“Its not that, sir,” Eleenia said. “I am a healer from Avonshire. I was wondering if you would let me examine you.”
“How much is this going to cost me?”
“Nothing, sir. I am here at the request of the University.”
The man smiled. “That’s just my price, young lady.”
“Good. Can we go somewhere with a little more light?”
“Certainly. I have a window on my west wall in my bedchamber, so the sun lights it in the evening.”
Gabriel stared daggers at the proprietor of the tavern. “El, I’m not comfortable with that.”
Eleenia nodded. “I agree. Would it be alright if my brother were to come with us?”
The man shrugged. “Fine by me. Lionel Cooper be my name.”
“I’m Eleenia and this is Brother Gabriel.”
“Ah! Like Lord Ki Kalendeen’s children!”
Gabriel smiled. “We are Lord Ki Kalendeen’s children, God rest his soul.”
They made their way back through the kitchen to the owner’s personal chamber. It was a modest room. A fireplace against the north wall was cold, as could be expected in summer. Other than that, there was a desk, a wardrobe, and a bed, its legs sitting pots of water.
“Git,” Lionel said as he opened a door and kicked a snake out that had slithered under the crack.
“Are those snakes poisonous?” Gabriel asked.
“Nah. They’ll take a nip at you, or try to get into your bed to keep warm at night.”
Eleenia pointed to the bed. “Hence the pots of water?”
“That is correct, m’lady.”
“Okay, I want you to disrobe, but there is no need to remove your smalls,” Eleenia said. She reached into her pack and pulled out her magnifying glass.
“What’s that?” Lionel asked, removing his shirt.
“It is a magnifier. It makes things look bigger than they are. So let’s have a look. Hold out your arms please.” Eleenia walked around him, examining the pattern of his pox blister. “It looks like there are more on your arm and lower legs than on your back and chest.”
“Aye, ma’am.”
“When did they start showing up?”
“I caught a snake in my bed about a month ago. They showed up two weeks after that.”
Eleenia put her magnifier away. “You can put your arms down. Are the blisters painful?”
“A bit tender. They hurt a bit when you pop ‘em though.”
“What happens after you pop them?”
Lionel started putting his shirt back on. “A thick purple liquid comes out, they heal, and leave a scar.”
“I see,” Eleenia said. “Do they heal on their own?”
“Eventually. But by the time they heal, two or more have shown up.”
“Try putting some aloe extract on them. I’ll let you know if I make any headway on it.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
* * * * * *
The Waverunner and the Intrepid crawled along the ocean towards New Portsmouth at an agonizingly slow pace. The ships’ riggings were extricated from one another now, and most of the fallen rigging, debris, bodies, guts, and limbs had been tossed overboard. Most of the Crimson Moon’s crew had gone over to the Intrepid. For the time being, Cassim was acting as Fyke’s first mate.
David was leaning against the rail at the jib, sun setting in front of him. He would have plenty of time to sell the contents of the Intrepid’s hold. Hopefully the blow they dealt to the guild, the heat would be off of them for a while. He would recommend to Karinga that they head up to Port Cirril to sell the ingots in the Waverunner’s hull. Or Fyke, rather.
David was startled as Karinga walked up behind him. “Evening, Tanner.”
“Captain. I hear you are taking the Intrepid once she’s seaworthy again.”
“Aye, I am. Fyke will make a fine Captain for the Waverunner.”
David nodded. “Yes, that he will, sir.”
“Which brings me to my purpose for coming up here. David, I want you to come with me on the Intrepid. I need a first mate, and you are perfect for the job.”
David’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious, Captain?”
“Yes. I can imagine Corwyn has asked you as well?”
“Yes, sir. He did.”
Karinga smiled. “I expected as much. Well, take your time to decide. I want your answer before we leave New Portsmouth.” He patted David on the shoulder and walked away.
David rested his head on his hands, staring back out to sea. ‘Why can’t things just stay as they are,’ he thought. This would be one very tough decision, and he prayed to God against hope that he wouldn’t have to make it.
* * * * * *
Gabriel and Eleenia were escorted through the Eddington’s castle. Unlike the servants of their ancestral home, the ones here acted like they were walking on egg shells, as if a harsh scolding was about to befall them. The general theme of the decorating was the greatness of the house of Eddington. The portraits of the current Lord Richard Eddington were ridiculous, everything from him slaying a huge dragon, slaughtering a horde of wickeracks, to him lying naked upon a bed of roses, his manhood most likely extremely exaggerated.
Eventually they were announced and taken before the gaudy throne of Lord Eddington, his Lordship looking overly bored. A large man in golden armor stood to his left. His steward stepped forward and nodded in greeting. “It is customary to kneel before his Lordship’s throne,” he said, a touch of nervous fear in his voice.
Gabriel laughed. “There is but one throne I will kneel before, and it is not of this world.”
Had the collective gasp been any stronger, all of the air would have been sucked out of the room.
Lord Eddington looked down his nose at the pair. “Churcher, you had better learn your place. Sir Marcus, if you would.”
The man in the gold armor looked at him in confusion. “My lord?”
“Make them kneel!”
