THE DRAGON'S FATED BRIDE

IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE - PART 4

The carriage ride into Easthaven had been uneventful. Once they reached the little backwater hamlet, Merrick and a group of knights went in search of an inn to shelter them. There was only one, and it was already filled for the night. The proprietor of the establishment gave Merrick directions to an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. He informed them a widow owned it, and she would occasionally take in borders. Then Merrick inquired if the town had a healer or doctor.

"Sir, I have another question. Where is the doctor or healer for the townspeople? We have one member of our company who is extremely ill and in need of help."

The silver-haired old man behind the counter slowly shook his head as he answered in a raspy voice,

"It has been sometime since we have had a healer. He passed away last year during Dhalhet (The season of winter). No one has been sent from the mage tower or the empire to replace him. We depend on the doctor from the Earl of Northbrook at present to heal our ailing."

"Unfortunately, the doctor won't be around again for a few weeks. The best you can do is speak with the old widow woman when you get to the farmhouse. She is the closest thing we have to a healer right now in these parts."

Merrick's face drained of color as he heard the old man's news. He nervously returned to the carriage, struggling to find the words to explain the situation. His stomach felt like a pit of despair. He assumed when he gave the news to the Duke. He would not be pleased because they couldn't find suitable shelter for his men. Merrick was fully aware of the dire situation that the new Duchess was in. He also knew that Sterling was completely clueless about the severity of her condition.

This reminded him of his own struggles with his daughter's illness.

The vice commander hesitantly knocked on the carriage door and heard the hushed tone from the Duke bidding him enter.

"Step inside, Merrick."

The older paladin entered and took his seat across from Sterling, observing the girl still slumbering in his arms. He could see her brow furrowed as if she was in pain. Although, her pallor and condition looked much improved since he last lay eyes on her several hours earlier. Merricks musings were disrupted when the Duke asked,

"Have you secured the lodging for the men and a doctor?"

Merrick showed he was unsuccessful in his endeavor by shaking his head.

"There is no lodging available. The inn is full. The inn keeper said there is a farm near to here and the old lady who owns it might take us in. Also, the town healer is dead and they only have the old woman at the farmhouse that might help."

Hearing this information, Sterling ordered, "Then let's not tally here any longer, Merrick, and be on our way."

——

The gracious widow woman at the farmhouse was delighted to open her home and see all the knights gathered around the table inside. She hurried about, making food and preparing tea with warmed brandy and honey to give to the exhausted group of men. It was nice to have visitors in her otherwise empty home.

Merrick was sitting next to the fireplace, attempting to soothe his chilled bones. He looked up as the old woman passed him a cup of the aromatic drink. The warmth that emanated from it was a pleasurable feeling to his frigid fingers.

He addressed the elderly woman as he accepted the cup of tea.

"Ma'am, do you have any experience in treating fire lung? It was told by the innkeeper who sent us this way you might be of aid to the woman in our group who has fallen ill."