The Kiss From a Dragon

by C. D. Pennington

  “Thank you, Alleran. Do you have any thoughts on my sister?” Cerana’s anxiety was clearly showing. She thought that the way he had ushered her into the back room meant that he had something to say that he wanted to keep private. Alleran smiled at her and pulled up a chair, sitting opposite her.

  “I apologise if I may have caused you undue worry by bringing you in here.” He looked up at her with a concerned look on his face. “The truth is, I am not entirely certain of your sister’s affliction.” His words hit her like a boulder. “Some of the symptoms are familiar with certain illnesses, but not all combined as you have described.” He sat back and crossed his arms. “I would like to examine her myself, with your permission?”

  “Of course.” The words caught in Cerana’s mouth, and she cleared her throat.

  “Are you local?” he asked.

  “We live in Barnesbay. I’m afraid we are not from Otterley.”

  “I see.”

  “Please, sir,” she pleaded. “I will pay you for your time if you can spare it. We are extremely worried about her.” She broke down and sobbed into her palms. Alleran rose from his seat and knelt next to her, putting a thin arm around her shoulders.

  “There, there. Of course I will come.” He did not mention it to her, but he was very interested in studying the stricken girl. The symptoms she described were known to him, but all combined at the same time? It was unheard of. Admittedly, he did not have the vast experience of some of the grand apothecaries in the realm, but they were few and far between these days. And he had learnt from the best. So far, he had not come across anything he could not immediately identify from his studies. Until now, it would seem.

  Cerana regained her composure. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was hoping you would tell me that you knew exactly what it was and you could just give me something to help her.” She dried her eyes on her cloak. “I suppose I knew this was nothing ordinary, but I had to hope.”

  He flashed her that kind, gentle smile. “I will do everything I can. I promise.” His words seemed to comfort her slightly. “But I think we should go now. The sooner I see her myself, the sooner we may be able to help her.”

  “I cannot thank you enough.” Her eyes welled with tears again. He passed her a cloth to dry her eyes; thankfully for her, it was clean.

  “Sit here a moment whilst I gather some things. Then we should leave.” He shuffled across to a desk and some shelves and began to fill an old leather briefcase with various papers, jars and small containers. Cerana noticed for the first time that he walked with a slight limp. When he had finished filling his case, he returned to her and offered a helping hand out of her seat, which she took.

  “Come,” he said with his soft tones. “Take me to your sister. Let us see what we can do for her.”

  CHAPTER 4 – Hope Comes to Esteri

  A continuous stream of rain had fallen since they left Otterley, creating puddles of water on the paths that led them back to Barnesbay. It was as if the Gods themselves were adding to the darkening mood. Tiny droplets bombarded the swelling puddles, the horses splashing mud all over their riders. Cerana was at least grateful for the hood on her woollen cloak which she had up over her head, but it was now so wet that her hair was damp; drops of water falling from the rim in front of her face. Alleran had neglected to bring anything to cover his head, his curled hair now plastered to his face, obscuring his view. It was getting dusk, but they were nearly back at the cottage. The rain had succeeded in dampening the overall mood even further, but had also brought the refreshing smell that only countryside rain could bring. Try as she might, Cerana still could not bring herself to appreciate it in her current frame of mind.

  Although the return journey seemed to have taken longer, they had made good time and arrived back at the cottage slightly ahead of Cerana’s estimate. The dark, angry clouds made the afternoon more gloomy than usual, although the glowing light from within, made by the warming fire and candles, was welcoming. She looked forward to being dry again, but was anxious to learn of Esteri’s condition more so than her own comfort.

  Cerana removed her wet, dirty boots and left them in the small porch before entering the cottage. Alleran did the same, his height causing him to stoop to avoid the low doorframe. Removing her hood, Cerana was relieved to see Esteri sat in her favourite chair in front of the fireplace. She looked up at Cerana and smiled, but it was a tired smile, and her eyes had lost that twinkle they usually regarded her with. A thick grey blanket covered her from neck to foot, even though she was right beside the fire.

  “How are you feeling?” Cerana asked, making her way over to her sister and hugging her close.

  “Ugh, you’re all wet!” Esteri complained, her voice low and laboured.

