Excerpt Confrontation 2
"'Chite? Is that you? Am I dreaming? Am I dead? Are you my guardian angel?" he sounded dazed and confused and his speach was a little slurred.
"'Tis me. I'm here. You are alive and you're going to remain so. Help me and we'll get this stone off you." I spoke bravely and calmly but inside I was breaking apart. I couldn't lose him now. Not after what Geren had just told me. How would I raise our child on my own?
"'S'no use. I've tried. 'Twon't budge."
"Maybe the both of us together. Just try. I won't let you give up." But he was right, even with my help the stone refused to move.
"I can't, let me rest. Let me see you, I've missed you so. At least I got to see you again, before..."
"Before what? You aren't going anywhere, but I am. I'll go for help, I can be back in an hour with help, I'll bring Mistress je'Hashire and I'll get Geren and my father and some strong men to help move the stone and you'll be ok. How long have you been here? Are you hungry?"
"'Chite, I love you. Never forget that. I've been stuck here since last night, worked too late in the dark - was too tired, was foolish - the stone slipped. I'm sorry 'Chite. Sorry I wasn't strong enough, patient enough. Promise me you won't pine away for me after... I love you so much. Just remember that. Be happy, for me.... I couldn't stand it if you weren't happy 'Chite. I've no right to ask, but would you stay with me until, after... I don't want to die alone."
I had tears in my eyes as I bent to kiss his lips, a little rougher than I remembered. "You must be hungry and thirsty. Is there anything in the kitchen? I'll be right back." I found small bowl and fetched some water from the stream. There was some stale bread in the ktchen so I brought that too. Stale, but not yet rotten.
"Here drink this, and I've brought you some bread. Just something to tide you over till I get back with help." I gave him some water and helped him drink. I gave him the bread and kissed him once more.
"Don't waste your energy, I told you, I'm done for."
"No! I don't accept it. I cannot. I cannot waste any more time. I'll go to Mistress je'Hashire first - then she will arrive to help before I get back with men to move the stone. Don't shake your head at me. I will not lose you now. If not for yourself, or for me, you have got to live for your daughter."
(cont.)