Rebecca Boone opened her eyes, startled that she had allowed herself to fall asleep. They are coming for me!. Her heart hammered in her chest as she realized that they could find her at any minute. She sat up and moved to swing her legs out so that she could run. I have to keep going! Just as she moved, a hand reached out grabbing her shoulder. Swinging wide her fist made contact with a face; a familiar face.

"Easy now, darlin'." Daniel said, rubbing his jaw. "You are safe now, ah grah. Lie back down, hon. Shhh." It took her a moment to realize she was lying tucked in a soft bed.

"Where . . . where . . ." She glanced around recognizing the familiar walls of the small room at the back of the tavern. "What about the chi . . . ."

"Safe." He chuckled. "You've been asking that just about every hour." He tucked the blankets back around her. "We are home. They came to look in on you a while ago, and your eyes fluttered open, but you might not remember it."

"Can I see them now?" Her blue eyes grew giant with hope.

"A little later, perhaps. We need to make sure you are strong. Now lie back and rest." She settled back into the pillows. He sat down next to her on the bed holding her hand tightly. "We brought you home a few days ago. You probably don't remember much. You've been very ill. Cincinnatus has been hovering over you like a mother hen. You were starved near to death, and beaten pretty badly too."

She pushed through the fog in her brain. She remembered Daniel laying her gently down onto a sledge and covering her with a blanket. She remembered looking up into the worried faces of Daniel and Mingo, as they traveled. Mingo and Daniel pulling her along, looking down at her every few seconds and talking to each other in quiet concerned voices.

"Home?" She asked, trying to understand it all.

"Well, nearly. You are in the sick room at the tavern." He said, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. "How do you feel?"

She shook her head. "I don't . . . I'm fine." She glanced around the room. "But can I see the children?"

"Darlin'," He responded, his voice oddly thick. "We weren't too sure you were going to . . . I think tomorrow. They came and saw you. They know you are home and safe."

"I guess . . ." Her blue eyes pooled with tears. "I can wait." She pushed out her chin, determined as ever, and Daniel bit the inside of his cheek trying to push down a wave of tears.

"You ran off?" He asked, trying to change the subject. "How did you get away?"

"I . . .they were . . ." She reached out, rubbing her forehead. "It is all muddled."

"We can talk about it later, sweetheart." Daniel reassured her. "That's alright."

"It is just hard to think. But I know I tried to keep that promise I made you." She said told him as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. "But I couldn't quite manage it."

"What promise?"

"You said to reign in my temper and bide my time, and I really did try. But . . ." She hesitated here. "The plans they had for me - I couldn't abide them."

"Well, if I remember correctly you didn't exactly make that promise." He grinned at her. "You amended it a bit?"

"I did." She said hanging her head. "But I couldn't let them marry me off. There wasn't any way I could abide that. I was just so . . ." Unable to continue, she paused her blue eyes filling with tears. Daniel reached out, and squeezed her hand, and kissed her forehead.

"Hush now, darlin'. You are safe now and here with me."

She wiped her eyes and said lightly, "Well, truth be told, I think I might have been a disappointment."

"Not possible." He told her.

"They wanted young brides like the Murdoch girls - not an old married woman like me."

"Well, I could argue that point, but seeing as how I'd like to be your only husband, I don't think I will." He studied her thoughtfully trying to gauge her mood. "And you saved those girls, Rebecca."

"No, I . . ."

"You did. The Murdoch's have come by near every day to see how you are. They are very grateful to you - as they ought to be."

"I kept thinking of Jemimiah." Rebecca told him thoughtfully.. "I couldn't bear thinking of what would have happened to those girls. They are so very young. I was trying so hard to think my way out it. I was so burdened to get them home. I just kept picturing them at playing with 'Mima - when they were all little."

"And safe now, thanks to your quick thinking." He smiled at her.

"Well, if I had thought quicker, I would've thought to pretend to be sick myself! I was so focused on them."

"You are a good woman, Rebecca." He said seriously. "Now, we've talked enough. You should close your eyes and rest some more."

"I should tell you about what happened." She said, her eyes downcast.

"You can but maybe not just now, darlin'. You look pale." He reached out to rub his hand along her cheek.

"At first they just made me work. Most of the braves were gone, so we were waiting for their return. But later, that last day . . ." She paused, clearly anxious.

"Rebecca, love, we can talk all about it later. You are here now with me. I don't care about anything else. Nothing else is important."

"The day I ran," She continued, determined to see this part through. "That last day, they were bidding over me; trying to decided which one would be the lucky one to marry me." She shook her head, clearly worn, and unprepared to have a long discussion of her time with the Choctaw.

"But you ran," He continued for her.

"Aye. I hit . . ." She looked up at him. "There was this old woman who was in charge of me, and she took me to the river to prepare me for my husband, but I grabbed a rock and hit her."

"Thank the good Lord, you did." He said.

"I don't know if she's dead." Rebecca said wonderingly. "I killed her maybe and those braves too."

"You survived." He pointed out. "And I am grateful beyond any words."

