Page 42 of Highland Prince of Darkness

“Aye, let’s go,” Iain turned on his horse, but the ground was no longer looking as even as it once did.

“Steady, lad!” Bruce called, as Iain leaned forward; he was holding on for dear life as his shoulder continued to throb.

His eyes wanted to close so badly, but he didn’t let them, he knew that they were going to have to get back to the castle if he wanted to live.

“I’m fine,” Iain shook it off. He knew that his guardian wasn’t going to believe him, but he still tried to continue on.

“Come on, I’ve got ye,” Bruce muttered.

Iain could keep his eyes open just long enough to see Bruce take the reins of his horse and tie them to the saddle of his own horse. Relief flooded through him as Iain only had to focus on holding on while he was led back to safety.

“Try to keep yer eyes open!” Bruce called back, but it was no use.

It was easier to keep his eyes closed, it felt better even though he knew it was wrong. Iain could feel the pull of unconsciousness drawing closer, it was tempting him as though it were a spell that he couldn’t resist. He was trying his hardest, using his thoughts to focus on the pain as a means to snap him out of the drowsiness that had taken over his body.

“Who dae ye think they were?” Iain mumbled.

His voice was weak and he wasn’t sure if his guardian had even heard his question. He thought of Athol finally being able to defeat him while he was so weak, but the thought only drove him to hold on tighter and pray that they would make it back to the castle without any more trouble.

“Almost there, son!” Bruce called back to him, but the world was already starting to fade into darkness.