The Crowns Curse

Chapter 17

Emma

Emma looked at herself in the mirror. The dress the old lady gave her was a little tighter than she expected, but for the most part, it fit. She walked out into the kitchen and saw the old woman stirring a pot. “Hello, Miss. What are you making?” she asked as she walked up to the old woman. 

“Oh, just something to help out your friend. He has a very large cut on his forehead as you know.” her dry, scraggly voice was quiet as she spoke. 

“What’s in it?” Emma asked, peering into the pot. 

“It will help wash out the cut and it will make the healing process faster.” she lightly laughed innocently. 

“I asked what was in it, not what it would do.” Emma elaborated. She was starting to feel like something suspicious was going on. 

“Just some herbs,” the old woman turned around and grabbed a small glass jar full of a white powder. “And now, a pinch of salt.” 

“Wont that sting?” Emma asked. 

“Don't worry about it, dearie. I’m sure your friends need you.” the old woman nudged Emma towards the door that led to the sitting area. “All will be well.” the lady smiled, then closed the door, leaving Emma on the other side. 

“Emma!” Xander’s voice sounded behind her. “I see the dress fit.” he walked over to her. 

Emma turned around. “Yeah, but just barely.” she looked down at the dress she was wearing. She locked eyes with Kayson for a moment. Xander grabbed her hand and led her to a couch in the middle of the room. 

“I have a bad feeling about this place.” Kayson said, sitting down across from where Xander had made him and Emma sit. 

“Oh, It’s fine, Kayson. This lady seems nice. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Xander leaned back against the couch, wrapping his arm around Emma’s shoulders. She leaned back as well. 

Emma looked at the door that led to the kitchen. The woman had been nice enough to let Emma borrow one of her dresses, but she seemed really suspicious. What had she been cooking in that pot? 

“Still, there is something off about this place." Kayson said. 

Emma nodded her agreement. 

The old woman came in the next moment. "Here you go dearie, this will help your head." She waddled over to Kayson, carrying a small cup. 

"Am I supposed to drink that?" Kayson asked, studying the cup. 

"No, no. This is for your cut." She motioned for him to lay down. "Lay, lay. I cannot work with you sitting up." 

Kayson hesitantly obeyed, 

"Oh, dearie me. I forgot the towels, just give me one second, will you?" The old woman shuffled back into the kitchen. 

"Emma? Do you know what is inside that cup?" Kayson asked quietly. 

Emma shrugged. "All I know is that there is a pinch of salt in there." 

"Salt?" Kayson sat up a bit, but had to lay back down as the old woman waddled in. 

"Alright, I have got the towels, now we can get started." She smiled innocently. She laid a towel over Kayson's eyes, and under his head. "Now, it may sting a little bit, but not all too bad." She giggled lightly.  

"How did you ma- AAGHA!!!!!" Kayson screamed in pain. 

Emma gasped. She tried to get up but Xander grabbed her hand, forcing her to stay back. "But he's in pain!" Emma argued. 

Xander stood up and embraced her. "The old woman is helping him. Whatever she made will heal him. You don't need to worry." He started stroking her hair. 

Emma looked over at Kayson, who was still screaming. "I hope you're right."