A/N: Oh hi. Here's another huge apology for almost completely abandoning this one. I promise the rest of the story will be published very soon. Thanks for sticking with me! Hope you like this one! Thanks to the ever patient and never condescending dynamic duo: ladygris and pisces317.
Through the Fire by GraceW
~Chapter 7~
Thunder cracked overhead, shaking the roof over the small room and drawing Carson Beckett out of his doze. Judging by the gathering darkness as well as how tired he felt, it had been a few hours since Nean had left, smiling as she told him she'd be back in a little while. Carson shifted uncomfortably on the bed, trying not to aggravate his burns. His body felt weak, as if all his energy had packed up and left on an extended holiday. However, he grew restless, as if he couldn't possibly lie there one more minute. Conflicted, he made a decision: he was going to sit up.
Moving slowly, he grimaced as the bandages rubbed against his still-healing injuries Sweat beaded under the cloth on his forehead as he struggled to command his weak limbs. Almost three days of bed rest left his legs feeling like jelly. His head ached, protesting the sudden movement and unfamiliar elevation.
A gust of wind accompanied the opening of the door, and Nean entered carried a basket with clean blankets. Her loose grey hair had been blown and tangled by the wind. Observing his current state, she gave him a motherly look. "I still think this is a bad idea. Perhaps if you let me go to the Ring first—" She reluctantly shuffled around, putting down her basket to try to get the right leverage to help the impatient Lantean doctor up.
"I can do it…need t' get home." With a determined push, Carson stood under his own power, but only for a second. Muscles rebelled, head ached, the room spun out of control and he nearly crumpled to the floor. Nean caught him in the nick of time, grunting as she tried not to hurt him further. His ankle throbbed horribly. Judging by the soreness and swollen feeling, he suspected a bad sprain. It wasn't the worst, but couldn't he ever catch a break. His headache had been exacerbated by the movement and the fight to stay vertical, now there was little he could do besides think of the pain that pounded against his skull.
Pushing through the hurt, Carson breathed in and out, slowing his respiration and willing his body into cooperation. After he had taken several deep slow breaths, he glanced up at Nean, who still held him upright. Her concerned golden-brown eyes met his. "Now son, can I help ya get to the Ring, or are you going to crawl on your own?"
"Help would be greatly appreciated. I'm just a wee bit dizzy." Carson focused on the table to keep the room from spinning, and pushed the pain from his various injuries aside.
Nean shifted his body around and put his arm over her shoulders, grabbing his waist with her right hand. With her left hand she grabbed a folded blanket off of the shelf and draped it as best she could around his shoulders. "It's a tad chilly."
She supported most of his weight, but at least he could stand. The dizzy feeling was lessening, but didn't go away entirely. With more strength in his voice than he felt, he swallowed. "Alright, let's go."
The awkwardly moving duo reached the door and Nean pushed it open against the wind. They hobbled out of the house, like a pair in a three-legged race. For the first time in three days, Carson saw the village and the world outside. The sky was cloudy, as if threatening a storm. The homes themselves were weather-beaten and rustic, but sturdily built. A few natives milled about, either working in front of their house or carrying goods with purpose, most of them stopped and stared. However, the injured doctor could focus on little else than just putting one foot in front of the other. He breathed heavily, his lungs struggling to get his muscles and brain enough oxygen to move. This exertion was against his better judgment as a doctor, but he was compelled by a strong urge to get back to Atlantis. To let his team know he was still alive.
Unfortunately, determination could only take a person so far, Carson could feel his energy quickly draining and the sudden need to lie down consumed him. Like a newborn colt, his knees buckled and he collapsed. Nean did her best to try and steady him, but he hit the ground nonetheless. The last thing he heard was Nean shouting his name as she shook him, then the darkness took him under.
To Be Continued in the very near future...
Thanks for reading! Drop me a review! Encouragement is always enjoyed.
Grace :)