A/N: This takes place during the missing time where Cadi is taking Fagan to Bletsung McLeod's house. Cadi's POV. I've never read the book so I'm assuming Fagan is about 14. Dialogue is spelled incorrect on purpose. If you read it out loud with a Welsh/Irish accent, it makes more sense ;-).

Strong

I could barely lift Fagan to his feet. He was so much bigger than me. I put my arm around his waist and he clung to my shoulder. We staggered forward, one step at a time. I could hear Fagan's ragged breath and my heart ached for him. I looked around for Lilybet but could not see her. I took a deep breath and entered the forest.

We had only been traveling a little ways when I stumbled. Fagan pitched forward and landed on the ground in front of me. He did not move. I knelt beside him.

"Come on Fagan," I whispered urgently. "I can na' go on wit'out ya."

Fagan stirred and groaned a terrible groan that hurt me deep inside. I gently turned him over onto his back. His eyes were closed. His battered face looked dreadful in the moonlight. I brushed the hair away from his face. I leaned in close so I could whisper more gently.

"Let's go, Fagan," I said. "You can do this. I know ya can."

I pulled on his arm and after a few tense seconds he got up. I put my arm around him and we started forward again. On and on into the night we walked. Upwards and upwards. I was not sure I knew the way in the dark, but somehow I felt I was going in the right direction. Fagan was getting heavier as time wore on. He apologized in my ear for being such a burden. I told him to shut his mouth and keep walking.

After a long while the sky started to turn pink over the mountain top. I looked around me but could not recognize a single stone. My grip on Fagan slipped once more and we both fell. I closed my eyes. I was so tired. Fagan's haggard breathing cut through me like knives but I could not go on anymore. I was worn out and did not know where to go.

I heard Lilybet's voice in my ear.

"Get up, Katrina Anise. You must get Fagan to Bletsung McLeod."

I did not open my eyes.

"I can na' go on any farther. I do na' know whar to go. I'm not strong enough, Lilybet."

"Yes you are, Katrina Anise. You are strong. You can do anything through Him who gives you the strength to do it."

I took a deep breath and nodded, opening my eyes. Lilybet was nowhere to be seen. I looked over at Fagan. His wounds looked worse in the daylight of the morning. I moved over to him and touched his arm. He did not move. I put my hands under his arms and pulled. Dragging him out of the forest, I saw Bletsung McLeod's house just a few yards away. I pulled with all my might. Fagan groaned but did not move.

Dropping him at her doorstep, I knocked on the door and then collapsed in front of it, exhausted. As I heard her open the door I almost cried with relief. Fagan was going to be all right. God had given me the strength and led me to this house. We were safe now.