George and Shamus lay Eileen gently back and released their hold on her. Eileen pulled her arms to her chest, hugging them close. “Keep an eye on her,” said Ailbe to Thomas. “Don’t let her move too much.”
Thomas stepped back, feeling sick with horror and relief. George ran a hand over his sister’s head, then took the strip of leather from her mouth. Tears glimmered in his eyes. He muttered about getting his spare shirt and stepped away to the porch. Shamus and Ailbe stepped over to the hearth, speaking words too quiet for Thomas to hear. Thomas wanted something to do or to say, but there was nothing. He stayed where he was until Ailbe came back, wrapped Eileen in a blanket, and had Shamus carry her over to the fire.
George came in with his and Eileen’s bags in his hand and a haunted look
