Chapter 5: Chapter Five

  When Elaine reached the meadow, she glanced up at the sun. Three hours had passed since she had left this morning. Trudging through the tall grass, she came upon the dirt crater. Once more, those few white feathers puzzled her. Oh well, the stranger required urgent care. This mystery would have to wait until he was feeling better. Then she could ask any question in the world.

In the cabin, she packed a loaf of bread and found an extra thick blanket. On a whim, she changed into an old pair of mens' pants and a baggy shirt. That outfit would make riding much easier. She filled a canteen with cool water from the well and then hurried into the barn.

Mercury was munching on leftover hay in his stall. A quiet word and he trotted over to her. Raising his head over the gate, he allowed her to buckle a halter about his head. She saddled him quickly, hoping that the wounded man would be able to climb aboard. The buckboard was too large and clunky to drive through the woods.

Elaine hung the canteen on the saddlehorn and tied a bedroll behind the saddle. Mounting up, she dug her heels into Mercury's sides and the two tore out of the barnyard. Hanging on for dear life, she directed her mount into the woods. He balked when tree branches whipped about his face. She nearly took a nasty spill but managed to hold on long enough.

With a grateful exhale, she slid off outside the cave.

The man was awake and sitting up again, petting Cricket. She hung back and watched, fascinated by the scene. The dog wagged and panted happily under the man's touch. Then she was spotted by the stranger. He snapped back, looking frightened. Wide, green eyes stared out from a dirty face, calling to her with their depths.

Carefully, she approached with the thick blanket. He cowered away but she followed, draping the warmth around him. Shivering, he clutched at the thick fabric. When an attempt was made to help him to stand, he slapped her hand away.

Stung, she jumped back and took a moment to regain her wits. At first, she felt threatened. However, due to his horrible, injured state, this man was more savage than anything human. She needed to be patient and treat him as a wounded animal.

Easing herself down on the cold, cave floor, she leaned back against the damp wall. Cricket lay down next to her and quickly fell asleep. She stroked his soft fur and settled in for a long wait.

Tension radiating off him, the man relaxed after a lengthy time.

First, he leaned back against the opposite wall, clutching his blanket ever tighter. His eyes never left her, as if he expected her to attack him at any moment. Blood dripped onto the floor. She wasn't sure from where the life was coming. He had so many gashes, cuts and deep lacerations to know for certain. In time, he leaned more heavily against the wall, eyelids drooping.

Finally, he lost consciousness for the second time.

My dear, it seems you have lost this fight,” she commented sadly, feeling deep sympathy for this wretched creature. “Now, let us see what can be done about your situation. You certainly can't stay here in this cold, wet place.”

He didn't move when she knelt by him and felt his forehead. He was burning up. A fever was raging inside him, fighting hard against shock and his wounds. Pity for this poor stranger, fallen on hard times, bubbled up stronger than ever. A dreadful event had surely happened to bring him so very low. He had been attacked and beaten.

The culprits must truly hate themselves to have done such a thing to a fellow human being.

Tearing off a piece from her blue shirt tail, Elaine poured water over the cloth. She worked it past his lips so his mouth could absorb the moisture. The process was repeated several more times and then his face was wiped down. Once the blood, mud and grime were removed, the man's handsome features became more clear.

Surprised anew, Elaine sat back on her heels, observing her unconscious patient.

His face was rugged and intelligent while cleverly maintaining a boyish softness. Golden skin was pure and unblemished, accented by a pair of generous, pink lips. She imagined that his square jaw could clench in anger or soften with tender feelings. How glorious his smile must be...

Glancing around the cave, she turned her distracted mind toward getting him home safely. Mercury couldn't get across the treacherous creek so she would have to drag the man outside. Even then, she doubted her strength could lift his dead weight onto the horse. Another option had to be available.

She tucked the blanket snugly around the man's upper body and tightly fastened the ends. Thus, his arms were pinned against his body to avoid injury during travel. Pondering the next step, she had a sudden idea.

