Page 55 of A Promise Through Time

“Edna,” she said. “It’s me, Ashley. We need you.”

A moment or two passed before a woman’s voice came from the globe. “Yes, Ashley. I’m here.”

“Is that her?” Donal asked.

“Edna, you know Tina’s here,” Ashley said.

“Of course I do. I sent her.”

“Well, the little girl she’s been taking care of is really sick. Her Da, Donal, is here with me and he’s asking for your help.”

“Hold on for a minute while I try to see what’s happening.”

Donal wasn’t sure how she could see what was happening, but he also wasn’t sure how he could hear her voice, so he decided he’d just accept it no matter how odd it seemed. The only thing that mattered was getting Elena some help.

“I see now. Dr. Ferguson is still a few days away. Have Donal bring her to the bridge and I’ll send them across. We’ll get her to a doctor here.”

“It is two days ride to that bridge. There’s rain coming and Elena should not be out in it,” Donal said.

“You’re right, Donal. We can’t let her get worse. Is there another bridge nearby?” Edna asked.

Ashley glanced at Donal. “Is there?”

“There is one. Not far from here.”

“I’ve only used my bridge here in Glendaloch and the bridge in San Francisco. I’m nae sure it will work, but we can try. How quickly can ye be there?”

“’Tis getting late, but I believe we can be there before the sun sets.”

“Go then. I’ll watch for ye.”

“Thank ye, Edna, and thank ye, Ashley.”

Donal pushed all the panic away and focused on what he needed to do as he hurried back to his room. If he thought too much about Elena or traveling through time he would not be able to move. Years of training to stay calm in battle were serving him well. “I’m taking Elena to a nearby bridge. Edna will send for us to come to her.” He hurried to wrap Elena in a plaid.

“What about me?” Tina asked.

Donal continued getting ready and didn’t answer. He wanted her to join them, but he knew she didn’t want to be with him.

“Donal,” she touched his arm and he felt her comforting touch bring him a small amount of peace. “I’m coming with you,” Tina said.

He nodded, “Hurry then.”

Tina ran back to her room and grabbed what little she had in the way of possessions before joining Donal in the hall. They hurried down the stairs and out into the courtyard where Donal’s horse awaited them.

“Ashley told me ye were hurrying to get to the bridge before nightfall,” Cailin said, handing him the reins. Tina held onto Elena as Donal mounted the horse and Cailin helped boost her and the bairn up in front of him.

Donal wrapped an arm around Tina’s waist before clucking to the horse. “Thank ye, Cailin!” he called as they rode out through the gates.

“The bridge is over a day’s ride away,” Tina said.

“Edna will meet us at one that is closer,” Donal said.

“Why didn’t Edna use that one to send me here?”

“I dinnae know. I dinnae know how any of this works. I just want Elena to be well. ’Tis all I want,” he wanted Tina, too. He couldn’t tell her that. She still hadn’t forgiven him and she might never.

Tina remained silent as she held Elena in her arms. He was struck by how much they appeared to be a family to anyone they might pass on the road. The truth of it was quite different.