Rebellion and New Life

Chapter 4

Over the coming days, Chamberlain's condition didn't appear to be improving.

He was still up and around, but he would get sick first thing after getting up in the mornings and after he would eat anything. It happened several times a day. He often found himself running out of any room in the castle to a window and getting rid of all the food he would eat. He was lucky if he was keeping anything at all in his stomach.

Some of the Gelfling that were still serving the Skeksis did happen to see a few times what was happening with him. One day, one of the Gelfling guards came up to question him out of concern.

Sil had just tossed his dinner and the male Gelfling came up behind him. "Uh, Lord Chamberlain? I couldn't help but notice what was happening just now. Are you alright?" he asked.

Sil turned around. "Nothing that concerns Gelfling. I'm fine."

"That didn't seem like fine to me. You should be seen by the one of you, the Scientist, to get it treated." the soldier suggested. "Or one of the females might know what's causing it."

"I have seen the Scientist! Getting treated. Nothing! Go back to post, Gelfling. Now!" Sil snapped at him.

"I'm just concerned, my Lord. It's been going on for days."

"I order you to leave me alone! Go, now!" Sil began to step toward him angrily.

"Sorry!" The guard ran off to avoid getting in trouble.

Sil was angry that the Gelfling couldn't mind his own business. But, even if he knew something, it was none of his business what was going on with him. Skeksis kept to themselves about their health from Gelflings.

The guard got to a good distance and stopped, noticing the sick Skeksis was not coming after him, at least he hoped not. But nothing happened further from that moment.

A female guard was passing through soon after, and the male Gelfling went up to her. "Hey, Spriton female? Wait!" the male called out.

"Yes?" she asked.

"I noticed that the Lord Chamberlain has been getting sick lately. I was deeply concerned for him and tried to talk to him. I said that maybe any female might know what's going on with him. He's been getting sick every time he eats and first thing in the mornings. Would you know what's going on?" he explained. "He just brushed me off like it was nothing."

"I wouldn't have a clue. If he said to leave him alone, it might be best to do that. They can be rather strict." the female said.

"I know, but if he's sick, Lord SkekTek should be told."

"Yes. If you're that concerned..." she replied. "Just be careful."

The Gelflings usually avoided the Skeksis gathering places unless they had something important to talk about with the Lords of the Crystal.

Chamberlain had gone down to talk to La. The other Skeksis were in the throne room when the male Gelfling came in to talk to them. "My Lords, I need to talk to you." he began.

The Skeksis turned angrily to him. "Should we drain him, my Emperor?" the General whispered.

"No." the Emperor said, then he replied, "Let him speak."

"Thank you. My Lords, I have noticed that Lord Chamberlain is very sick. He said he's being treated, but nothing is working. Is there something more that is going on with him? I'm just concerned." the guard explained.

"He is being treated. This is none of your concern, Gelfling." the Scientist warned him angrily.

"I just wanted you to make sure you knew about it. Thank you for hearing me out." the guard said.