Chapter 5
The sound of Dearne’s hoarse shouts awoke Will in the cold early hours. He jumped from his cramped position in the chair by the fire. He had opted to sleep in the same room as Dearne to keep an eye on him in case he took a turn for the worse, and the hoarse cries jerked him from a dream. He staggered to the bed.
“Will…Will…” He sounded terrified.
Will caught his hands and tried to hold him still but he set up a struggle again that was difficult to contain. As before, he fought with him until he simply got into the bed with him and gathered him close. The struggles subsided, and Dearne clutched at him.
“Will?”
“I’m here. You are safe.” Will stroked the back of his head, his neck, and his shoulders until he realised what he was doing and stopped.
“Will, thank God. I couldn’t
