“Why?” George sounded at once confused and worried. “What are you doing?”
“Eileen will be out in a moment,” said Thomas. “Just wait here.”
George looked even more confused, but went out and closed the door. Thomas took a deep breath. He had not felt this tired since the first time he’d used magic. “Take off your shirt.”
“Thomas!” Eileen protested in a startled, appalled half-whisper. “My brother is outside the door!”
“I don’t care about your brother.” Exhaustion made him waver where he sat. “I don’t want you to have another scar because of me. Take the shirt off. Please.”
Eileen hesitated, then did as he asked. Her breasts were bound with a long strip of cloth that also held a bloodied bandage in place. Another bandage was wrapped around her arm. Thomas struggled to undo the knot Eile
