The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 3 (Edited)

Chapter 3

Julia could see Wilfred's face; His joy-filled eyes and cheeky smile. As she started to move towards him his face contorted in fear and pain. She reached out to touch him to soothe the fear, but he was just out of reach. "It's ok Wilfred I'm here, it's ok I forgive you; I love you" Suddenly he began to shout it was faint but got louder and louder. As he shouted his face changed to that of the Witcher, terror twisting his facial features.

Julia sat bolt upright, Geralt's shouts continued as she looked over to see him thrashing about in the bed. She moved closer but not too close she didn't want to hurt him with restraint but also didn't want to get hurt. So instead she tried speaking in a soothing voice, "shhh Geralt, your safe shhh" she repeated her mantra as Geralt seemed to hear her even though he was still living the nightmare.

His arms calmed and his shouting faded to a moan, seeing he had settled she approached his side. Lightly she stroked his forehead and removed his white hair from his face while continuing to repeat her words. Once again, his breathing evened out and the steady rise and fall of his chest let her know he was asleep. She checked his wounds to make sure none of the sutures had come free. Satisfied he was ok she went and laid back on the day bed, sleep eluding her as she silently prayed to the unnamed God to bring Geralt peace.

Geralt awoke in a cage, disorientated he looked about but could not find a way out. No! No! No! he couldn't be back here again. He started to panic, shaking the cage and screaming to be let out. Struggling to keep control of his sanity he heard a soft sweet voice "shhh Geralt, your safe, shhh" it continued like a lullaby floating swirling around him until the cage disappeared and all that was left was the voice and darkness. Safe can it true? am I truly safe? It was the last vivid thought he had before another feeling of peace seemed to wrap itself around him settling his racing thoughts as he dropped further into a deep sleep.

The next morning Tobias walked into the healing room. Julia seemed to be deep in slumber but Geralt's eyes were open, head turned, watching Tobias walked towards him. "Morning Geralt, how are you?" Tobias spoke softly not wanting to wake Julia. "Sore and I need to relieve myself" Geralt whispered looking at Julia, quietly Tobias helped Geralt with his needs and made sure he was comfortable before he took the bedpan over to the sink.

Tobias cleaned up the bedpan and then beginning preparations for the new day of clients. He thought back to the sweet kiss he had shared with Renee the night before. They had stayed stargazing, and talking about their future till late. Hannah had offered Renee the guest chambers, but she had refused not wanting the servants to have more work to do, instead she was content to sleep on a pallet with the servants. Renee was now already awake and helping Nessie in the kitchen. Tobias was surprised and yet not surprised at what a precious woman she was.

Hearing a soft yawn Tobias turned to see Julia stretching as she sat up and rose heading over to Geralt. Kneeling she took his wrist to feel his pulse and placed her other hand gently on his forehead making eye contact and smiling. She spoke in a warm morning voice "Well see about getting you up and moving today, but first I'll go get you some food." Strange Tobias thought the way Geralt and Julia looked at each other. He had seen her administer healing to hundreds of patients since Wilfred died and he had seen compassion and care with each but none like this. "Good your pulse is stronger, and you don't have a fever" grabbing the flask by his bed Julia encouraged Geralt to have more of the pain and healing elixir. After he swallowed the brew Julia stood and left Geralt. Seeing Tobias she smiled and walked to his side.

Noticing the bedpan in the sink Julia considered Tobias "Thank you, I appreciate your help. He's healing well already, I can see that his wounds are healing quicker than an ordinary person." she breathed a sigh before continuing "Can you stay a little longer while I go freshen up and bring back his breakfast?" Tobias smiled and picked up a towel to dry his hands "Yes that's fine, I sent a message to the market to say I won't be around for a few days. I trust them to continue the good practices we have established. I will stay here and work with the new servants as I think you will have your hands full here." Tobias smiled and Julia wondered at the sparkle in his eye.