Quickly, she went back outside but her hopes were at once dashed. The forest was full of lush pine trees but their green boughs were useless for a travois since she didn't have a knife or leather thongs on hand.

Grazing a few yards away, Mercury caught her eye.

Unsaddling him, she examined the pad thoroughly. It would do for her purpose. Her first task was to find a sturdy branch on the ground. Wielding the weapon to good effect, she beat aside the rose briars and formed a path to the cave's entrance. Then she carried the saddle and pad inside.

Gray and drawn, the young man was still unconscious, no doubt from the massive amount of blood loss.

The saddle was turned upside down onto the pad and positioned next to him. Her attention was turned to the patient. With great effort and struggling, she dragged him onto the upturned saddle so that the structure cradled his upper body. With the long, leather latigo, she wound it up and around him to prevent any slippage. A couple of feet was leftover for pulling.

Satisfied with his reasonable comfort, she tied a handkerchief around his bare feet to protect them also. When all was in readiness, she gathered the leftover cinch and began to pull with all her might. This man was tall, broad-shouldered, muscular and certainly not lightweight.

Sweat poured from her face.

Now there was a fresh, irritating problem. How to get her heavy burden across the rocky creek without getting him wet? Loose rocks were scattered everywhere so she decided to build a path across. Stone after stone was thrown into the shallow creek, piling up.

Collapsing on the bank, Elaine caught her breath and calmed her pounding heartbeat. Her eyes fell upon him. She noticed that he was half-conscious. His mouth was moving soundlessly and he was shaking with cold. His muddy clothes needed to be stripped off, his icy skin chafed vigorously and his whole body wrapped in warmth.

Don't worry, baby. I'll get you home and you'll live. At least, I'll do my best.”

Pulling herself up, she gathered limited strength. An eternity later, her precious cargo had been pulled into the sunlight. She caught Mercury, untied his lead rope and knotted the length around his stout neck. The end was secured to the saddle. Slowly, the trio made their way back through the forest.

Wielding her stick, Elaine beat away the brush as she led the gelding behind her.

Nearly two hours later, the house came into view at last. The sun had risen high by now, heat radiating off the horizon. Weary and anxious, Elaine trudged through the meadow. She led Mercury into the barn and halted him outside the farmhand's quarters. With strenuous efforts, she got the unconscious man into the small room and onto the cot.

When jostled around, he moaned and stirred but didn't awaken.

Gazing down at this injured, fragile man now at her mercy, she was overwhelmed and unsure what needed to be done first. He was an absolute mess. His battered body lay motionless, save for the slight rise and fall of his chest. Each shallow breath sounded like torture.

Her left hand reached out and touched his shoulder. Unnatural heat radiated off his skin. A red fire was aflame within him, fighting hard for survival. Fever glistened upon his brow. Even if her actions were wrong, at least she would have done what was humanly possible.

An old bedsheet for bandages, a bowl of cool water and a soft cloth were gathered before she set to work. First, the man's strange knee-length tunic was cut away. Removing this bloodstained shield, she was confronted with a gruesome sight. Tears sprung in her eyes.

The amount of his injuries was staggering.

As each gash and bruise was painstakingly cleaned, she tried to not wonder about what horror he had endured. From his battered, naked body, she guessed that several men had set upon him with rods, fists and boots. Such torment he had been forced to suffer alone, without a comforting hand. Fear and hopelessness must have consumed him within that cold, dank cave.

Turning him over onto his stomach, she gasped and sat back, her right hand coming across her mouth.

Two curious, horrific wounds were set into his shoulder blades. Blood trickled down his back, oozing from their depths. By far, these two wounds were the worst. She winced, gulping against the bile in her throat. The cuts were deep; white bone could be seen at their centers. A surgical knife had been used to carve out his back. But for what purpose would such a cruel action be taken?

Once his body had been bathed, she left him on his stomach. Blankets were brought and he was snuggled within them. He slept on, fitfully jerking and gurgling incomprehensible sounds. She checked on him often during the night, bringing wet cloths to lay over his glistening brow. He would awaken briefly sometimes. Only long enough for a sip of water and then fall back into his dreamworld.

