Chapter Fifteen Summary

Coll, relieved to be with his wife and new son, explains that Brigham took the bullet intended for Coll, and tells how they became separated from their regiment. He had carried Brigham at nighttime, hiding from the English and wounded, himself. Gwen wants to remove the bullet from Brigham's body but does not know how. Parkins has done this once before, and offers to do it. They feed Brigham poppy medicine and hold him down. As he works, Serena remembers that she considers Parkins steady and loyal. Parkins finds the bullet, and Gwen takes over to stop the bleeding. Serena expresses her deep gratitude to Parkins.

She tries to sleep with her head in Fiona's lap but will not leave Brigham, who is delirious with fever and nightmares of battle. He is in and out of consciousness, but finally wakes up...