***Part 7
Ezra gradually pulled himself to his hands and knees, congratulating himself on this accomplishment. His body ached and he couldn't remember ever feeling so weak. He sat back on his knees and hissed as he lifted his shirt to reveal the deep gash on his side. The wound still bled, and he pressed his hand to it. Pain flared throughout his body, and he dropped forward, resting his forehead on the ground. He couldn't seem to hold onto a thought for more than a minute as pain screamed from behind his eyes. It was several minutes until the throbbing subsided enough so that he could open his eyes and raise his head. Everything was a blur of bright light with two black splotches trying to come into focus. He reached out and grabbed his discarded boots. He managed to get onto his feet the effort bringing a sheen of sweat to his face, his heart pounding in his ears.
Ezra gasped for breath as he leaned against a rock, holding his side, blood oozing through his fingers. His stomach cramped and a dizzying rush to his head overcame him, causing him to bend over and expel the contents of his stomach. He spit, and leaned back, wishing he had water to rinse the taste from his mouth. Ezra closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, willing himself not to get sick again. He slowly opened his eyes and gazed pointlessly for his horse, knowing Chaucer was long gone. The whole desert seemed to swim around him, making him nauseous. 'Okay, Ezra, pull it together,' he murmured. He pushed off the rock and started walking back toward Four Corners. Ezra stopped and glanced down, picking up a discarded canteen. He tipped it over his mouth savoring the remaining few drops then dropped it to the ground. A flash of memory that tried to skirt his reach had him turning back toward the large rock outcropping.
Ezra uncovered the second canteen and shook it, reassured by the sound of the sloshing medicine. He looked up at the overhanging sun, wishing for a moment the canteen was filled with water. He clasped it close to his chest and looked out over the desolate desert. One thought planted itself in his muddled brain; get the medicine to the village.
tbc