Chapter 6

The snowfall worsened as Barnabas approached the rocky entrance of the cavern. Carefully placing the frenchwoman across Dalmiir's warm withers, he cautiously stepped through the opening. Needing no light he quickly scanned the vicinity for any living auras. The cave was bare but for an long ago used fire pit and the skeletal remains of a poor unfortunate who'd been killed violently by some wild creature. Spreading his tweed cloak on the filthy ground, Barnabas returned to fetch Kathleena. Her pale stare was dim with excruciating pain as he came to her. Her injuries too great to allow her to turn away, she instead closed her swollen eyes trembling at the stranger's nearness.

"I am here to help you, Miss. Please understand. You've nothing to fear." The vampire was filled with uncertainty for as the words slipped from his throat, he realized he'd not yet fed. Strong arms lifted her.

(No!) Her mind screamed as she flailed wildly against the pain.

Gently placing her upon his cape, Barnabas frowned confused by Kathleena's sudden calmness the moment he released her. After starting a fire in the pit, Barnabas began to unpack the bulging bundle her friend provided. He discovered bandages, salve, laudanum for pain, even a sharp needle and strong thread. A movement caught his eye and he turned to find the young woman struggling to sit up. He was kneeling beside her in an instant. "Miss Tell, I am a … a friend of Tierra Benjamin and Page Vogel's. I'm not certain if you can understand me but you've been severely injured. Please," he emphasized as he held her down, "you must lie still or you will do yourself more injury."

Eyes closed, she thrashed her head from side to side, the movement bringing her more anguish then she thought she could bear. Despite his inhuman strength and her many hurts, she gritted her teeth, trying to push strongly against him. (No, I must… you don't… please...hurt so badly.) Kathleena knew she was fading fast. As she mouthed silent sobs, tears of incredible pain slid down her face. Her hand flew to her throat, she was slipping into unconsciousness. (My...back...)

As she collapsed limply against his thin chest Barnabas slowly turned her onto her stomach and unfastened the buttons of her gown. Pushing the material aside he couldn't believe his eyes. Despite having witnessed many unimaginable horrors during his extensive existence, many he himself had committed, he was totally unprepared for the sight. Between sharp shoulder blades, her tender skin was severely burned. The letters D.P.F. were deeply scorched into her back surrounded by a large circle as if... Growling low in his throat, eyes darkened in absolute rage. The cruelty she'd endured was mind numbing. Obviously the beating had not been enough to satisfy the man's pleasure from her suffering, he had also used a fiery branding iron to permanently mar her delicate flesh.

Barnabas shook his head, his pity would not help her. He knew he must work quickly for he wasn't certain how long she would be oblivious to her pain. Clutching a handful of snow at the cave's mouth, he carefully packed it over her tender flesh and covered all with a towel he'd retrieved from the bundle. Next, he filled a thoughtfully included cooking pot with more, melting it over the flames. Aware of the unrelenting agony she would face upon awakening, he poured a goodly dose of laudanum into a cup and waited...

Moments later Kathleena was propped on her hands and knees, suffering so. She became completely irrational. Everyone was her enemy! Immediately he was at her side. "Miss Tell, please. You must drink this. It will help you," he urged holding the cup against her parched lips. She slapped away the concoction, causing it to spill into the dirt.

(No, damn you! I'll not drink your poison!)

Shaking his head Barnabas crouched before her, face to face. Her eyes were tightly sealed, her head turned away.

Even in her delirium, Kathleena could recall his physical threat. True, this was not Duncan but surely one of his minions, here, acting on orders. Having endured so much pain this night, she vowed, (No more, you bloody bastard! No more!)

"Kathleena Tell!"

Through her haze of pain, she heard a voice call to her. It was firm and deep and very demanding. (That voice... where have I heard it before?) It was a strong English accented voice. English...England! Had she heard it during her years at school? (No… No, that isn't right…) She was rambling crazily to herself.

"Kathleena Tell," the man repeated sternly. "You will open your eyes. You will turn and you will look at me." His brow furrowed. "Look at me! Now!" The vampire froze, utterly bewildered. This young woman refused to respond to his command. Severely injured, in excruciating pain and yet she had the will to resist him? Impossible! Instead, he struggled to circumvent her mind, soon realizing he was incapable of connecting with her on any level. Barnabas trembled with the discovery. Never had someone been so completely unresponsive to his preternatural powers.

