Bloodletter Gavin sets out for the castle.
Evening approaches giving the castle an enchanting, mysterious look.
This is the first time Gavin has ever entered a castle. He is excited to be a part of building such a grand kingdom.
“Greetings Bloodletter Gavin. What brings you here this evening?”
“I came to see you and inquire about your health.”
“I came to see you and inquire about your health.”
“Well… I have not been able to keep down my meals.”
“Please allow me to examine you.” Gavin says before giving Lady Chalyela a quick check up.
“Please allow me to examine you.” Gavin says before giving Lady Chalyela a quick check up.
“M’Lady, it appears you have a slight infection. Will you allow me to treat you?”
“By all means,” Chalyela answers.
Gavin proceeds to apply leeches to the queen.
Gavin proceeds to apply leeches to the queen.
When he is satisfied that a fair amount of infected blood has been sucked by the leeches, he removes them.
“Ah, much better!” Bloodletter Gavin announces with confidence.
“Gram mercy sir Gavin. My health shall flourish with you around. You are most welcomed here at court anytime.”
“Gram mercy sir Gavin. My health shall flourish with you around. You are most welcomed here at court anytime.”
Gavin is pleased to be welcome in the presence of the queen.
As much as he would love to stare upon the beautiful face of Lady Chalyela, he has a more pressing need to fulfill.
For as long as he can remember, Gavin has found it tough to complete a day without a drink.
The last several years have been hard for Gavin. His current problem and failed attempts at healing the very ill villagers unfortunately brings back memories that have haunted him for a decade.
He can still see the thin pale faces of his sons and wife as they lay on their death beds, one after the other. The pain of watching them slowly fade away still clings to him. He wonders why his life was spared and not theirs.
Memories of failed attempt after failed attempt of healing them can only be washed away by a glass of strong spirits.
Gavin holds tight to his liquid redeemer and takes a seat next to Chalyela’s throne. Chalyela stands across the room and even from that distance, Gavin’s heart beats slightly faster as he stares upon her.
He takes several sips from his goblet and immediately his heart fills with joy, if only temporarily.
The more sips he takes, the more his thoughts seem to release the past.
Now those heavy thoughts are replaced with the heavy beating of his heart as Chalyela takes her place at her throne. If only he could always be here near her.
Gavin has held pleasant memories of Lady Chalyela for a long time. It was only after she suddenly left their humble village, right before coming of age, did he allow himself to take a wife. He never thought that he would see Lady Chalyela again.
He almost cannot believe that he is in her presence once again. But now he is an aged man with a sordid past. He is sure that such a lively young lady would not have him.
Gavin falls to his knee and bows at her feet, secretly wishing he was kneeling before her for an altogether different reason.
Chalyela acknowledges him and gives him permission to rise.
“Do you have news of the illness that has been spreading among the villagers?” Chalyela says hoping to hear that Gavin can cure them.
“Aye your majesty, but I am afraid that it is not pleasing news.”
Chalyela is clearly disappointed.
Chalyela is clearly disappointed.
Afraid of falling out of her good graces, he quickly cleans up his message, “However, I am doing all I can to find a cure as soon as possible.”
“I pray you return with news of a cure soon.”
“I pray you return with news of a cure soon.”
Queen Chalyela pardons him and he turns to return to the clinic. The disappointment on her face has left its impression on his heart. He is determined to find a cure to this mysterious illness and bring a smile to the face of the queen.
