so…” I shrugged. “I need to go relieve myself, anyway. I’ll go do that, and you can share.”
“I don’t need for you to be gone,” Marcellious interjected. “If you need to be by his side, please stay.”
Who is this new, courteous Marcellious, anyway?
I smiled at him. “Go ahead and say your piece. I’ll be back.”
After relieving my bladder in the woods and sipping water from the nearby stream, I padded back to the teepee. I hesitated before entering, hearing Marcellious’ heartfelt words.
“Roman, forgive me for everything I did to you in Rome. Seeing you this way, brother…seeing you lay broken by the hands of our shared enemy has awakened something inside of me,” Marcellious said in a hoarse voice. “Forgive me for forcing you to kill your best friend, Marcus, in a fight to the death. Forgive me for forcing you into a life of servitude to Severus. And I’m terribly sorry for capturing Olivia and holding her prisoner. I’m deeply ashamed of my actions.”
I paused, not wanting to break the mood of confession inside the teepee. I couldn’t believe what Marcellious was saying—I never in a million years thought I’d hear words of regret coming out of his mouth.
“I tried many times to kill you. I was always at war with you, yet you saved me several times. You saved my life just as I was trying to end yours. I’m a wretched, wretched man.” His voice cracked. “I was angry when you arrived in Rome and bested me in championships. I wanted all the glory for myself. It was mine! I didn’t want to share my success with anyone. I wanted to reign supreme, and you took it away from me. You took everything I had worked for. You became my ultimate rival. I only wanted what you took from me. I am ashamed of my actions.”
Was Marcellious crying?
“You are an honorable man, Roman. I hold great respect for you. I always knew that you were a better man than me. All I wanted out of life were what most men long for—a good wife, a family, and a place to call home. I ended up with nothing. I became a terrible man who lusted for power.” Marcellious sobbed. “You are the kindest, strongest man I have ever met. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and accept me as your brother. I hope we can make things work between us. I promise I will be a better man.”
I crouched next to the teepee. Should I enter now? Stay out here? What should I do?
Marcellious said nothing further. When his sobs subsided, I pulled back the door flap. I entered, hoping to appear as if I’d just arrived and hadn’t overheard his private confessions.
Marcellious’ eyes appeared puffy, yet a new softness radiated from his expression.
“How did it go?” I said, settling next to Roman. “Feel better?”
“I’m not sure,” he croaked.
Roman seized Marcellious’ hand. We both gasped.
“I forgive you, brother,” Roman said, his rasping voice sounding like he had emerged from the bottom of a deep well. “I am honored to have you as my brother. As long as we are alive, we shall always be warriors, side by side.”
His eyelids fluttered open, landing on Marcellious, who had resumed crying.
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Marcellious blubbered. “But thank you.”
“Everyone deserves to be forgiven and given a chance to start over,” Roman whispered.
“I need to be alone to gather myself,” Marcellious said. “Thank you for your kind heart, brother. Thank you for forgiving me.”
Roman squeezed Marcellious’ hand. “You’re welcome.”
After Marcellious exited, Roman turned his head toward me with apparent effort. He took my hand in his, and his eyelids fell closed.
Weeping silently, I clasped my hands around his.
Without opening his eyes, Roman said, “I heard everything you said, my darling. It seemed to be whispered to me from a distance, but I heard it all.”
“Oh, Roman,” I gasped. “You’ve returned to me. I was so scared I’d lost you.”
His eyelids slowly opened, and I met his intense gaze. “Never, Olivia. You will never lose me. I’ve told you before, and I’ll repeat it—I vow to always return to you, even if death has claimed one of us. But this time, I survived death.”
I lowered my head and kissed his parched lips, moving gently as his lips felt tender and ravaged. The kiss was a homecoming, a welcoming of one another.
I was met by glistening adoration radiating from his blue eyes when I withdrew. “I can breathe again now that you’ve returned to me. I held a vigil for you for days.”
“Did you find the journal?”
I shook my head.
“We’ll find it together,” he said, caressing my hand with his thumb.
“I’m more afraid of Balthazar than ever before,” I admitted. “He’s not going to be happy you’re gone. How on earth did you escape? I saw a man after you arrived. He stared at me, but he didn’t seem malevolent.”
I held back the part about how it seemed like I knew that man.
“I’m as mystified as you are,” Roman said. He turned to lie on his side.
I lowered myself to lie facing him.
“I was fraught with fever and delusions, so I thought I imagined him. Balthazar lied to you about caring for me and keeping me alive. Those were clearly not his intentions. He only wanted to make me suffer and then kill me.”