  “Oh sorry, it’s horrid out there.” Cerana released her sister from the hug and stood by the fire, warming and drying herself. “So, how do you feel? How long have you been up?”

  Before Esteri could answer, Jana emerged from the kitchen area where she had been preparing some food. The smell of cooking in the cottage was so pleasant, Cerana could almost taste it.

  “Cerana!” Jana exclaimed, as if surprised she had come back. “Thank the gods you have returned.” The sisters hugged. Alleran still stood in the doorway, watching the sisters embrace. It seemed to him that at this precise moment, they didn’t even know he was there. The sisters’ obvious love for each other was evident to him, and it warmed him inwardly.

  “Good to be back, Jana. How is she? What has happened since I left?” Cerana suddenly seemed to remember Alleran had come with her. “Oh, forgive me,” she said, turning to him. “This is Alleran. He has kindly come from Otterley to see Esteri.”

  Alleran walked into the middle of the room and shook Jana’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “And you, Alleran,” Jana replied warmly. “This is Esteri, although I think you have probably guessed that already.”

  “Yes, I thought it might well be.” He quickly made his way across to where Esteri sat, clearing his throat before kneeling before her and smiling. “Hello, Esteri. Your sister has told me what happened yesterday, and I want to help you if I can.” His soft, gentle voice seemed to soothe her.

  “Hello, sir.” Her voice was dry and croaky, but she managed a weak smile.

  “So, can you tell me what has happened today?”

  Esteri’s memory of the day was hazy at best, but Jana had been with her all day so between them they recounted in detail what had transpired. Cerana listened on with interest, keen to learn of the developments. Esteri was still very weak, so Jana did most of the explaining.

  She had remained paralysed for about an hour, so Jana thought. Esteri had no recollection of this whatsoever, so this made Cerana feel a little better, knowing her sweet sister was not aware of her ordeal. It did not, however, explain the teardrop, which Cerana found most odd. When she could move again - and regained consciousness - her bloodshot eyes had returned to normal, but she developed a splitting headache which was still afflicting her now, so Esteri complained. Jana advised that she had not had any more nosebleeds, fits or sickness. This made Cerana sigh with relief.

  It seemed that apart from severe fatigue and the headache, Esteri’s condition had improved. She did complain of feeling extremely cold, even though she sat close to the roaring fire. The temperature in the room was oppressively hot, so the other occupants thought. When she revealed this, Alleran – who had until then remained silent and attentive – approached her and gently placed his palm on her forehead. Even though she was shivering slightly with cold, her forehead was burning yet her face was pale and colourless. This concerned Alleran greatly. After he had heard everything they had to say, he requested that he examine Esteri as soon as possible. Cerana permitted him to do whatever was required.

  Alleran and Cerana gently helped Esteri from her chair and helped her to the bedroom where she was placed flat on the bed. She was clearly frail, as they practically had to carry her all the way through. Al
leran thoroughly checked Esteri over, noting her temperature, heart rate and breathing pattern as best he could. Lying her down on her front, he undid the laces of her nightgown and examined her back. He was alarmed to notice an angry-looking rash that began in the small of her back and went all the way up her spine in a straight line, before extending out into a crude T-shape across her shoulder blades. It was hot to his touch, but it caused Esteri no pain nor irritation. In fact, she had not even known it was there until Alleran mentioned it.

  Cerana and Jana watched intently as he went about his work with their sister, eager to hear his views. When he finished his examination, he sat on the side of the bed, composing his thoughts.

  “Well,” he began. “It is difficult for me to put a diagnosis on this without seeing the other symptoms for myself. I have to go on facts, and other than the obvious weakness and the rash, I can not find anything wrong with you.” He gave Esteri a reassuring smile, but it did not have the desired effect as she started to weep. Jana took her in her arms and hugged her. Cerana did not know if this was good news or bad.

  “So, are you saying she is ok?” she asked. Alleran shifted uncomfortably.

  “I am saying that at the moment, she appears fine, and I cannot diagnose something I cannot trace.”

  “But what of yesterday and this morning? That wasn’t fine.” Cerana was getting flustered, annoyed that he was unable to tell them exactly what was wrong and what needed to be done.