Kathleena bucked in pain so severe she suddenly collapsed onto her stomach, gritting her teeth, screaming inside herself. (Why? Why must I suffer so?) Simply because he must wait to marry that woman he spoke of? Claudette? (It isn't my fault, Duncan! I did not choose this!) That damn contract! Why could they not be free of each other if they both wished for it to be so? She balled her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. (Damn you, Marie! And you, Angelique!)

Barnabas lifted his dark head, staring at her with an incredible look of ferocity. Rising, he left the cave. He had to calm himself. Outside he paced. No, it wasn't possible! Kathleena Tell was a Frenchwoman, the name Angelique is of French origin. Surely she must know someone else by that name. She could not possibly be acquainted with that bitch. He snarled in frustration. Without the ability to control her, how would he discover the truth? Galled, he viciously clutched another handful of snow. Calm yourself.

Returning to her side, Barnabas found Kathleena attempting to quell the constant waves of agony by sheer willpower and failing miserably. Feeling her flinch as he quickly raised the towel from her burned flesh, he surveyed the damage. The blisters had bubbled. They would have to be lanced or the flesh would begin to infect.

(Don't hurt me, please!)

"Miss Tell, I do not wish to hurt you, only help. Do you understand?"

Kathleena shook her head, instantly wishing she hadn't for the act set off another wave of agony and she trembled, firmly caught in the throes of despair. Without power over her, Barnabas could do nothing but watch as she suffered endlessly. Inhaling sharply, she felt him begin to slowly and gently soothe her burns with the ice. Despite her mistrust, the cold contact against her ravaged back felt wonderful. Unconsciously, Kathleena arched upward into his hand and unable to help himself, Barnabas smiled at her slight show of pleasure. His hand stilled, his grin instantly replaced with a dark frown. Draping the towel over her back, he pulled away. Retrieving the needle Tierra provided, he held it over the flames to sterilize. "Miss Tell, I must lance the blisters. Do you understand me? This shouldn't hurt but it must be done. Your flesh cannot be allowed to fester." Although frightened, she understood, lowering her head and resting her cheek upon her arms.

Realizing that her delirium had finally passed, Barnabas sighed, grateful. "After this, I will soothe your burns with salve and give you some laudanum to ease the pain and help you sleep." Gently, Barnabas began to pierce her flesh. Although Kathleena could feel the warmth flowing along her skin, down her sides and soaking into her bodice, she realized he'd spoken the truth, there was no pain.

'Who?' she wrote in the dirt with her finger, never grasping the fact that she was incapable of reading this man.

"My name is Barnabas Collins."

She'd heard that name before, but where? Suddenly she remembered. Oh yes. The horses. The breeder. Again, she wrote in the dirt. 'Page?'

He nodded as he ran an icy finger along her back, attempting to drain a particularly stubborn pocket of fluid. "Yes. We'd just concluded our business meeting when Miss Benjamin reported that you were missing. She was certain something had happened to you when your mare returned riderless. I offered to help with the search." Under his touch, Barnabas could feel some of her tension ease. He knew of Tierra and Page! He wasn't one of Duncan's men! Not yet anyway. Unable to control herself Kathleena sobbed, her relief was so immense. Barnabas could do nothing but watch as her shoulders trembled with emotion. "Miss Tell, I have hurt you?"

Running her finger in the dirt, she wrote the word 'No,' certain not to shake her head in answer, lest she trigger another wave of pain. Brushing the tears from her face, she winced. Was her entire body bruised and beaten? She could only thank God she was unconscious for most of it, particularly the scorching of her flesh, although at the moment, Kathleena was now greatly suffering the consequences of her earlier ignorance.

