Medicine | King Baldwin

22

As Baldwin had promised, he assembled a group to accompany Isabel, and an hour later, they were heading towards the city.

She sat in a carriage alongside William, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels providing a steady backdrop to her swirling thoughts.

William, sensing her unease, glanced at her with concern. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence. Isabel turned to him, managing a faint smile.

"Yes, I'm fine." she replied, though her mind was still preoccupied with the abruptness of Baldwin's actions.

As the carriage moved through the bustling streets, she tried to focus on the task ahead. She knew she had a duty to the people she cared for in the poor quarter, and despite the lingering emotions from the garden, she resolved to give them her full attention.

The man, noticing her thoughtful expression, decided to give her space, understanding that sometimes, silence could offer the most solace.

As the carriage continued its journey through the city, she gazed out of the window, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling streets. The vibrant marketplace, the chatter of merchants, and the laughter of children playing brought a sense of nostalgia back to her heart.

When they finally reached the poor quarter, the carriage came to a halt, and the door was opened by one of the men. Isabel stepped out, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The people she had once known so well began to gather, their faces lighting up with recognition and gratitude as they saw her.

"Isabel! It's so good to see you!" an elderly woman exclaimed, reaching out to grasp her hand. She smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection for these people who had been such an integral part of her early days in Jerusalem.

William followed closely, ensuring that the group Baldwin had assembled maintained a respectful distance while still providing security. He observed as she moved among the people, her demeanor transforming from the contemplative silence of the carriage ride to the radiant compassion she was known for.

She listened to their stories, offered words of comfort, and handed out small tokens of assistance she had brought with her. Each interaction reaffirmed her commitment to these people and eased the turmoil she had felt since the garden.

"Liz!" Isabel exclaimed with joy when she saw the familiar little girl standing nearby, holding her father's hand. The memory of Liz's illness flashed through her mind. The girl had caught a severe virus that would have been fatal if Isabel hadn't intervened.

The little girl, recognizing her, broke into a wide smile and let go of her father's hand, running toward her.

"Isabel!" she cried out, her voice filled with excitement and gratitude. The older knelt down and opened her arms, embracing her warmly.

"Oh, Liz, it's so wonderful to see you." she said, her heart swelling with emotion. "You look so healthy and strong." The girl's father approached them, his eyes shining with appreciation.

"My lady, I can never thank you enough for what you did for my daughter." he said, his voice choked with emotion. "You saved her life." She shook her head gently, a warm smile on her face.

"It was my privilege to help." she replied. "Seeing her healthy and happy is all the thanks I need." The mentioned girl beamed up at Isabel, her eyes sparkling.

"I'm happy you're here." she said. "I wanted to show you that I'm all better now." Isabel's eyes welled up with tears of happiness as she looked at the vibrant, joyful girl in front of her.

"I'm proud of you." she said softly, brushing a lock of hair from the girl's face.

Moments like these reminded her of why she was so dedicated to helping those in need. It wasn't just about providing aid; it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of people she cared about.