As the hours cycled into a new dawn, his fever had worsened and he ceased waking up. The wounds on his back were becoming infected. Despite her best efforts, Elaine didn't possess enough medical knowledge to know what to do. She stayed by his side, sponging down his burning skin. His smooth chest hitched restlessly as he struggled to breathe.

By the second morning, death was reaching out its bony fingers for his soul.

Kneeling by his bedside, she slipped her hand around his right one. Those fingers, chilled and lifeless, were foreboding. Breath rasped from his slack mouth. His condition was getting worse and there was nothing left to be done. At least...nothing that she could do.

Elaine raised her head, contemplating a hesitant, uncomfortable idea.

Widow London was older and the closest neighbor. Perhaps she had knowledge or medicine or advice which would help this man. Elaine was desperate and thought the widow to be his last hope. No matter how much groveling would have to be done, she would do what was necessary to save him.

* * * * *

Her charge losing his life with each breath, Elaine was desperate for help. Fast as possible, she caught Mercury again and hitched the gelding to the buckboard. Climbing aboard, she snapped the reins and urged him into a gallop towards town. Tossed about on the bumpy, rutted road, she drove faster and faster.

When the first turnoff appeared on the left, she made the detour. The rough trail led past scruffy brush, tall Ponderosa pines and ended at the base of a towering foothill. The ranch was an impressive sight, appearing to be busy and prosperous. Cattle grazed in green fields while a three cowboys were busy in two different corrals, breaking young horses.

In tears, Elaine pulled her rig to a skidding halt and jumped off. Running up to the two-story ranch house, she banged on the front door. Two repetitions later, Mrs London appeared at last. Instead of being alarmed, the older woman was suspicious and annoyed.

What do you want here? Word has been spreading like wildfire around town. I have nothing to say to a common whore.”

I know that my past must have shocked you but I wouldn't have come if it wasn't an emergency.” Elaine slid to her knees, tears rolling down her cheeks. “For a couple of days, I have been caring for an injured man and he has gotten worse by the hour. He is near death. Please, please come and do something for him!”

I won't lower myself to care for one of your customers. I'm sure your hands are skilled enough. You can heal his sinful flesh by yourself.”

But I can't! He has been severely beaten. I'll pay whatever is needed for your help.”

The woman laughed, her face hardening further. “As if I would soil my hands with your whore's earnings. Get off my property!”

The door was slammed shut, leaving Elaine on her knees. She heard laughter from behind. The three cowboys were leaning on the corral fence, leering at her. They had heard every word apparently. Lewd, salacious comments were thrown in her direction. Holding her head up, she climbed aboard the buckboard and drove away.

Fearful, she looked back several times, making sure the men weren't following her. There was no one in sight thankfully. She wiped her eyes. This wasn't the time to feel sorry for herself.

Reaching the fork in the road, she pulled on Mercury's reins, unsure what to do or where to go. The injured man was still dying and needed urgent help. There was nothing she could do for him if no one would help. Making up her mind, she turned left onto the road toward town. The chance was a long shot but perhaps there was one decent townsperson to be found.

On the outskirts of Bodie, she hesitated again, dreading the reception that would be forthcoming. She considered whom to approach. Realistically, there were few choices. First, she would stop at the general store to entreat the proprietor, Joseph Cinder and his pregnant wife, Becky.

The scene was similar to what had happened at the London ranch. The couple refused their help and asked her to leave. Stares and whispers followed her through town. She resorted to asking anyone who looked remotely friendly. No one had any time to give her.

Her last stop was at the church. Through the front window, children could be seen doing their schoolwork, obediently bent over their desks. The schoolteacher, a pretty young woman, answered Elaine's knock. The door was slammed shut with a haughty sniff.

Bereft, she was left on the steps, tears blurring her vision. On wooden legs, she walked away from the church. Her hope failed. The man would die and perhaps she would join him, a final end for circumstances beyond her control. She climbed back into the buckboard and drove slowly down main street.

