Chapter X, Reading 6

"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.

"This is wonderful broth," Flindra remarked after Kewero had spooned some into her mouth.

"I made it from what was left of the ptarmigan. I'm sorry Flindra but I had to eat it before it spoiled."

"Good," she said with a smile. "I'm glad you didn't let it go to waste. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, but it would have been much better if you'd been there to share it with me."

"I'm sharing it now."

"So you are."

Kewero took a piece of the bread, dipped it into the broth, and then held it for Flindra to take a bite. She alternated between the broth and the bread until she was finished with both.

"Do you need anything else?"

"No, Kewero," Flindra answered sleepily.

"In that case I think you need to get more sleep. You're starting to look a little pale."

She helped her sit, moved the pillows away and then eased her back to the bed.

"Your only concern now is to get some rest. Rest now, my little one. Just close your eyes and sleep."

Flindra answered by closing her eyes and allowing sleep to take her. Kewero stayed by her side until she was deeply asleep. She was pleased by what she saw. She could tell that this was a normal, healthy and healing rest. Flindra had made it back.

Flindra dreamt of her home and her family. Without knowing she did it, she reached out across space and time and thanked the two who had helped her find her way back.