Thomas drew his dagger, pulled a length of kilt free of his belt and cut it off. He dipped it in the cold creek water, handed it to her, and watched her hold it against her swollen eye. Until then, she had not noticed the blood on him, reached out and touched his arm.
"Aye, 'tis your blood. It will stop soon." He took the cloth, rinsed it again and handed it back. "We will take you home."
"I wish to die."
Thomas stood up and straightened his shoulders, "You will not die. You are pledged to our laird and we will take you home." He abruptly wrinkled his brow. "You are Lady Anna, are you not?" He was relieved when she nodded.
A tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly dabbed it away with the cloth. "You do not understand; dying is the only gift I have to give."
He was so taken aback, he didn't say another word. Instead, he took the cloth from her, dipped it in the cold water one last time and handed it back.
"I need to …" she started.
He understood what she wanted and nodded. He helped her walk behind some trees, left her there and told the men to move away.
Anna thought about trying to run, but it was a fleeting thought. It was all she could do to take care of the necessary and bending her knee hurt profusely. At length, she walked back around the trees and went to the creek. She eased down on the rock, cupped her hands and tried to lean over, but the motion stretched her back. Before she knew it, Thomas was kneeling in front of her again. He untied his flask of water and helped her hold it so she could drink. She was beginning to feel a little better. "Thank you."
He put his flask away and nodded. "Are you hungry?"
She shook her head. "How far?"
"Not far, we will arrive before dark. Tell me when you need to rest."
"I need a new face."
It made him smile. Perhaps she wasn't going to die after all. He offered his hand to help her up again, but when she saw her horse, she bowed her head. "What is it?"
"I have no belongings?"
He was afraid she would begin to cry and he couldn't blame her if she did. "We will see to your needs."
As soon as Thomas mounted his horse, Clymer put his hands around Anna's waist and lifted her back into Thomas' lap. Then Clymer handed the reins of her horse to another man, quickly mounted and rode away.