Chapter 106

I almost laughed aloud. Of course, that part of him would come alive first. I gently stroked him with my thumb, and he stirred some more. Blood rose from his bed and started for us, so I reluctantly removed my hand.

“He moved,” I said.

Blood laid a hand to Bear’s head. “The fever’s down, but it ain’t broke. Go back to your blankets. I’ll fetch more water and watch over him.

* * * *

We fought for Bear over the next few days, bringing the fever ravaging his body down only to see it soar again. Twice he was so hot, I was certain his heart would burn out. Once, he went into convulsions. Had he died at that moment; I would have followed him. Not from any overt act, but from a sympathetic system. On the fourth night, I noticed the blankets no longer shook and I was not bathing his face quite so often. The mound of flesh beneath my palm was warm, but not alarmingly hot. It stirred.

“Feels…g-good.”