Chapter X, Reading 7

She nodded her head against the pillow. "May I have some water?"

Kewero quickly filled a glass, gently supported her head, and helped her to drink. "Is that enough?" she queried after Flindra had sipped several times.

"Yes."

Kewero eased her head back to the pillow. "Do you think you could eat anything? I have some broth warming over the fire."

"I would like that."

"Let me fetch some pillows and then I'll help you sit up."

"I don't need help," she protested as she tried to sit up on her own. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed her and she would have collapsed back to the mattress if Kewero hadn't reached over to support her.

"Easy, little one," Kewero warned. "Let's not push things too fast." She stacked a number of pillows behind her patient so she could lean comfortably against the headboard. Then she eased her back against the fluffy mountain. Again, she touched Flindra lightly on the brow.

"Comfortable?"

She nodded.

"It'll take me just a minute to fetch the broth. Would you care for some bread to go with it?"

"That sounds good."

"Try to stay awake, little one. You need the nourishment."

Flindra smiled. "I will."

Kewero left the room and was soon back with a bowl of broth and several slices of bread.

"Let me feed you. I don't want to wear you out unnecessarily."

"Whatever you think is best."

Kewero placed the tray on a stool beside the bed and then tucked a napkin into the neckline of Flindra's sleeping gown.

Flindra smiled at the motherly attention and allowed herself to be so pampered. It was easier on her and she thought that Kewero was enjoying it.