The Dare

Feb 27

I followed Bergil to the Houses. One of the other healers met me at the door. “Are you Mistress Eolindë?” he asked briskly.

“I am.”

“Come.” He motioned for me to follow him. As we walked, I asked, “What seems to be the problem? Dior seemed to fine earlier.”

“Master Cirin suspects that he has blood poisoning. He has gotten feverish and nothing we do seems to calm him down.” He turned to face me, “He keeps asking for you Mistress. And his father bade us to fetch you”

I was glad for the dark of the hallway, so he could not see the color rise on my face. He looked at me with some curiosity. As if he were trying to figure out why a member of the Citadel Guard would want me to come see about his son. He shook his head and motioned to a small room.

As I entered, I saw Master Cirin, kneeling by Dior’s bed. A tall dark-haired man stood in the corner, worry clearly written on his face. Dior was on the bed. He seemed quiet. His skin was dry and his face was flushed. The dark haired man noticed my entrance and approached me.

“Are you Mistress Eolindë?” he asked.

“Yes, sir I am. I visited him earlier. He seemed to be on the mend,” I stated evenly. My heart was in my chest. What if I had done something wrong and Dior was sick because of it? His father looked at me sharply.

“Aren’t you young to be a healer?”

“Yes. Master Cirin, how does he fare?” I asked as I walked over to the bed.

“He is quiet for now. I gave him a bit of poppy laced tea,” he said standing up.

“Is it blood poisoning?” I asked in a low voice.

“Yes, I think so,” he replied. My face fell. “But, I do not think it is your fault,” he whispered gently. “You treated the wound correctly. I see no infection around it. Something must have gotten in when he was wounded initially.” He saw my face. “Sometimes this happens. But he is young and strong. He should recover. I’ll send someone with some more lavender water.” And he left the room. Dior’s father followed him out. I heard their voices in the hall and tried not to listen though the words, mere girl and competent did float through. I went over and sat next to Dior, picked up a wet rag and began to wipe his face.

“Oh Dior. If you had wanted to see me, you could have just called at the house. This is a bit dramatic, don’t you think, getting me out of bed in the middle of the night,” I whispered. I laid my hand on his chest. I felt the unhealthy heat radiating from his skin. He opened his eyes and grasped my hand. “You’re here,” he said in voice I could barely hear.

“Well of course, I’m here. You asked for me and so here I am. Go back to sleep.” I laid my hand on his forehead. He seemed to settle and soon his breathing was even. A woman brought me a fresh bowl of lavender water. It was cool and the lavender fragrance was soothing. I bathed his face and chest. I made a move to uncover him further. “I wouldn’t do that. He’s not wearing a stitch of clothing,” a male voice warned.

“Oh my. Yes, ah, thank you sir. It would have been quite embarrassing,” I replied as I turned to see who spoke. It was Dior’s father. I could feel the heat rising on my face when I thought of what I almost saw.

“I am Eldacar. Dior’s father. How is he?”

“He’s resting. I am bathing him in lavender water to try and bring his fever down,” I said. He sat across from me on Dior’s other side. He wore a velvet tunic of black and plain linen shirt. I could see the resemblance between father and son. Dior had his father’s dark eyes and hair.

“How is it that that my son would ask for you by name?”

“My twin brother rides with Captain Faramir and the Ithilien Rangers. He has introduced me to many of his companions including your son. They all know I am a healer.” I was not about to tell this man that I had beaten his son in archery.

“Have you no husband?” he asked looking somewhat curious. I squirmed under his gaze.

“No sir. Though what business it is of yours, I do not know,” I retorted.

“Surely, you are old enough to be married. A young girl like you should not be subject to sights unfit for a maid.”

“Sir, I am not some sheltered lady of Minas Tirith. I am a Shieldmaiden of Rohan.”

Eldacar’s eyebrows went up at this statement. “I was trained by my father on how to wield a blade and bow. We of the Éothéod must be able to defend ourselves at a moment’s notice. We have no standing army or citadel walls to protect us.” Eldacar seemed to wince a little at this last statement.

“I have heard of the Shieldmaidens. I thought they were just stories told by the Rohirrim.”

“The White Lady, Éowyn, the king’s niece, is a Shieldmaiden. Many women follow her example.”

“And yet, you are a skilled healer according to Master Cirin.”

“I do not take joy in battle or killing. I merely train so that I may defend myself and my loved ones if need demands it. Healing is what I truly love to do.”

“So how is it you came to be here when your home is in Rohan?”

“My father is Gondorian. His relatives naturally live here.”

“I see. And what do they think of your choice of occupation?” I was beginning to get angry with this overbearing man and all his questions.

“And what concern is it of yours what my relatives think? I am here to take care of your son not be subjected to a stranger’s scrutiny.” Eldacar looked slightly stunned at this speech. He bowed his head. When he looked up, I saw grief in his eyes.

“I am sorry for offending you. I did not mean to be so rude. He is all I have and I let my worry for him override my good manners. Please accept my apology.” I softened at his earnest tone.

“Sir, truly I think you would do well to go to your home and get some rest. I will watch over him. If anything changes, I will send someone for you.” He nodded. He stood up, put on his cloak and began to leave. He turned around and looked at me.” Mistress, you are not in the common way. I will come back in the morning to see how he fares.”

“Until then, sir. Rest well.” He turned and left the room. I shook my head and went back to the task of trying to break Dior’s fever.