“I have a feeling he’s going to want a small thanks for risking his life getting you off that island,” Doc told me as he gave me a wink. “Just don’t wear him out too much.”
My mouth dropped open, and the doctor was still laughing as he made his exit. Ramaro scurried up onto the foot of the bed and rolled his eyes. “That old fool has too much fun with his job.”
My attention fell on Fidel. The first mate sat still and quiet at the side of his captain, his eyes focused on Torvus’ pale features. A lump formed in my throat. What could I say to such a man? I was the reason Torvus was in this condition.
Fidel was the first to speak. “The captain wouldn’t want you to wallow in self-pity.”
I started back and stared wide-eyed at him. “What’s that?”
He lifted his chin and turned to face me. “The captain would tell you to stop wasting your time on feeling sorry for him or yourself, and to do something useful.”
I winced and clasped my hands tightly together in front of me. “But what can I do that’s useful? I’m not a sailor.”
“What about a cook?”
I perked up at the suggestion. “I can do that.”
He nodded at my attire. “Change out of that and call me when you’re finished.”
I looked down at myself and furrowed my brow. “What else can I get into?”
Fidel strode over to the dresser and rummaged around before he drew out a shirt and pants. He offered them to me. “Try these. The belts are in the bottom drawer if the pants won’t fit.” He caught the agama’s attention. “Come with me. I want a full report of what happened on the island.”
I took the gifts, and the man and lizard slipped out of the cabin. My aching muscles meant I fumbled with the ragged shirt and the new clothes. I had replaced the ruined shirt with the new one when I paused and glanced at the bed. The patient’s eye was still closed.
I tiptoed over to the bed and set my hands on the edge. His face was slightly scrunched. The look didn’t suit his handsome features. I gingerly sat beside him and cupped his cheek in my hand. A loose tear ran down my own cheek and dropped onto the covers.
A song popped into my mind. A lullaby I hadn’t heard in a long time. I took a deep, shuddering breath, and a few whispered words floated out of my parted lips.
“Sleep, little babe. Rest your head upon the hay. Hush, little child. Listen to what I say. Let your dreams be filled with love. Let your heart let go of its care. Rest in the warmth of the sun. In the light where all hopes dare.”
I felt a strange reverberation in the air. My mouth opened as a faint light wrapped around Torvus. The brilliance caused me to choke on my words, and the light vanished.
A loud rap on the door made me freeze, and Ramaro’s voice floated through the wood. “Are you almost done in there?”
I jumped to my feet and tried to speak. My lips were too dry, but I whetted them and swallowed the lump in my throat. “Almost!”
I hurried on with the rest of my clothes, occasionally glancing over at Torvus. Was it just my hope, or did his face look a little less pale?
I opened the door a few short minutes later. Fidel stood there, and Ramaro marched inside. The lizard climbed onto the chair and made himself comfortable. “About time. What were you doing in here? Having your way with him?” His attention fell on Torvus, and he squinted his eyes. “Have you been having your way with him? He looks different.”
Fidel strode past me and up to the bed. I grasped my hands in front of me to stop them from shivering. “I didn’t do anything to him.” God, please tell me I didn’t kill him.
Fidel looked him over and shook his head. “He’s slightly improved. That’s all.” He turned his focus to me and used an arm to gesture to the door. “Now let me show you your new job.” I bit my lower lip and glanced at Torvus. Fidel followed my gaze. “We won’t be going against Doc’s orders. The captain probably won’t be awake for quite some time.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Has he. . .has he ever been this bad?”
“A few times,” Fidel confirmed as he folded his arms over his chest.
“I’d like to hear about them.”
A faint smile curled his lips up. “Then I’ll do so in the galley, or Cook could tell you. He’s been with the captain longer than I have. Come with me.”
I hesitated, but Ramaro puffed out his chest. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
I smiled and stroked his head. “Thanks, Ramaro.”
He shook his head and glared at me. “I’m not your pet!”
