Swamp of Death - Chapter 43

 DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH

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CHAPTER 43

 

 

Thorin spend almost entire day sitting beside Bagtur, denying food, water and even help. This somewhat irritated councilor Falkner, but she respected his wishes to be with half-orc. Unlike Palgrin, who couldn’t stay silent, advising, pleading even, to begin treating the commander's injured ankle, as soon as possible. But stubborn, captain Lutir wouldn’t hear it, adamant to wait for Bagtur to get better. It was the only way.

Soon enough, exhaustion caught up with the captain. His eyes were shutting more and more, in spite of his efforts to stay awake. But he was just too tired. Reclined in a comfortable, leather armchair, Thorin soon fell asleep. Loud snoring echoed through this small, stone house, as a sound of opportunity for the sorcerer, to finally examine the severity of the injuries. Two soldiers carefully carried the captain into a neighboring room, where they already prepared a bed and a couple of tables, filled with herbs, bandages, dressings and various other medicine utensils. Their fear was justified, for Thorin’s ankle was dreadfully swollen. The sorcerer immediately jumped to work, when Eilonna showed up.

“How is he?”

“Bad. If this waited a bit longer, I’m afraid we’d have to cut his leg off.” the old man said scowling “I could really use Yelamir’s help right now.”

“I doubt he’ll return before tomorrow.” Eilonna retorted, looking out of the small window.

The sun was just rising above the horizon.

“Can you somehow fasten the healing process?”

“I could try, but I have many doubts.”

Sorcerer rolled up his sleeves, placing the palms of his hands on Thorin’s deformed leg. He whispered a couple of words, but to no reaction. Just to be sure, he tried again, but was again unsuccessful.

“As I thought. I am in need of rest.” he shook his head “I am drained.”

“Any other options?” Eilonna wasn’t giving up.

“Well, there are several magical scrolls in the cabinet, but I don’t know what they are for, because they were written by Yelamir.” Palgrin said “I would try to use them only as a last resort. For now, ordinary medicine has to be sufficient.”

“Right, then.” Eilonna turned around “I’ll be away for a couple of hours. I’m expecting much better news, when I get back.”

“You go out again, so soon after the last attack. Placing yourself in even more danger.” sorcerer said “With that lad lying down, poisoned, I’d think you'd be more careful to…”

“I am going out, again, to try and find who was responsible for that attack.” the councilor snapped “You don’t need to remind me he’s in that bed because of me.”

“That squeaky voice can only chase me out of the bed.” Bagtur’s groaning coming from the adjacent room, genuinely surprised both of them.

Strong poison completely drained his energy. Half-orc barely managed to stand up, he was just too weak for anything else. Sorcerer quickly checked Bagtur, cheerfully smiling.

“Well done laddie, well done.” the old man said after he finished his examination “Lots and lots of meat and fluids, and you’ll be as new in just a couple of days.”

“When could I start that treatment?” Bagtur coughed.

“Right away.” Palgrin smiled, “I’ll send a request to the kitchen.”

“I’m on my way there, I will tell them.” Eilonna said quickly “I am glad you are better, I…I am off now.”

Councilor Falkner rushed out of the house, as she started to feel her cheeks getting warmer. A bit of an elevated pulse, confused her somewhat. Why was she suddenly reacting like this, at a sight of that rude, insolent savage. His words, his abusive, insulting words, were still hurting her, making her angry. But something had changed after that encounter with robbers. Some new feelings came to surface, whether she was willing to accept it or not. Eilonna shook her head, at this time she could not afford such thoughts, no matter how much she enjoyed them. Several soldiers waited for her in front of the gates, ready to ride. Moments later, they were rushing over the narrow road, towards the Tvayas hills.

Sorcerer was quite surprised by the councilor’s fast departure, but as he had plenty of things to do, he wasn’t dwelling much about it. He went back into Thorin’s room.

“They’ll bring your meal soon.” he said to Bagtur “I’ll join you, but first, I need to finish dressing captain Lutir’s injuries.”

“Captain Lutir’s injuries?!” half-orc yelled “What injuries? What is happening, old man? Speak, now!”

“Oh…but I am sorry. In all of the excitement, we forgot to tell you about the captain.”

“Obviously!” Bagtur screamed even louder “Wait, what is he doing in here? Shouldn’t he be fighting those damn goblins?”

“Calm down laddie.” Palgrin stepped into half-orc’s room “Captain is in need of rest. Your racket is not helping him.”

“Then start talking, old man. It seems I’ve missed quite a lot.”

Sorcerer laughed, sitting beside the bed. At the same time, the fat cook walked inside the house. Two soldiers were helping him carry the piles of hot, delicious food.

“Eat boy, and I’ll tell you everything.”

Bagtur wasn’t to be begged, devouring food at an unbelievable rate. He could already begin to feel his strength is returning. It won’t be long before half-orc could stand on his feet again.


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