Page 29 of Grounded By Love
He didn't answer, instead, giving her the silent treatment. He might be a warrior, but he was not indestructible. She wasn't to be ignored, when it came to the topic of his health. She didn't need him dying on her.
“Kaeldar.” She used a tone she usually reserved for naughty children, who wouldn’t behave when she was taking care of them. “Kaeldar, I need to know if you’re having any pain. It may have become infected again.” Then she pressed even harder. “You could wind up dead, if you don't let me see to it.”
When he glanced over at her, she gave him her sternest glare, or at least she tried her best to.
Rolling his eyes, he gave in, and with a sigh, he halted his horse. He gripped the bottom of his shirt and slowly lifted it so she could get a glance at his wound. When her eyes landed on his laceration, a gasp slipped out from between her delicate lips.
“Is it looking that repulsive?” Kaeldar asked of her, a little anxiety showing on his face. Clearly, the warrior in him didn’t want to die from a wound or fever. He should have told her about this! What was wrong with this rock giant? Did he just enjoy being in agony?
“Can we stop for a while?” Claira asked. She didn’t want to worry him, so she did her best to school her facial features. But she was worried sick he was going to end up falling back into a fever, if she didn't take care of it.
“I would rather keep moving. We haven't made much progress, since leaving the human village.” He pulled his shirt back down over his wound. “We will stop, when I find a spot to camp for the upcoming night.”
“I would like to have a look at it right now.”
He shook his head at her. “When I find a spot for camp.” He wasn’t about to give in.
She huffed at him, as he kicked his horse into gear again, and she had no choice but to follow after him.
How could he ignore her advice? She was the healer, not him. He should follow her counsel. Claira only hope he wasn't pushing himself too far. His wound was looking puffy and irritated again.
When they found a spot to set up camp for the night, she found herself getting jumpy. She wanted to get her hands on his injury. Healing was her passion, her drive, and he was keeping her from it.
The human village she lived in had been fairly close to rock giant territory, and Claira wondered if they had passed into rock giant territory yet. She wouldn’t be surprised, if they had, but it meant she had to keep her giant alive.
He would be the only thing to stand between her and some rock giants who would probably kill her on sight.
She felt a little on edge, as she thought about the unknown. Would she truly be safe? Even if she weren’t safe, where else would she go? She was probably no safer with her own people, but that didn't really help with her unease like she hoped it would.
He set up the tent, as Claira tied the horses up and watched him from the corner of her eye. He might be putting on a brave face, but she could see his wound was causing him pain. Sometimes he’d put a hand to it, like he was willing it to just go away.
Kaeldar came to stand beside her. “I will find us something to eat. Stay in the camp.”
“I truly believe that would be an unwise decision. Your wound is making you flinch more often. Kaeldar, you should really let me tend to it.” Claira persisted.
“It will be fine.”
Claira wasn't keen on the idea of him hunting, but they needed food, and she didn’t have the hunter instinct. “Just be careful and don’t strain yourself. I’d rather go hungry, then let you make things worse.”
But Kaeldar wasn’t about to let her stop him, he grabbed his sword and left the camp site. She was under no delusion she’d be able to control a rock giant.
Instead, she collected wood and started a campfire. If he did find something for them to eat, then they were going to need a fire to cook with.
It wasn't long until Kaeldar showed up with a couple rabbits. Claira shook her head in amazement. She had no idea how he was managing to catch these animals, but she was glad he was.
She knew that without him she wouldn't be here. He was the one guiding them, providing them with food, and not to mention saving her when she needed it.
After they ate their meal, she once again addressed him. “I think it best you get some sleep this night. Rest should help your wound.”
“I will.” Kaeldar said, not even looking up from the flames of the fire.
“Kaeldar, you said I could take care of you when we made camp. This is me taking care of you right now.”
He finally looked up at her with his black eyes.
Claira gulped. She still didn’t know him. Robert’s death had shown her that much, but she pressed on. “I really do believe some rest will help with your recovery. It needs time, and you aren’t giving it any. And don’t tell me we aren’t far enough, because we are. The villagers will never reach us here.”
His cold eyes focused on her for another second, and then he rose. “Then I will get some sleep, as you have requested.” He took her by the arm and dragged her to the tent with him.
