As gentle as Ailene tried to be, the girl moaned and flinched every time she was touched, never fully regaining consciousness, but clearly in pain, even in her comatose state.

"I can't imagine the pain she must be suffering to feel it even in her passed out state," Ailene said. "I wish we had something to give her."

"We don't have any laudanum?" Thorburn asked.

"Nay, Thorburn, I'm not a doctor," Ailene said, "just an experienced practitioner. I'd give her alcohol but she'd choke without being awake to swallow it."

"Is there nothing we can do to ease her pain?" Stuart asked.

"As soon as I've cleaned her injuries as...