"I just couldn't let them marry me off. I'm not sure because I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I think it was the one with the painted face. He was so . . ." She shuddered, and he moved to sit beside her, wrapping his arm around her.

"Lord, help the poor brave who found himself your new husband." He said to her trying to keep the conversation light, but even as he spoke he kept her close to him.

"And what does that mean?" She said, looking up at him and wiping at her eyes. Even this small show of temper warmed his heart - he was so happy to see her well enough to react to his words.

"Well, darlin', I don't imagine you'd be real cooperative." She relaxed against him at this. "And you might not realize it, but you are fairly strong." He rubbed his jaw again.

"Well, I am sorry for that." She reached up to rub his jaw, but he caught her hand in his, and kissed her palm.

"It's alright, ah grah." He said to her. "I am just thankful that you are back here with me." He dropped his head, looking down. He didn't speak or even look up. His shoulders shook.

"Dan?" She asked softly.

He looked at her then and his eyes were full of tears. She smiled at him and reaching up caressed his cheek.

"I do love you, Rebecca Boone." He said with a sideways grin, and leaning in he kissed her.

Clearing his throat from the doorway, Cincinnatus said, "Alright, I'm coming in."

Daniel kissed her one more time, then rising, gently tucked the covers around her as she settled back against the pillows. "It's alright, Cincinnatus." He said. "Come on in."

"You're awake then." Cincinnatus said, coming to stand beside the bed. He looked at her carefully. "How do you feel? You probably don't feel a thing yet, but I'm sorry to say soon you are gonna feel just awful." He handed a bowl to Daniel. "You feed her that and make sure she eats every bit. I think by tomorrow she'll be ready for some meat." Looking at Rebecca he said, "You gave us all a good scare." Here he paused a rested his hand on hers. "It might be a hard row yet, but I imagine, you'll be back chasing this brood of yours around in a few months. If you do as I say." She smiled and smiling back at her he patted her shoulder.

"I'll behave." She said.

"That'd be a first." Daniel said with a smile. Kissing her hand, he said, "I'll tell you what, darlin', as soon as you finish off every bite of this, I'll go get your children."

She smiled, tears filling her eyes. "Oh, yes, please, Daniel! Go raihb mile maith agat!"

He kissed her again, not caring if Cincinnatus was watching. "Anything you want." He said happily.

***DB***

Even though he'd warned them to be gentle, they rushed in at her. He stood in the doorway, Rose in his arms, smiling and his heart bursting with joy. He nearly wept as he saw a smile spread across her bruised and battered face as her children rushed in. Wiping his face with the back of his hand, he set Rose down, and she crawled across the bed and into Rebecca's arms. They settled around her. Jemima on one side, Israel on the other. Rose in her arms. Katie-Grace stood next to him in the doorway, completely silent.

Katie hadn't said much in the days since their return. He'd often find her standing in the doorway of the sick room, her giant green eyes filled with fear. The very first night they'd been home, she'd snuck through the fort from Grace and Matt's cabin, to stand in the doorway watching Rebecca sleep. He probably wouldn't have even noticed her if Cincinnatus had come into the room with a startled, "Katie-Grace! What are you doing here?"

He'd turned surprised and motioned her over. Hesitantly, she'd stepped closer to him, until he was able to lift her up and onto his lap.

"You listen to me Katie-Grace. I know it might not look like it just now, but your Auntie is going to be just fine. Cincinnatus is doing every thing he can, and this might surprise you, but he is right good at doctoring. I know you've decided in your heart days ago that she was lost to us, but look she is right there. You can see she's breathing."

Katie had said nothing only wrapped her small arms around his neck, sobbing until she'd fallen asleep, and he carried her back across the fort to Grace and Matt's cabin.

She had that same stricken look on her face now. Terrified to truly believe that Becky was home and safe. Rebecca glanced up at him, wiping tears from her eyes and raised a red eyebrow at him. He gave her a nod, and turned to Katie-Grace.

Looking at her now, he was reminded of the very first day he had found her; lifting her from the dark earth and carrying her away from the bodies of her mother and father. She had been mostly silent back then, too. It had taken months and months for her to feel safe enough to speak, and even longer for her to feel safe enough to step outside of their snug cabin. She had been with them so long now that neither, he nor Rebecca thought of her as their niece. She was one of their own beloved children. He turned to her and lifted her up in his arms.

"Inion, everything is alright now, sweet girl. Look, I brought her home just like I promised." He carried her across the room and set her down on the bed next to Rebecca.

"It's alright Katie-Grace." He said encouragingly . "She's really here."

Katie stared at her aunt for a full minute and then threw her arms around her neck sobbing, "Oh, Mama! Mama!" Becky's eyes filled with tears and ignoring her bruises and ignoring her hurt arm she held her niece tightly "Shh. It's alright, darling. I'm here now."

His own eyes filled with tears, and Jemima came to wrap her arms around him. "Thank you, Pa!" She said. "I knew you could find her! I knew you would bring her back!"

***DB***

Daniel was grateful later for that lovely reunion for the next few days proved to be truly terrible. Cincinnatus' assessment had been correct, and as she healed, Rebecca began to feel all of her injuries. It grieved him deeply to see the look of pain in her eyes, but worse than that was to hear her say, as she often did, "I am fine," her voice tight and brittle with pain.

