134 On the Edge

They worked sure and swift. In no time at all, they had got a fire together and had laid Volkin flat on his back and as close to the fire as possible. Kelley knelt in front of his brother and splashed water on his face as Erom instructed. It took a painful while but colour at last began to return to the lad’s face. “There are no blood wounds on him.” Erom observed pinching his lips. “A lump at the back of his head however indicates that he may have been knocked out by then.” He went back to the fire. There were two things already boiling away merrily: a kettle with water and a small pot of hot broth. Kelley still remained by his brother’s side chanting words away in low tones. Erom couldn’t tell whether they were prayers or incantations. He took another look at the lad lying motionless on the ground. Even though the colour was now returned to his face, he was yet to wake. His clothes were torn in several places and it was clear that he had suffered a lot. Erom was glad that th