Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 8 Home

My eyes snapped open and I jumped up. I wasn't dead. I could tell by the pain in my back. So excruciating. It hurt. There was a blanket over my naked body and a white bandage covered my wound. There was a fireplace with a warm fire. I was in a building, a stone building. White stone walls. A women sat on a chair with her head propped against the wall, asleep. A book lay on her lap and reading glass slipped off her wrinkled nose.

She instantly woke up as soon as I whelped. Her round face turned rosey red as she bustled over to me.

“My dear you are finally awake. We thought you would never have awakened but Captain Jonathan believed in you. My name is Matilda. The head of the nursing staff here at Diathalon. You were in bad shape when you came here.” Her sweet voice said.

“How long have I been asleep?” I murmured.

“Six days almost seven. My love, do you need something to drink?”

“Yes. Tea would be lovely. Where is Arthur? The man I came here with?”

“He's not doing so well. The fever is broken, thank goodness, but his wound was festered. It seemed he had gotten it infected somehow. I don't know if he will awaken soon. You did right bringing him here.”

“Where is Jonathan? I wish to speak to him.”

“You are in no condition to move my lady. You are still weak from loosing all that blood. I'll bring him too you, how does that sound?” I nodded my head. “Now, get some rest and I'll wake you up when he comes.

With a regretting sigh, I closed my eyes and tried to ignore the pain.

A door opened. I heard shuffling feet as they passed over the stone floor. I instantly woke up to find my face next to the Captain of the Guard, Jonathan, Henry's right hand man. His green eyes pierced my soul with a happy gratitude.

“Rose. I'm so glad you're okay.” Jonathan kneeled and hugged me with a large embrace. “We thought we lost you. Lesson learned, don't underestimate an Elderflower. Here I think this is yours as well. We found it by your body.” He handed me the scabbard of Retribution and also the glass vial holding the tiny white petal.

“How is he?”

“He's slowly recovering. It will take some time before the infection goes away.” He smiled at me then frowned. His face grew solemn. “Rose, I'm sorry about Henry. He was a good man and loved his city, more than anything. When you left he told me stories about you when he was drunk. He never did loose his drinking habit but no matter. He's in a better place now.”

“His duty passes on to me now. All of his burdens now rest on me. Arthur made sure to be there whenever I needed him. The fate of this world rests on my shoulders now.”

Jonathan put his arm on my shoulder and looked me in the eye. “I know its a heavy burden to carry. Tomorrow is the day you will be crowned Great Queen. I know its so sudden, but Diathalon needs a new ruler. I hope you're up to it.”

“I've been ready, Jonathan. Help me get up. I must see Arthur at once.”