Sir Marcus stepped down from the pedestal and strode over to the pair. He was approximately a hand taller than Gabriel.
“You don’t want to do that,” Gabriel said, not in the least bit intimidated.
A memory stirred in Lord Eddington’s mind and he stood up. “It’s okay, Marcus. You, Brother Gabriel, you wouldn’t happen to be the son of Lord Ki Kalendeen, would you?”
“I am indeed, and this is my sister, the healer Eleenia.”
“Yes, you remind me of your father. I met him on the day of your brother’s wedding.”
“Your condolences are accepted and appreciated,” Eleenia said.
Lord Eddington looked at her, confused, as another collective gasp could be heard. The gossip around the court would be flowing tonight.
“Lord Eddington,” Eleenia said, breaking the awkward silence. “I am here to see to your wife. I understand she has been struck by the Snakepox.”
“Oh, yes, of course. I’m afraid there isn’t much hope for her, but you are welcome to see her.” There was absolutely no emotion in his voice whatsoever. “You, scullery maid,” he said pointing to a woman covered in soot. “Take this healer to Laurel’s chambers.” He waved them away, dismissed.
Eddington waited until Gabriel and Eleenia were out of earshot when he called Sir Marcus to his side. “What do you think of them?”
“The lad seems confident. I’ve heard that the training of a Church knight is the most rigorous in the known lands. He couldn’t have been raised to the knighthood very long ago. He’s probably in the best shape of his life.”
Eddington nodded. “Could you take him?”
Sir Marcus rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. More than likely. Why? Are you planning something?”
“His father was the one who forced me to marry that commoner whore. I’m just glad the Snakepox will rid me of her. Keep an
eye on him for me.”
“You think the healer will be unsuccessful?”
Eddington laughed. “Please, Marcus! My best physicians haven’t been able to find a cure. With all of the bloodletting, teeth pulling, and humor balancing they’ve tried?”
“I don’t know, Richard. If she inherited her father’s intellect…”
“Then let’s hope she is a dumb bitch like her mother. I understand the criminals who have insisted they are innocent are backing up. I say it is high time for my Judicial Champion to judge them in a trial by combat!”
“Certainly, my lord. I’m always up for some sport.”
* * * * * *
“Here we are, ma’am,” the scullery maid said, motioning to the door.
Eleenia looked at her, puzzled. “I would think Lady Eddington’s room would be on a higher floor.”
“Oh no, ma’am. Lord Eddington insisted she be given this room, he did. It is the largest on the ground level.”
“I see. Well, thank you for bringing me. I’ll see myself in.”
As Eleenia opened the door, her nose was assailed by the scent of rot, disease, and mold. She even had to bring the scarf she wore around her neck up to cover her nose and mouth. She walked through the very tastefully decorated room over to the large canopy bed. What a striking contrast to the rest of the castle, she thought. The woman lying on the bed was unconscious. Purple boils littered every inch of her exposed skin. Gingerly, Eleenia sat down on the bed at her side.
“Lady Eddington?” she said.
The woman slowly opened her eyes. “Are you another physician?”
“Sort of,” Eleenia said.
Lady Eddington began to cry softly. “Please, no more bloodlettings,” she said weakly, turning her head.
“I’m from the University at Avonshire, Lady Eddington. I am a healer. I don’t work in the old form of medicine.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Eleenia Ki Kalendeen.”
Lady Eddington turned her head towards her. “Lord Alexander’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
A tear ran down Lady Eddington’s eye. “I am so sorry about what happened to them. I met your father mere hours before the attack. He showed me the ultimate kindness and forced Richard to marry me, a mere commoner. Lord rest his soul.”
“Thank you. And I wouldn’t say a mere commoner. In offering your condolences, you’ve already proved yourself far more noble than your husband. I have to ask you, M’lady, that painting of your husband on the bed of roses, is it… accurate?”
Lady Eddington chuckled. “No, my dear. It is wishful thinking on his part.”
The door closed, causing Eleenia to turn around. A little girl, no older than four, stood in the room. She was looking down at the floor, mouth downturned with sadness in her eyes.
“Lady healer, is my momma gonna die?” she asked.
Eleenia smiled, opened her arms, and the little girl ran to her, and was enveloped by a hug. “What’s your name, little one?”
“Arianna Eddington,” she said.
“Oh? That was my mother’s name! It is a beautiful name.”
“Father doesn’t think so.”
“Then your father is a fool! It is a beautiful name for a beautiful little lady. Listen Arianna, I am a healer, and I am going to do everything in my power to save your momma’s life.”
“Father said she is going to die and nothing can save her.”
Eleenia smiled. “Well then, let’s make that two things your father is wrong about.”
* * * * * *
Now that they had a place to stay near the castle, Gabriel wandered through the streets of New Portsmouth going nowhere in particular. Every night he had prayed for guidance, but the Spirit had been silent. His faith remained strong, though. He was sure he was on the right path… well, reasonably sure. Why else would Uriel have sent him out into the city if not to find his father’s dagger and thus point him towards David.