Miss Bower, wait up a minute!” Young Jim Hawkins ran up, out of breath. “I heard about the hurt fella. Can I help ya?”

Shocked, Elaine stared at the young man. “I would appreciate anything you can do for him. He is very badly hurt.”

I'll try, ma'am.” He gave her a brown pouch. “I've got some dried plants here that helps the horses when they've gashed their hide. Grind up one plant of each kind and add enough water to make a thick paste. Fill the wounds with the paste and bandage them tightly.”

Thank you for your kindness. Can't you come and look at him yourself?”

Jim glanced around nervously. “No, I mustn't. These herbs is all I can give ya. Oh, and here are some notes on how to use plants for health uses. Good luck.”

As he ran away, she wished to have the time for an apology. Jim had treated her with kindness since her arrival. In payment, she had treated him poorly at the social. Her ultimate humiliation had come about because she had ignored the boy in favor of a handsome devil.

Looking down at the pouch in her lap, she smiled through her tears. This was a blessing from a sweet young man. He was the only human being to be found in this wretched town. Without a backward glance, she urged Mercury into a brisk trot, pulling her toward home and away from this hostile territory.

One lengthy, frightening hour later, she arrived back at her farm and hurried into the cabin. Cricket was waiting at the door, his tail wagging. The dog danced around her heels while she boiled the teakettle over the fire and found a wooden bowl. She obeyed Jim's instructions, adding a single plant of each variety and mashing the dried leaves into a wet paste. This precious medicine in hand, she rushed out to the barn.

The man lay motionless on the cot, his face reflecting death.

No, no, no! Oh my Lord...don't take him...

Frantically, she ripped the sheets and blankets off him. Her fingers glided across his corded neck, desperately searching for a pulse. Her sensitive touch couldn't pick up even a flutter.

He was gone.

Pulling up a sheet to cover him, she couldn't bear to shroud his face, mysterious and beautiful even in death. Silky, blonde curls cascaded around his neck. Her fingertips grazed his cheeks, tenderly holding him. Tears dripping from her quivering chin as she kissed his cool forehead.

My hope died today...and now you have too. I'm so sorry...

Grieving for herself and this dead stranger, Elaine sank to the floor next to the cot. Her head leaned back on his arm. Salty pain trickled down her cheeks as she stared up at the ceiling. Whining pitifully, Cricket nuzzled and licked at her limp hands. Numb and alone, she couldn't think, plan or dream beyond this moment.

Heat warmed her neck, burning into her consciousness.

What the hell...

Spinning around, her eyes widened. The man inhaled a sudden, deep breath and fell silent again. Rooted to the floor, she waited for what was an eternity. Then he took another breath. His chest rose high and fell once. Breaking from her stupor, she jumped to her feet and felt for a pulse again. His body emanated heat now but there was still no heartbeat.

Seconds passed.

During his next suspended breath, she detected three beats. Once every few minutes, he would take a breath and his heart would follow. Adrenaline and joy surging through her system, she cupped his face again, gently shaking and tapping it. He didn't awaken but was still alive.

She remembered the herbal paste.

Turning him over, she removed the bandages covering the two large wounds on his back. The flesh was swollen and ragged. With a boiled knife at the ready, she cut through the infected tissue. Green pus oozed out and was wiped away. The decayed smell was revolting. Her gag reflex rebelled repeatedly as she struggled through the second wound.

Once the infection had been drained, the wounds were packed with herbal paste and long strips of cloth wrapped around his ribs. Throughout this whole process, he continued taking halted breaths at regular intervals. Whatever was happening inside his body, he was in a stable condition. The high fever was breaking though he remained warm to the touch.

Elaine stood up and stretched out her back. Exhausted, she pulled up the blankets over the man. There wasn't anything else to be done except to keep him warm and hydrated. Grateful, she walked out of the tiny room for fresh air.

A gentle breeze blew against her face, caressing kisses along her neck. She inhaled deeply. Sweet rain broke from indigo clouds, refreshing and cold. The water fell against her skin, soothing her nerves.

The hours would pass slowly that night and had only just begun.