Medicine | King Baldwin

9

"You remember I told you about Jurian, right?" Isabel asked Jeanette as she worked on her hair.

"Of course, my lady." replied the blonde girl, casting a kind glance at Isabel through the mirror.

The night seemed to whisk by in a blur above Isabel's head. With the gentle arrival of dawn, she stirred from her slumber, the soft rays of morning light filtering through the curtains to gently caress her face. As usual, Jeanette arrived in the morning, her presence bringing a sense of comfort and routine to Isabel's day. With a warm smile, she greeted Isabel and immediately set to work, assisting her with the morning preparations.

"Why did you ask about Jurian?" Jeanette inquired, her curiosity piqued as she styled Isabel's wavy hair into a half-up, half-down look.

"I want to send him a letter." Isabel started, her voice carrying uncertainty. "But I'm at a loss for whom I could turn to for assistance." She paused, her fingers nervously twirling a strand of hair. "I thought maybe you could help me figure out the best approach." she continued, looking to Jeanette for guidance and support.

"Though there are a few people who could handle a quest to Egypt, I still consider William of Tyre to be the most suitable." Jeanette admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of conviction.

"Who is he, exactly?" Isabel inquired.

"He's the king's confidant and also the archbishop." Jeanette elaborated. "His role is pivotal in the kingdom, which is why I believe he's the most appropriate choice. With his vast influence and tons of connections, he could certainly fulfill your request." Jeanette affirmed.

"Thank you for the advice." Isabel said with a genuine smile as she observed her reflection in the mirror.

After Jeanette left, Isabel took a moment to ponder as she looked outside the window. With a sigh, she settled into the chair again, her mind filled with swirling thoughts.

Seizing a piece of parchment and a quill, Isabel allowed her thoughts to flow freely onto the paper, painting a vivid picture of the events that had unfolded over the past week. Once the last word had been written, she carefully folded the parchment, her movements deliberate and methodical. She placed the letter into a makeshift envelope, lacking a seal, she sealed it shut with a simple lick and press of her fingers.

As she held the envelope in her hands, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of Jurian receiving her words, wherever he may be.

Hastily, she selected a modest dress for herself. The garment was made of light, earth-toned fabric, adorned with subtle stitching and featuring a simple yet elegant cut, its long sleeves reached down to her wrists. The skirt was ample yet gracefully followed the contours of her body, swaying gently around her legs. The subdued elegance of the dress perfectly suited Isabel's taste.

Grasping the envelope between her fingers, Isabel quickened her pace, the echo of her footsteps resonating through the sunlit corridor. Rays of sunlight poured in through the arched windows, casting a warm glow on the ancient stone walls as she walked.

When she arrived at the courtyard, Isabel paused for a moment to take in the scene before her. The air was filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, and the courtyard lay bathed in the golden light of morning.

As she approached, she caught sight of an elegantly dressed man standing nearby the railing that separated the courtyard from the corridor. She decided to approach him and inquire about the whereabouts of William of Tyre. She made her way across the cobblestones, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet space.

"Greetings, my lord." Isabel began, her voice carrying a note of urgency as she addressed the man. "I am in search of William of Tyre. Could you please provide me with detailed directions to his whereabouts?" Her words were measured, her demeanor poised yet earnest, as she awaited the man's response.

The man regarded Isabel with a calm demeanor, his eyes betraying a flicker of amusement hidden beneath their composed facade.

"Ah, William of Tyre." he replied softly, his voice carrying a subtle hint of recognition. "You seek him, do you?" Isabel nodded.

"Yes, my lord." she replied, keeping her tone respectful yet guarded. "Could you perhaps assist me in finding him?" She repeated herself.

The man's lips curved into a knowing smile as he nodded. "You are speaking to him." he confessed quietly, his gaze meeting hers with a hint of intrigue. "But let us keep this between us for now. Pray, tell me, what do you need?" Isabel felt a wave of relief wash over her as she realized she had indeed found William of Tyre. She couldn't help but smile at the man's amusing introduction.

"My lord, my name is Isa-" She started, her voice trailing off as she met William's gaze, only to be preempted by his gentle interruption.

"Isabel. I know who you are." he said, his voice carrying a note of familiarity that caught Isabel off guard, her confusion evident in the furrow of her brow. Sensing her bewilderment, William continued.

"I've heard of you, from when you were healing people in the city. I and Arthur, whom you already know, are the reason why you're here, in the palace." William explained, his tone welcoming as he recalled Isabel's past deeds. "Walk with me." He asked as Isabel did as he requested.

"We both trust that with your help, we can save the king from leprosy." he began, his words carrying a weight of earnestness and hope. "We believe that you may hold the key to curing our king." Isabel felt a rush of emotion as William's words washed over her. The trust placed in her by both William and Arthur filled her with a profound sense of responsibility.

She nodded, her gaze steady as she silently listened to William.

"The question is, my lord, whether the king believes he can be healed." Isabel replied as they walked.

"How do you mean, my lady?" William inquired, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion as he sought clarification from Isabel.

"I don't believe the king is confident in my presence." Isabel began, her voice soft with concern as she glanced down, her thoughts troubled. "I don't wish to impose myself upon him if my presence only adds to his burden. I care about His Majesty's well-being." She sighed softly, a sense of unease evident in her words as she spoke.

"My child." William paused, his voice gentle yet firm as he halted in his steps, prompting Isabel to do the same. "It brings me joy to hear that you truly care about the king's well-being." he continued, his eyes reflecting a sense of gratitude for Isabel's genuine concern. "As for His Majesty, rest assured that he will become accustomed to your presence in time. Change can be unsettling at first, but with patience and understanding, he will come to appreciate the support you offer." He said.

Isabel nodded understandingly to William's words, her expression reflecting a deep comprehension and acceptance of his guidance. She absorbed his wisdom with a sense of earnestness, recognizing the importance of patience and compassion in her interactions with the king.

"I have a personal request, if I may." the girl interjected, breaking the silence.

"Speak freely." William replied, his voice gentle yet encouraging, conveying his willingness to listen and offer help. Isabel drew a breath as she retrieved the envelope from the hidden folds of her skirt.

"My friend, Jurian, is currently traveling to Egypt." Isabel explained, her voice tinged with a sense of concern for her absent friend. Handing the envelope to William, she continued. "I wish to send him a message. I was hoping you could assist me in composing it." William accepted the envelope, scanning it with a thoughtful expression.

Returning his gaze to Isabel, he nodded in understanding. "I'll see what I can do." the man replied, his tone thoughtful as he carefully considered Isabel's request, tucking the envelope into his pocket. With a reassuring smile, he placed a comforting hand on Isabel's shoulder before turning to leave.