“I have more of the draught,” he told her. “Will ye drink?”
“I am tired, Ardahl. So tired.”
“Only drink.”
“I canna.”
“For me.”
She leaned up obediently—would she not do anything for him?—and he helped her raise her head enough to sip the draught. Naught to the weight of her. Desperation and terror seized his heart.
“There now. Ye must rest and grow well.”
She gazed at him, and even before her lips moved, he knew her thoughts.
“Ardahl, I am frightened.”
So was he. More than when he’d ridden to battle in his chariot. More than when the druids had passed sentence upon him. This,thishe could not face.
She whispered, “I fear I must go from ye.”
“Nay. Nay, ye will not.” With great emphasis he added, “Ye will drink the rest of your draught and ye will grow strong again.”
She merely gazed at him with the deepest of regret.
Two lovely daughters and three stout sons, she had given him. He would have to summon them shortly—if he believed what he saw in her eyes. But this moment, this moment must be for them alone.
As every moment had been.
“I am frightened to go ahead o’ ye alone.” Her thin fingers tightened on his. “I do not know how to live—or to be dead—without ye.”
“Nor I, without ye.”
She gave him a weary smile. “I fear we must now find out.”
“Nay, Liadan, stay wi’ me.” He begged now. “Stay wi’ me.”
“I am so tired.” It came on a sigh. “If love could keep me—”
“If love could keep ye, we would be together forever.”
He took both her hands in his, lifted them one by one and planted kisses in the palms. Fervent kisses. He kissed each corner of her mouth, both cheeks in turn. He planted a last kiss on her brow. The skin of her forehead burned like fire, consuming the very spirit he adored.
“Liadan, I must go call our children.”
“Not yet. Hold me. Ardahl, will ye hold me?”
He crawled onto the sleeping bench with her, his old limbs protesting, and gathered her into his arms. Never had he known the meaning ofunbearabletill now.
“Ye will not leave me?” she beseeched him.
“Never.” It was she who was leaving him.
“Ye will follow after me?”
“I will find ye. Always.”
There came no response, only a whisper in his heart.
