‘Yes, sir,’ said the older woman. ‘We’ll work now.’
Oranus left them to it and returned to the garden, where he sat awaiting Ralis and the nurse. After a little while he heard a wagon draw up. A young army doctor and a slender, dark-haired young woman entered the gate.
Oranus stood. ‘Where is Ralis?’ he asked.
‘He had urgent matters to attend,’ said the young man, saluting. ‘He has remained at his home today. Where is the dying man?’
‘He’s not dying,’ said Oranus. ‘A witch woman healed him.’
The young man laughed scornfully. ‘Then his wounds could not have been as severe as was thought.’
‘I saw him,’ said Oranus, an edge of anger in his voice. ‘He was choking on his blood.’ He pointed to the bloodsoaked paving. ‘That is where he lay.’
‘Yes, sir,’ replied the doctor, but Oranus could see the man retained his scepticism.
‘He is upstairs. Examine his wounds.’ Turning to the nurse he told her to prepare some food for the injured man.
‘You wish me to stay with him, sir?’ she asked stiffly. Her pretty face held a look of cold disdain.
‘Yes I do.’
‘He is a tribesman, is he not?’
‘He is.’
‘I am a citizen of Stone, and should not be required to tend savages. I will stay with him today, but I expect a Cenii woman to be recruited from tomorrow.’
Oranus knew the young woman. She had been expelled from Stone for illegal prostitution and extortion. Since arriving in Accia, however, she had been a model citizen, attending Temple and working voluntarily in the field hospital. ‘It will be as you say,’ he told her. ‘I am grateful for your assistance. He is a brave young man, who fought to save two citizens of Stone.’
‘Two traitors,’ she pointed out.
‘Yes, but he didn’t know that. There are some eggs in the kitchen, and some bread. I would be grateful if you could prepare a breakfast for me also.’
‘Of course, Captain,’ she said, and walked away.
The young doctor returned some minutes later. ‘As you say, Captain, he is not dying, though he has lost a great deal of blood.’ The man chuckled suddenly. ‘I heard the cleaning women talking. They believe a Seidh goddess healed him. The Morrigu, they called her. That’s obviously the answer, then.’ He laughed again. ‘I must be getting back.’
‘Thank you for your time, Doctor.’
‘See that he drinks plenty of water, and eats red meat. He should start regaining his strength in a week or so.’
‘I shall.’
The young man returned to the waiting wagon and Oranus walked back into the house and through to the kitchen. The nurse, Axa, had scrambled some eggs. She served them onto two wooden plates, handed one to Oranus, and took the other upstairs. Oranus sat quietly in the kitchen eating his breakfast. The eggs were good, and he cut two slices of bread, smearing them thickly with butter.
He felt different today. He had half expected the good feeling he had experienced upon waking to drift away like a dream once the day began, but it was quite the reverse. I feel strong again, he thought. Casting his mind back to the horrors of Cogden Field he found he could view the memories without terror.
Axa returned with an empty plate, and sat at the table opposite him. ‘I am sorry, Captain,’ she said. ‘I feel I was a little harsh earlier. I will do my duty and remain with Bane until he is well.’ He glanced at her, saw that her face was flushed.
That is good of you,’ he said.
The cleaning women had completed their task as he returned to the bedroom. Bane was asleep again, but he woke as Oranus entered.
‘I feel weak as a newborn foal,’ said the Rigante.
‘Your strength will grow day by day,’ said Oranus.
Bane smiled. ‘I thank you for your kindness. Do you know what happened to my friend?’
‘Friend?’
‘I was staying here with Banouin. He’s another Rigante. We were travelling to Stone together.’
‘No, I have not seen him. I will make enquiries.’
‘Tell me, what is a gladiator?’