7
What do you mean there is nothing to numb the pain? Are there no roots I can dig, no plants that will deaden the nerves, even a little?”
“There is nothing.”
“But if I am to cut into you, there should be something to ease the trauma.”
Skenan’s look at her was cautious, but surprised. He said, “There are herbs and plants that might do this, but there is not the time to find and gather them and then to prepare them for use. We will do without them.”
Do without them? Abagail didn’t think so. “Am I to presume you intend to remain awake while I poke holes in your skin? And also while I am to sew up the slash upon your arm, as well as the injury on your chest?
“Nyoh, yes, that is exactly what I have in mind.”
She scowled at him. “Are you one of those strange people who enjoys pain?”
“I am not the kind of person you speak of. I will simply endure the pain.” He grinned at her, and though she felt she shouldn’t, she was astonished at the appealing effect a simple smile could have upon a girl’s composure.
“No, Mr. Skenan,” she said. “I beg to differ.”
He raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing.
“Mr. Skenan, you won’t have to endure it, because I simply will not do it while you are wide awake. There must be another way.”
He frowned as he turned his attention inward. After a lengthy pause, he said, “Perhaps you might push the skin together and wrap it tightly so that when it heals, the skin will grow together. If you can do it, perhaps we won’t need the sharp knife and sinew.”
“Do you think it would work?”
“I have no reason to think it would not do as well as the other,” said Skenan. “If I understand why you wish to sew the skin together, it is because you wish the skin to come together as it heals, so that it will not leave an open gash.”
“Well, yes,” she replied.
“I believe that if you push the skin together and wrap it tightly enough, it will accomplish the same purpose.”
“I suppose it might work,” she said, though she knew her tone was noncommittal. “If you are willing, we could try it.”
“Of course I am willing,” he responded.
Given their circumstances, Abagail supposed this might be the best she could do. She came up to her feet and turned around, saying, “I will boil the water.”
He nodded, and, leaning down toward the bedding, he flopped back upon it.