IV. The Impact of Her

~ Twenty ~

Grandpa Ben was still unconscious when I arrived in the guest's chambers.

According to the guards, the Medicine King was diligent in his service. They also mentioned that they swapped places with the other guards hourly to avoid exhaustion. And the same procedure was done by the maids.

I watched from the side as the maids cleaned Grandpa Ben. I prayed fervently in my mind as I hoped that he would wake up soon.

The silence was interrupted when the door creaked open. It was the Medicine King with a bowl that had a wooden spoon.

"Your Highness," the Medicine King bowed as soon as he saw me, "It is quite early for you to be here," he added as he walked over to me.

"I had an unexpected meeting with the king and queen," I explained.

The Medicine King then nodded and turned to Grandpa Ben.

"How is his condition?" I asked as I knelt beside Grandpa Ben.

"He is far better now than how he was before. Some of his wounds have healed. And the infection was stopped before it was able to cause further damage," Grandpa Ben replied as he mixed the mashed herbs within the bowl. "His fever receded but we must wait until tomorrow morning to see additional improvements."

Grandpa Ben groaned and the maids quickened their pace.

The Medicine King then said, "Your Highness, kindly step aside."

After I moved back, each maid held onto Grandpa Ben's arms and legs. The Medicine King gently poured the herbs on each wound. Grandpa Ben groaned louder as the herbs settled onto his open wounds. The maids struggled as he flinched continuously. They gave the herbs some time to be laid firmly before they let go.

The Medicine King then put the bowl on the bed side table. "Thankfully, he doesn't move too much in his sleep. I can only pray that everything will be better by tomorrow. If he stays for too long in this state, there is not much that I will be able to do," he remarked.

I asked, "What can possibly happen if nothing changes?"

The Medicine King sighed. "He may fall into a deep sleep and never recover," he replied as he shook his head.

I stiffened as we looked at each other. My heart raced. My breath quickened as the worst possible scenario played in my head. "I beg of you, good sir," I grabbed hold of the Medicine King's hands, "Do everything in your power to help him survive."

The Medicine King nodded, tight-lipped. He held onto my hands and said, "I will do all that I can. But now, his fate is in the gods' hands." He then turned to Grandpa Ben and added, "It is also up to him to fight for his own life."

I looked at Grandpa Ben. I stopped my tears and prayed in my mind.

'Please fight, Grandpa Ben. Laura needs you.'

~*~*~*~

"Your Highness? Your Highness?"

My eyes shot open as I heard Gonzalo's voice.

Gonzalo continued to shake me lightly by the arm. "Your Highness, are you all right?" he asked.

I sat upright and Gonzalo was quick to assist me.

It was already morning. The sun illuminated the once dark altar.

After I visited Grandpa Ben, I headed here and by the looks of it, I was here for far too long.

"You shouldn't be here, Your Highness," Gonzalo continued as he checked on my well-being. "The king and queen were worried when you weren't in your chambers."