Suddenly, Barnabas knelt before her holding a cup. "Please, you must drink this; it will help ease the pain." Noting her hesitance, he added, "It will not harm you, I promise," His voice was warm and deep, strangely comforting... magnificently delicious. Kathleena knew it from somewhere, but could not place it. Why could she not remember? Despite her reservations, she clutched the cup with wobbly hands, quickly downing the entire potion. If she were to perish, perhaps poison was the most preferable way for her life to end. Then she laughed mutely, deep inside herself. Not only certain he would want to be there to witness her demise, she knew he would demand to rejoice in her final agony. No. Poison was not Duncan's style. She would not be granted a quick death. Any final mistrust she had for this man vanished.

"Good," he said with a smile as he took the cup. "You will be asleep very soon," Barnabas smiled. "Now, I will soothe your burns with this salve Miss Benjamin provided..." he hesitated, "…with your permission."

Already experiencing the strong tug of the drug, Kathleena nodded. Before sleep finally overtook her, she felt his large, icy hands gently knead the curative ointment into her ravaged skin. It felt so cool, so soothing, so incredibly wonderful. Unashamedly, she silently wept with pleasure. Although no actual sound was uttered, Barnabas, taken completely by surprise, instantly removed himself from her. Lowering his head, he listened to her breathing, even and deep. She was finally asleep without pain. Unable to resist, he studied her face. Despite the ghastly bruises and swollen jaw, she was uncommonly beautiful. Immediately he pulled away. No! There was no place in his condemned existence for any romantic entanglements. It was forbidden to him. Angelique had seen to that. Shaking his head, Barnabas returned to his task. So focused was he that he didn't stop to consider the slight smile that now curved his lips.

An hour later...

Sitting beside the fire, Barnabas watched as she slept. Unconsciously his gaze came to rest on the nape of her neck, his intense eyes narrowing perceptively. He was hungry, incredibly so. Having suffered his affliction for nearly half a century, he knew he could control himself, but for how long? Pulling out his time piece, he sighed. Three more hours until dawn. As he turned away from the sight of her lying there soft and warm, he uttered a groan of irritation. He must do something to quell his thoughts of her. Realizing that Kathleena had yet to eat, he left the cave.

"Dalmiir… Safeguard," he commanded, walking off into the forest. The horse snorted and ambled over to the rocky entrance.

Quickly Barnabas scanned the area for auras, frowning when he found no signs of life. Uncertain of how much longer the young woman would remain asleep, the Englishman stretched his arms widely, converting himself into a massive bat. Flying high above the trees, he spotted the glow of a plump rabbit. Swooping low, he seized it with his sharp talons and drawing the squealing animal to his mouth drank it dry. Though his hunger was not nearly sated, his need was lessened and Barnabas felt certain he could hold off until daybreak... she would be safe.

Stepping through the opening he found Kathleena struggling to rise, clutching her sides. Dropping the animal's carcass, he came to her aid. "Miss Tell, tell me, what are you trying to do?" Inhaling sharply and deeply embarrassed, she couldn't deny she needed his help. The vampire watched as her hands flittered to her stomach. Although he no longer had such need, he understood, and wrapping his cloak tightly around her, he gathered her carefully into his strong arms, Barnabas collected the rabbit and carried her a few feet into the woods. "Can you manage?" Blushing profusely she nodded, grateful that he walked a few paces away to clean the animal and to give her modicum of privacy.

Soon the pair was settled beside the campfire. Kathleena looked on eagerly while he began to cook her meal and saw him smile at the loud growl of her stomach. Turning to her Barnabas frowned at her lowered head. "Are the burns as tender as before?" Surprisingly, Kathleena found she had to actually ponder his question. Finally she shook her head 'no' thankfully without pain. The salve he had used to soothe her flesh seemed to have helped a great deal. "Good," he smiled. Deeming the rabbit meat properly cooked, he speared it on a fork and handed it to her, watching as Kathleena took a tentative taste and then happily, hungrily bit into the game with small sharp teeth. Uncertain why, Barnabas found he had to turn away as she ate ravenously. "There is more."

(But you haven't eaten. You must be starving!)

"I'm fine, truly." Casting her a sidelong glance, he wondered if she would realize. Obviously not, for she rested against the wall of the cave, sighing silently in contentment. Only then did Barnabas notice as she raised her hand to her shoulder, trying to relax the muscle. "Has the pain returned? There is more laudanum." Turning to fetch it, he heard her fingers snap. Kathleena shook her head.

