The Soul Tracer

Ill stricken

The rhythm of someone's step and the tight solid grip of their arms around you, creates a strange comforting feeling. The sound of a heart beat, other then yours, sends a sense of relief, a sense that your safe.

I didn't open my eyes. I was well aware of the horrid felling of nausea, running through my body. My stomach was turning and I felt like something was caught in my throat. Opening my eyes would just make it worse. Seeing the room spinning again and not being able to focus on anything would be unbearable.

"Here my lady, your nice warm bed. Dr Brandson will be here soon."

A warm bed was the last that I wanted. I was sweating all over, from head to toe. My forehead felt like it was on fire. Clara gently removed my dress, which sent a long awaited sense of relief. The relief was quickly taken over by a heat more intense then before. I groaned in pain. A cold flannel was placed on my forehead, but the heat of my body quickly warmed it. My whole body was aching, like I had bruises all over me. Oh how I long for some sleep. To slip into another world, a painless world. I drifted in and out of consciousness, vaguely acknowledging others walking in and out of my bedroom, cold hands pressing around my throat, stomach and forehead.

"Clara?" I struggled to get out. I gasped for more air, only to find my throat burning. I couldn't manage to get a full breath in.

"Shh, my lady, don't fret I'm right here."

Clara has stayed by my side the whole time, replacing warm flannels with cold ones, braiding my hair, and comforting me. It's as if she's a second mother to me, so caring and she always goes out if her way to make me comfortable.

"Clara.." I struggled, "thank you for always being there" an uncontrollable cough made its way out, making my throat burn. My lungs were refusing to take in a full breath.

Clara placed another cold flannel on my forehead then took my hand.

"My lady," she was starting to sound as if she was crying, "you have no idea." She placed a small kiss on my check.

I opened my eyes for a little while. The tears streaming down Clara's face made her look improper, and I hoped that Mama wouldn't see her like this. The roof of my bed seemed darker, the gold much less shiny and the the blue seemed as though it was a different shade. I looked back at Clara. Her beautiful blue eyes were looking right back, and she gave me a reassuring smile.

"You'll be fine my lady, I'm sure of it."

I don't feel fine. My head is burning, my whole bodies aching, my lungs refuse to take a full breath, my nose is blocked and runny, and I feel as if I'm in a oven. Oh and not to mention the horrible dryness in my throat, it feels as if I'm swallowing gravel every time I take a breath. I just need some cold water.

"Water." I manage to choke out.

"Yes my lady I'll fetch some right away."

She hesitated at the door, then curtsied as Mama entered the room. Mama stood on the opposite side of my bedroom, in front of the large window. She didn't say a world, she just watched.

"Mama" I croaked

She didn't answer, her face was emotionless, except for one tear rolling down her cheek. Her thick brown hair was in a braided bun, very traditional. Mama has always been someone for tradition.

Clara bursted into my room carrying a jug of water. She curtsied to mama then came to my side. She helped me sit up, every muscle in my body ached.

"Here my lady, some ice cold water."

She guided it into my mouth. The flavourless, ice cold liquid filled my mouth, making my teeth hurt. The cold water made its way down my throat, moistening every dry spot for a split second. Only to be burnt up by my fever. The sweat on my forehead grew thicker, then suddenly the water was no longer going down but coming up. Coughs exploded out of me followed by the water. I tried to keep it in my mouth, but it was to late. Clara noticed and placed a china bowl next to me. Water and toast came bursting out my mouth. When it stopped Clara helped me lay back down. The room was spinning again and another wave of nausea swept through me. More water exited my mouth. Clara patted my head with a cold flannel and I slowly began to relax.