Chapter Six
He was hungry.
Not the usualit’s-breakfast-timetype of hunger, but a ravenous, gnawing, empty feeling that told him not even a twelve-course dinner would be enough. His stomach gurgled loudly for emphasis.
As if in response, Dal tapped on the door and poked his head in as Finn called out a greeting.
“And good morning to you too, Mr. Finn.” Dal entered. “How do you find yourself today?”
“Um…” He had to take a moment to straighten out the phrase. “I find myself hungry.”
“That is an excellent sign you are recovering. Here, allow me assist you.” Dal let him lean on one strong arm, and Finn slid from the bed and onto his own two feet.
He let go, stood for a moment without swaying, and then nodded. “I shall do.”
“Yes, you will. Unfortunately, you will have to remain in this robe for a little time, until Miss Hecate can make arrangements for more suitable clothing.”
Finn looked askance at the multihued garment. “There’s nothing else?”
“No, sir. Not at present.”
“I’m just Finn, Dal. No sir involved. I may not remember anything, but I’m damned sure I’m not a sir, or any other fancy title.”
Dal helped him wrap himself in the robe. “Your memory is still absent today?”
“Yes.” Finn’s answer was rough. “It’s…frustrating.”
“That I can well believe.”
Dal busied himself tidying the chamber while Finn took care of his most pressing needs. “I think it’s time for me to move around more, Dal. If I might go downstairs…even though I am improperly dressed…”
Dal folded a blanket and nodded. “I am in agreement. We shall go down and see if Miss Hecate will allow you to join her for breakfast. She is the best judge of your condition, and I doubt she will refuse your request.”
“You have known her long?”
It was a polite and casual question, asked quietly as the two men left the bedchamber. But it was the one thing Finn had decided upon awakening this morning. He would discover more about his hostess and saviour. She might be the key to more of his memories, and now he felt strong enough to at leastpretendto be a human being, he set himself on a course to find out.
“I have had the honour of her friendship for over a year. I have known her spirit for centuries.”
“Ah.” Finn wondered if trying to work that out would be worth the effort. “She is certainly a unique lady.”
Dal glanced at him as they walked slowly down the stairs, Finn gripping the bannister for support. “She has mentioned some of her skills to you?”
“Yes,” he nodded, pausing for breath. “She has indeed.”
Dal took his other arm. “You would not be here, but for those skills, Mr. Finn.”
“Agreed. Her talents for medicine are unequalled.” He had personal evidence that Dal spoke nothing but the truth.
“Not just medicine.”
They stopped at the bottom of the stairs, and Finn took a moment to lean against the newel post. He shot a curious glance at Dal. “I’m not sure I understand.”
Dal took a breath. “You were dying. Even though Miss Hecate had treated you as best she could, your mind was shutting down. Getting ready to leave us.” His voice was quiet but firm. “Miss Hecate went into your thoughts, found you, and brought you back, determined that you would not die.”
Finn stared. “She did that? That’s possible?”
“Are you alive?” Dal’s eyebrow rose.