The worst of occurred the day after she had awoken. Cincinnatus had come to him. "We need to see what can be done about her feet." He said without any preamble. "And I am going to need your help."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, considering this. "My help?"

"To hold her still." Cincinnatus stared at him, and Daniel found himself suddenly incapable of speech. He merely nodded his head, and the two of them went into her room.

Daniel bent down over the bed, and gave her cheek a soft kiss. "'Becca?" Her eyes had been closed but he could tell by her clenched fists that she wasn't asleep, but rather enduring pain that she would deny if he were to ask her about it.

"I was just about drifting off." She said, spreading a tight smile across her face.

"Cincinnatus is here to take a closer look at your feet." Daniel told her. "If you are feeling strong enough." He wished he hadn't said it as soon as the words left his mouth. Of course she would say she was strong enough; she was far too stubborn.

"I am ready." She said, but her voice held no conviction. Daniel sighed and glanced over at Cincinnatus.

"It will take a few minutes, I'm afraid. I have to get them clean." Cincinnatus had told them both. "Your feet are in pretty bad shape. The wounds are so . . ." He hesitated glancing from Dan's face to Becky's pale one. "Becky, it's gonna hurt."

"Seems to be a theme these days." She said with a weak grin.

"Give her some whisky. Go get some, Daniel. It is in my room." The old man was firm.

"No, I don't . . ." Becky began.

"I'm not asking you." He said gruffly. "If you could see what I'm looking at. Rebecca, you do as I say."

She nodded meekly. "Yes, sir."

"I'm sorry." He said softer. "I don't mean to be so gruff . . .I . . . I'm so sorry. I'd never 'cause you pain unless I absolutely had to. You know that Becky?"

She nodded her head. Dan had gotten the whiskey and she'd drunk it dutifully. Daniel was glad of it afterward. Even with the whiskey, she'd writhed in pain, but stubborn as ever, she hadn't uttered a sound.

The old man had to force himself to keep at it. Becky hadn't cried out but turned white from the searing pain, weeping silently until at last she had passed out. For his part, Daniel had stood beside her holding onto her hand until she fainted. At last when Cincinnatus had finished he'd helped wrap her feet in bandages, all the while saying nothing, his face grey. Reassuring himself that she was sleeping comfortably he had staggered outside to the privy and cast out everything he had eaten that day.

He'd walked out the gates of the fort and found himself standing in their yard without even remembering heading that way. He'd wandered around the yard his body filled with an energy he couldn't seem to manage. He had no desire to go into the cabin which would feel hollow and empty without her presence. He was filled with such a torrent of anger and nowhere to direct it. Finally, he had turned toward the barn. He didn't really remember tearing the barn door off its hinges or shattering each plank of it 'til it was a pile of sawdust. His rage had been so overpowering, he hadn't heard Mingo calling to him. It was only when Mingo grabbed him by his arms and held him back that he saw the destruction. He staggered back collapsing in the dirt.

"I dunno what I was doing." He said in wonderment.

Mingo sat down beside him in the dirt. The two men sat side by side for a long time neither of them speaking. Daniel looked up at the barn, seeing the destruction he'd wrought and shook his head, finally turning to Mingo.

"You saw her feet? What they did?" he asked Mingo.

"Yes." His brother responded and the two of them returned to silence. Daniel waited for Mingo to speak, but he didn't. There was nothing that could be said, really. Finally, Daniel broke the silence again.

"I . . . I chased after that brave - the one that killed, Jim. Did I ever tell you that?" Mingo shook his head. "I was angry. He'd betrayed me. And he hurt Becky so. She was . . .I couldn't leave it. You know how she is - when she's hurt, really hurt, it's like a light shuts off inside, and she tries so hard to never break down."

"She is very strong." Mingo agreed.

"She is that. I don't know anyone stronger. But it's also just a show to hide her . . ." He struggled for the right word.

"Fragility." Mingo said.

"That's it. Well, you've seen her like that - when Susannah died and after Patrick . . . But it was nothing compared to when Jim was killed. I couldn't sleep thinking of what was done to him and thinking of her eyes when I told her, so I set out to hunt him down. And the rage I felt, oh but it was overpowering! 'Course, I never found him." He glanced up at Mingo. "You know the rest of that story though." Mingo nodded silently.

"But that rage is nothing; nothing compared to what I feel now. Nothing. If you asked me to goright now to kill them all, I wouldn't hesitate, Mingo, I swear it. I'd kill all of them - every single one - even that boy we found."

"And I would help you do it, Daniel." Mingo said. "Still, it wouldn't change anything for her, now, would it? She'd still be beaten, bruised and starved. Though, I think it would change us some."

"I know that." Daniel said sharply. "Still," He sighed, frustrated. " I guess ripping a barn door off is better."

Mingo nodded. "I can't tell you how sorry I am. There's no one sweeter, and how could anyone hurt her? How? Her poor feet." They had sat together in silence for a long time and then rising slowly they had cleared the wreckage of the door together.