He eventually found himself by the docks. He glanced at the many ships that lined the harbor, but was unimpressed. A snake slithered over his foot, which startled him. After kicking it away, he wiped the sweat from his brow. Best get something to drink, he thought. If nothing else, he would get out of the sun for a while.
He picked the closest tavern, the Sea Dog. He had considered asking someone, but it was quite obvious that very few people had any respect for him, at least while he wore his white shirt with the cross emblem and his blue cloak, which he currently did.
The tavern was practically empty. Two bored serving girls looked up when he came in.
“Do you want this one?” the blond asked the redheaded, more busty girl.
“Sure,” she replied. “Churchers are usually pretty good tippers, and you don’t have to worry about them getting fresh. Sit anywhere you like, Sir Knight.”
“Thank you,” Gabriel said. He picked a table on the far side of the room, away from the door and sat down.
“What can I get you?”
“Do you serve food here or just drinks?”
“We have a fully stocked kitchen. Our cook makes a particularly good shrimp bisque.”
Gabriel nodded. “I’d like to try a bowl of that with some bread. And a tankard of light ale, please.”
“If you need anything, my name is Luna.” She headed to the bar and told the bored bartender, who happened to have the Snakepox.
The bartender turned and drew the ale from one of the five large tapped barrels. Luna brought it over and set it before Gabriel. “There you go, Sir Knight. Do enjoy.”
Several more people started to come into the tavern. The blond jumped off her chair and went over to seat them. Gabriel took a drink of the ale, which was fairly good. It was better than he had expected this close to the docks.
“Coloring your hair black and wearing a costume ain’t gonna hide you, Tanner,” a man said by the door.
Gabriel paid him no mind.
“Tanner, you got shit in your ears? You got a lot of balls coming here alone. Let’s get his attention, boys.”
Gabriel took another drink of his ale. Halfway through, someone pushed the tankard upward, spilling the ale all over his face. He was on his feet in an instant with his sword in hand. “I realize there is no respect here for the church, but that went too far,” Gabriel said to the three startled men standing near him. “What would you have? A fight? I’ll spill your guts.
The leader of the three men put up his hands in a settle down motion. “Easy there, big fellow. We thought you were someone else. Let me offer an apology and replace your drink. Luna, bring me a clean rag for this Holy Defender.”
Gabriel sheathed his sword, stared at the three men for a second, and when he was convinced they weren’t going to attack, he let down his guard. The redheaded serving girl handed him the rag, with which he wiped his face and hair.
“I’m Franklin Galt, Boatswain to Captain Laudabacker on the guild ship Clearwater.” He extended his hand, which Gabriel shook.
“Brother Gabriel, Holy Defender.”
“Mind if we join you?”
Gabriel shrugged and motioned for them to sit. The four men sat around the small round table.
“Luna, honey, four of whatever he was drinking,” Galt said with a snap of his finger. “These two are Izarus and Bron,” he said motioning to the other two men.
“Who is this Tanner for whom you mistook me? And what has he done to wrong you?”
“Ah, he’s Yeoman on an independent ship that’s been a pain in the guild’s ass for a few years now. Looks a lot like you, but has blond hair, is a good bit thinner, and has a big scar running down the side of his face.” Galt outlined a line going from his eye to his mouth.
Gabriel perked up. “This man, tell me more about him?”
“Um, let�
��s see. His name is David Tanner, son of a leather worker, smart as hell and well educated. At least that’s what Captain Laudabacker said. Tried to get him on board with us a little while back. When he said no, the Captain set a few goons on him. Tanner whooped up on them good.”
“Why did Laudabacker want him on his crew?”
“That kid has the best business sense any of us has ever heard of. Negotiating skills you wouldn’t believe. He could get you to hand over your sword, pants, tunic, and smalls, and have you pay him, then thank him! He is making that crew enough money to make Solomon blush!”
“What’s the name of his ship?”
“The Waverunner. Captained by a bloke named Jaxom Karinga.”
Luna put the four ales on the table and handed them out. Galt went to pay her, but he was stopped by Gabriel.
“My good lady, these three men’s dinner and drinks are on me. They’ve told me something I’ve been longing to hear for years.” Gabriel placed three gold coins on the table, ensuring that the men could leave gorged and drunk, and still give Luna three days’ worth of wages.
* * * * * *
The past three days, Eleenia had made some progress on the Snakepox. This morning, when she went to Lady Eddington’s chambers, the smell of rot was gone, Lady Eddington was sitting up holding Arianna, and other than the blotches on her face and a snake that slithered out of the room into the rest of the castle, things looked perfectly normal.
“Miss Eleenia!!!” Arianna squealed when she spotted El. She immediately jumped down, ran over, and was scooped up into a hug. “Momma is feeling so much better! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…” she said, hugging Eleenia tightly around the neck.
“You’re welcome, little one, but Miss Eleenia needs to breathe,” El said in a choked voice. She put Arianna down. “I have something for you!” El reached into her bag and pulled out a beautiful china doll.
Arianna’s jaw dropped. “Is that really for me?”
“Of course it is! I saw it, and I thought I know a beautiful little lady who would appreciate such a fine doll.”
Arianna turned her head to her mom and looked at her expectantly.
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