XXVIII

(NaNoWriMo - Day 23)

The next morning the delegates set off bright and early. Of those that were left behind, David was the most restless. He had really wanted to be part of the group that went to Vencoshi, but both his size and his not being a native of Phairdayle (or even this world) weighed against him. After repeatedly getting in Vixel and Ratel’s way, as they prepared meals and tidied up, the vixen finally sent him off to keep an eye on the Susan, with strict instructions not to wake, disturb or upset her in anyway.

David was happier doing this, just sitting and watching the girl. Though he still felt restless because there was nothing he could do or say and time seemed to be dragging endlessly.

At about midday, Susan woke briefly. David rushed up to her from where he sat. With a hoarse voice, she asked for water and food. He held to her mouth the filled water bottle that lay by her side for just such a purpose, and then ran off and fetched some more soup from Vixel. He apologised for it being cold, but it would take so long to heat up.

Refreshed, Susan asked him to stay with her a while. Blushing, he didn’t mention that that’s what he’d been doing all day. Wary of bringing up things that might be uncomfortable, he asked her to tell him about her favourite adventure in Narnia, if the memories didn’t cause pain, that is.

She was only too glad to oblige, but her voice gave out quickly. So David took up the conversation, telling her some of his favourite childhood memories. He steered clear, however, of any mention of the stories his mother would tell him about Atlantis.

At some point, Susan fell asleep again, and David brought his tales to an end, sitting once more in silence, examining her care-worn face. Ever since Inri had spoken to her, she looked less pained in her sleep and her sleep seemed far more natural. But she was still far paler than she ought to be and he could see the effects of both illness and grieving that were etched into her features. His heart ached at her beauty and sorrow and he silently issued a prayer that the expedition would prove successful. She needed healing and it was more than just the physical healing that the breaknut would bring. He prayed that he would have his chance to mend things with her, but more, that he could be used to help her heal in other ways.

He knew that to some degree, Inri was right. It had been in part for his own sake that he wanted her forgiveness. But he knew now that it was more than that. He wanted her to be well and happy again for her sake. He wanted her forgiveness so that she could move past the pain of betrayal; because he didn’t want her to carry hurt in any form, and despaired to think that some of that hurt might be his doing. He was even willing to accept if her future happiness meant her having nothing more to do with him. But at the same time, felt the acute ache such a prospect left in his own heart.

Evening approached, and David reluctantly left his charge and rejoined the others around the fire. They discussed how long they thought it might take before the others returned.

“Surely it will be tomorrow, or the day after at the latest,” suggested Ratel. Inri wouldn’t have suggested the expedition if he didn’t anticipate a swift resolution.

“How is she?” asked Vixel of David.

“Resting well, and she was even able to talk some this afternoon. But she still looks very weak, and I do hope Inri and the others return soon. We will have to wait a few days from then, before we can begin to treat her with leaves and even longer before there is another seed.”