Medicine | King Baldwin

55

"Take him to the chamber!" Isabel's voice rang as the two guards carefully lifted Simon and began carrying him away.

Her heart pounded with worry, but she forced herself to stay composed. Quickly rolling up the sleeves of her gown, she wasted no time and dashed toward the workchamber. As she burst into the chamber, she found Jurian and Aisha deep in conversation over some herbs. Both looked up, startled by her sudden entrance.

"Come quickly." She said, her voice trembling with urgency and fear.

The desperation in her tone was unmistakable, and it immediately alerted them to the seriousness of the situation.

Without a moment's hesitation, Jurian and Aisha abandoned their work and followed her out of the chamber. As they hurried through the corridors, she quickly explained his condition, her words tumbling out as she described his fever and worsening state.

"Go ahead, I'll gather the rest of the supplies." Jurian said hurriedly before turning and rushing back to the workchamber.

Meanwhile, the two women quickly made their way to the bedside where Simon lay, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Isabel placed her hand on his forehead again, feeling the heat radiating from his skin—it was even worse than before.

Aisha, without wasting a moment, began removing his boots and loosening his armor to make him more comfortable. As she worked, Isabel's mind raced with thoughts of what could be causing such a sudden and severe fever.

"Isabel, go.. you'll get infected." Simon groaned, his voice weak and strained as he struggled to speak through his relentless coughing fits.

"Not a chance. I'm not going anywhere." She responded firmly, gently placing her hand on his burning forehead. "Aisha, fetch a cold compress!"

She instructed in an urgent voice. Aisha nodded quickly and hurried out of the chamber to gather what was needed.

"I can't breathe." He suddenly gasped, his voice filled with panic as he struggled for air.

Isabel quickly reacted, helping him sit up and gently patting his back in an attempt to ease his breathing. Her heart raced as she tried to stay calm, but his labored breaths sent a wave of fear through her.

Just then, Aisha returned to the chamber, carrying a bucket of water. Without wasting a moment, Isabel scooped up a small amount of water with her hand and brought it to Simon's lips, trying to help him drink. Despite her efforts, his breathing remained shallow and strained, his chest heaving as he continued to gasp for air.

"Jurian, help!" She shouted. "Help me turn him on his side. Aisha, bring a bucket over here and hold it close." she commanded, her mind racing as she took charge of the situation.

They carefully turned Simon onto his side, hoping to clear his airway and make it easier for him to breathe. Aisha rushed forward with the bucket, positioning it near Simon.

At that moment, Isabel took a deep breath and inserted two fingers into Simon's throat. Her fingers probed carefully, stimulating his gag reflex. This action quickly led to him vomiting, the contents spilling into the bucket that Aisha was holding.

After Simon had expelled everything, the intense coughing finally began to subside. Weak and exhausted, he slumped back against the bed, his breathing still labored but less frantic.

"He's through the worst of it." Jurian observed, relief washed over him as he assessed Simon's condition.

Aisha and Isabel worked together, dipping cloths into the bucket of cold water and wringing them out. They carefully placed the damp rags on his forehead and wrapped others around his arms and legs, aiming to help reduce his fever.