Elizabeth moved the tallow candle closer and watched carefully, but now there was no sign of movement. Two days and nights had passed and he remained deeply unconscious. Dougal even sent for one of the old women of the village, one who had some skills in healing and treating the sick, but she said she could do nothing more for him. Head injuries, she whispered to Dougal believing Elizabeth could not hear her, were the least predictable of all. But, she warned him that this deep sleep was lasting too long and not a good sign. With a promise to visit again in a few days and after leaving a few potions and concoctions behind in case she had need of them, the old woman waddled her way along the road back to the village, refusing any attempt to take her by cart. As had become her practice these last few days, Elizabeth sat at his side and spoke quietly to him. Most times she simply repeated prayers so that he could hear them. Other times, she told him of her childhood and good stories about Dougal so he would know her brother was not just an evil person.