  “I cannot say for certain what caused the symptoms you described,” he continued. “Maybe if I were to see it for myself, I would have more of an idea. But at the moment – and as you can see yourself – there is nothing for me to diagnose.”

  Cerana knew the truth in his words, but found it difficult to accept. “So there is nothing you can do?” she asked, dejectedly.

  “I….I will be truthful. What you told me today makes no sense. Nothing I have come across before now can explain how all the different symptoms happened almost at once. It is unheard of. I cannot treat something I do not know the cause of.”

  A silence befell the room, the atmosphere oppressive. Cerana could feel her heart thundering in her chest. Esteri had stopped weeping but said nothing; she just sat on the bed with a mournful look on her beautiful face. No-one knew what to say.

  “Maybe I can stay for a while,” Alleran broke the tension. “Then if something does happen, I will be here to see it myself.” He hoped the sisters would agree so he could study the stricken girl further. There was clearly something not right with her, and even though he did hold a suspicion, until he could witness it for himself, it was impossible to judge. He could not tell them this, but as much as he wished the girl no ill, he actually wanted something to happen, such was his curiosity. Was this a new strain of an old disease? Was it something new altogether? Surely it could not be, not after all this time? From his professional stance, this warranted investigation, and could be well worth him taking a day or so out to monitor her.

  Alleran was as relieved as they were when Cerana accepted his offer. “As long as it doesn’t put you out too much, we would be very grateful. That is a very kind gesture, thank you.” Cerana spoke for all of them, and they nodded in agreement.

  “Thank you,” Esteri managed, before bursting into tears. Jana consoled her again.

  “May I have a word in private?” Alleran whispered to Cerana as Jana comforted Esteri.

  “Of course, come with me.” She motioned for him to follow her into the main room of the cottage.

  “I did not want to say anything in front of Esteri,” he said when he thought they were out of hearing range. “I do have an idea of what it may be, but did not want to cause undue alarm and panic her.”

  Cerana’s eyes widened. “Tell me, and the truth.” She lowered her eyes to the ground. “Is she going to die?” A tear appeared in her eye.

  “Truthfully, I do not know.”

  Cerana sobbed. Alleran hesitated but awkwardly comforted her with his arm. He let her compose herself and cleared his throat before continuing. “When I said the symptoms make no sense, this was true. I said this because what I suspect this may be – and please believe me, there is no certainty – does relate to what you have told me.”

  She stopped sobbing. “Why tell me this now?” she asked, wiping her eyes.

  “Because I don’t want to alarm anyone,” he repeated. “Let alone Esteri. If I am right, she will need all the strength and support she can get. She will need you both, Cerana.”

  “What is it, Alleran?” Her eyes were welling up again.

  “Something this world has not seen for a very long time,” his voice was low and joyless. “I really do not want to say any more until I am certain. There is no point speculating.”

  Alleran wondered how long he might have to wait to experience Esteri’s frightening conditions for himself, if indeed it did happen again.

  He did not have to wait long.

  Later that evening, they all enjoyed supper around the dining table, which was laden with fruits, bread, meats and fish. None of them had eaten much all day, so they set about gorging themselves on the delicious feast prepared by Jana. There was a sombre feel to the air, which was unsurprising given the events of the last two days, and they ate in silence. The clanking of cutlery and plates, the crunch of eaten fruit, and the cracking of the open fire were the only sounds to fill the room.

  Then Esteri started to cough. She coughed once to clear her throat. Then again, and again. The others around the table thought she had something stuck in her throat, and she was choking. Alleran, who sat next to Esteri, jumped from his seat and started hitting the choking girl on her back, as hard as he dared without hurting her.

  “What is happening?” cried Jana.

  The coughing eventually ceased, and Esteri appeared to gather herself, vigorously shaking her head from side to side as if to clear her mind. “Ooh,” she exclaimed. “I think that went down the wrong way. Must be your fish, Jana.”

  The others laughed, relieved that it was nothing more serious.

  But then the blood came. Esteri’s nose ran like a red river, the frightening substance pouring down her nostrils onto her gown. Alleran grabbed a napkin and held it to her nose. It was happening again, thank the gods he was here to witness it.

