"Killian no..no," Tobias gasped holding his son tightly!
Nathaniel checked the limp child in his friend's arms. Relieved that Killian had been sensible enough to wear a sturdy wool coat he concluded that although thoroughly chilled, Killian was probably more overwrought than in immediate danger of a deadly lethargy.
"Tobi he is going to be fine, we just need to get him warmed up, come on let's get back to the house with him."
"Harold go light the signal fires, let everyone know he's been found," Nathaniel instructed their helper.
Liam looked down at his little brother as they warmed him up in front of the kitchen hearth. His heart wrenched at the sight of Killian's pale body, his face colourless and eyelids heavy.
He remembered suddenly when they were boys, Killian four and Liam thirteen. Some of the older neighbouring boys were over, ready to go adventuring and of course Killian wanted to play along with his big brother. Liam had harshly told him to go back to the house not wanting his baby sibling close to heel. There had been a pout, an attempt on small legs to keep up with the bigger lads and the inevitable stumble, grazed knees and crying.
One boy had simply, thoughtlessly said "Go run back to your mamma, cry baby and she'll kiss it better."
Liam froze as those words sunk in looking at a wailing Killian. He still had memories of his mother's touch, her comforting ways and gentle love in such moments of need. His brother would never know these things, never have a mother to kiss away pain or fear or smile at some small task proudly accomplished, as Liam had experienced for his first decade. He felt a fierce protectiveness of Killian in that moment, realising just how much his younger brother needed those things not just from a parent but his older brother as well. He gave his leave politely of his friends (one who was looking mortified at his thoughtless slip) and went to kneel down to comfort the lad. Killian's baleful blue eyes looked up at him, tears running down his cheeks as his lips trembled in pain. "It's alright little Killian" Liam wrapped him in his arms "I'm not going anywhere without you"
"Li….am," Killian buried himself in his brothers embrace "Li...am."
"I'm here Killian, I will always be here for you little brother."
Once again Liam found himself comforting his brother as they stripped him of his wet clothes in front of the roaring fire, whispering words of love and assurance to his sibling. Fortunately Liam had been returning to the courtyard from the cliffs when the signal fires were lit. Alice had fetched a wool nightshirt and socks from Killian's winter clothes chest while Mrs Bristol and Liam rubbed him down rigorously.
"He's shaking," Liam said concern contorting his features as he looked at Nathaniel.
"Yes that's a good sign, don't worry he's just chilled Liam, he hasn't got the lethal languor."
Tobias was finally stripping off his soaking outer garments over in the corner, watching with remorse as Killian was bundled up. Once free of his wet layers and boots he relieved Liam of Killian, taking him through to the quiet and warmth of the parlour, knowing soon there would be many cold and hungry searchers being attended to in their warm kitchen.
"Liam, pour us all a brandy lad, large ones," he asked as he carried Killian over to the fire.
"Will he truly be alright Nate?"
"Yes, yes he may be bed ridden for a few days, but he's a survivor is your Killian. Nathaniel thought briefly of the other times Killian had been sick with childhood fevers.
"Here you need to rest as much as he does Tobias. You've both had a nasty shock tonight I think." Liam and Nathaniel moved the large settee closer over to the fire and made Tobias and Killian comfortable, the seat easily accommodating both his tall frame and his young son.
"Liam will you thank everyone for us for helping in the search lad?"
"Of course father." Liam stroked Killian's head and took his leave to check on the searchers.
Once out of the room Tobias looked at Nathaniel who had positioned himself in a comfortable chair by the fire. There were few men the confident captain expressed his fears and insecurities to, Nathaniel was one of those select few and he often suspected that it was a mutual thing. Both had been bought up in families where duty, service and honour were paramount, leaving little room for open self-doubt or signs of weakness.
"I think I may have made a terrible judgement Nate in hiding the truth from my boy," he whispered kissing the top of Killian's head.
Tobi you did what you thought best. He is infernally curious and well he's a smart one is your Killian, he's put two pieces of a puzzle together sooner than we thought he could," the doctor said ruefully.
"I would have told him one day but he's just so young and…."
"And you wanted to protect him," Nathaniel said gently.
"Sometimes I think I made a mistake in not remarrying and giving the boys a mother."
"Your sons never seem to be lacking in affection or love," Nathaniel sighed "Plenty of children with both parents do you know. You have done Esmeralda proud Tobi. Liam is a fine man, a respected lieutenant and gentleman in every sense of the word. Killian is a charming, good natured lad. If anybody is to blame for tonight tis Mrs bloody blabbermouth Beetham!"