Immediately, a feeling of intense yearning washed over him and Barnabas began to pace the cave, suddenly very restless. He felt his one basic craving begin to mount and he growled deeply. He realized he was wrong... very wrong. Kathleena would not be safe until the sun rose. But why this sudden urgency? He was always given ample warning. He looked at her then. He had to talk about something, anything. He had to think of something other than sinking his fangs deeply into her already ravaged body.

"Miss Tell?" Eyes closed, she lifted her lovely face in his direction, shapely brows raised.

"Why do you refuse to look at me?" Shocked, clear blue eyes snapped open nearly forgetting to look away. Forgetting to … With a gasp, she now understood why this man's voice seemed so familiar. He was the same man from the inn; the same man who had rescued her from her would be rapist. Kathleena froze at the realization that she had been unable to read him in all this time. He had touched her, carried her into the cave, cared for her but there were no visions, no images forming in her mind. Kathleena began to tremble uncontrollably. Coming to sit beside her, Barnabas touched a large hand to her shoulder. "Is something wrong?"

All at once, she was flooded with painful sensations…unimaginable visions… wild flashes entered her mind. Despite Duncan's menacing threat, Kathleena knew she no longer had a choice... she had to look upon this man. The temptation was too great to deny a moment longer. Cautiously, she lifted her long chestnut lashes gazing upon his pale skin and dark penetrating eyes. Barnabas could see her naked emotions clearly on her expressive face. It was not a look of fear he saw, but unbelievable sadness. Shaking her head, Kathleena closed her eyes.

(No! Oh No! Dear God!)

Suddenly Barnabas growled, experiencing an emotion he had not known in nearly fifty years…extreme panic. Was it possible that she knew! If so, how? "Miss Tell," he hissed, "What is it? Tell me!"

Forcing herself away from the vision, Kathleena brushed her tears away. She shook her head. (It's nothing truly. It's just that…)

"That what?" he pressed.

Again she gazed up into his gaunt face. (It's just that...you are the first man I have dared to look upon in almost a year. I was just so… overwhelmed.) She could see the relief as it flowed through him... he believed her. What relief he found, Kathleena lost. Only now did she realize she was having a conversation with this man without speaking to him. This was impossible! She was dreaming, she had to be, no one could communicate with her. She was a mute thanks to Duncan's viciousness. And yet...she had to know. Looking up at him, Kathleena stared deeply into his eyes. (Mr. Collins, do you know what I'm thinking of at this very moment?)

Nodding, Barnabas answered, "Yes."

Leaping to her feet. Kathleena screamed inside of herself. (No! This is a trick! It isn't possible! Mon Dieu, How are you doing this?) She glared at him then, her eyes narrowed in anger. (I was wrong. What a fool I have been to trust anyone. You are one of his men!) Was this their plan all along? Kathleena trembled, glancing around in fear. (Oh dear God! Is Duncan here? Please, no. Don't let it be so!) Clamping her hands over her eyes, she shivered. She had already lost so much, she could not lose her sight.

Barnabas groaned. He didn't have time for this! Grabbing her arms, he pulled her to him. "Kathleena, Stop!" he demanded, not realizing he addressed her, held her so familiarly. "You must stop this before you aggravate your wounds, I assure you, I know of no one named Duncan." Knowing he could not slap her or shake her from her delusions without causing her more hurt, Barnabas did the only other thing he could think of, what he had longed to do since meeting her that night at the inn. He kissed her gently on the mouth. It had the desired effect. The shock of his icy lips on hers immediately quelled her rampaging thoughts. Pulling away, Kathleena raised her fingertips to where his mouth had been only seconds before.

"I could think of no other way." Barnabas wanted to add that he was sorry but was shocked to find he couldn't. He wasn't sorry. Not at all. He had been without a woman for so long, so long… No! What was he thinking? This was insane! He was being unfaithful. Despite her death long ago, Josette was his only love! She would forever remain so. If that were true, why then was he standing here wishing he was kissing Kathleena Tell? To take pleasure in the feel of her warm lips, to hold her tightly against him, to…

She watched as Barnabas stormed angrily from the cavern.