  “Let’s take her to the bench,” the apothecary ordered. Cerana and Jana were already by their sister’s side, lifting her from the chair and carrying her to the seat facing the fireplace.

  Then the fitting started. No sooner had they got Esteri sat down on the bench before she convulsed violently, her body shaking as if it were a rag doll. Blood flew everywhere, covering them all in the red fluid. She screamed, an ear-piercing howl that shook the horrified onlookers to the core.

  “Don’t hold her down!” yelled Alleran. “Just support her; make sure she doesn’t hurt herself.” That was easier said than done, the petite girl thrashing around like she had been possessed by a demon with a force that belied her slender frame. It took the group all their combined might to hold her. Eventually, the convulsions ceased, and as was before, she seemed to enter a trance. Esteri was oblivious to everything around her whilst paralysed in place. Her eyes turned blood-red and stared at nothing.

  Using the sudden calm to clean themselves of the blood, Cerana turned to Alleran. “Now do you see?” she cried, unable to stop the tears from flowing. “What is happening to her? Please, help her!”

  “Yes, yes. I have seen enough.” Alleran was convinced now, having witnessed this terrifying event for himself. “I will give her something to aid her temporarily, but I must return to my tomes and conduct research. I must leave immediately.”

  CHAPTER 5 – A Family in Turmoil

  A deathly silence had befallen the cottage since Alleran left. The crackling of the flames in the fireplace sounded more like huge branches breaking away from trees; such was the eerie quiet. Occasionally, Jana would hear the tap of Cerana’s boots on the wooden floor as she scurried from roo
m to room, for some reason deciding that now would be a good time to clean their abode, even though the hour was fast approaching midnight.

  Jana sat with Esteri at the side of the bed where she now slept. Alleran had taken a vial of liquid from his bag and held it close to Esteri’s nose when she lay paralysed, and miraculously she recovered from her trance as the fumes from the vial took effect. Again, she could remember nothing, and was left with a bad headache and fatigue after her ordeal, so was sent to rest in bed.

  The women knew how traumatic it was to experience their youngest sibling’s condition, so they did not blame Alleran for wanting to return home as quickly as possible. However, they still could not quite get the thought out of their minds that he was their only hope, and when he had left so suddenly, a little more hope vanished with him.

  The apothecary promised to return once he had researched his tomes and found the answers to niggling questions he had. But although he had given them no reason to doubt his word, the sisters felt slightly uneasy now he had left, and they were alone once more.

  He had given them a small supply of the vialled substance that he said could be used if Esteri found herself in the same paralytic state as before, but it came at a cost – a hefty one at that. Ten gold was the cost for just a small vial, but it was supposedly enough to last until he returned. If he returned, Cerana thought. She did not care about the cost if it would help her sister, but she was slightly worried that even though they were by no means paupers, they did not have an endless supply of gold. And at this cost, more gold would need to be earned. She hoped that Alleran could find a cure and fast, for all their sakes.

  Whilst Esteri slept, Jana had expressed a concern that the apothecary had used the women to make some quick gold. This was a thought that Cerana had already had herself. Cerana’s instinct was that this was not true, and he would return with the answers they all sought. But there would always be a slight doubt in both their minds until Alleran did return, hopefully with good news. Cerana mused that if all he wanted was the gold, he would probably have asked for more than that and then they would certainly never see him again. He could have told them any price and Cerana would have paid it, such was her commitment to her sister. But he didn’t, and he never even mentioned about reimbursement for his time spent with them during the day, which Cerana had offered at his shop. He will return, she thought, trying to cling to any hope she could find. I don’t know when, but he will. It also occurred to her that she knew exactly where to find him now. He seemed far too intelligent to attempt to rip off a desperate woman with a dagger strapped to her thigh, who also knew exactly where to find him again. This gave her more hope. What worried her more was how she was going to pay for any ongoing treatment, if Alleran was unable to find a quick cure. She did not know how long the substance in the vial would hold its power for, but surely it only had a limited time for its effects to be of use. It would need replacing at some point, but at ten gold per vial, they could not afford the treatment for long with what little savings they had.