Unexpected Field Trip pt 2
“Alright take a deep breath and hold it,” I said, my hand firmly grasping the large, wooden stake protruding from the doctor’s pectoral. He did so and I continued, “I’m going to count to three and then I’ll pull this out, okay Doctor?” He gave me a nod of confirmation. “Alright then. One…” I yanked the stake from his chest quickly.
Dr Braithe released his held breath in a hacking cough, strained words interspersed between them. “Good lord Andrea,” a loud groan, “your bedside manner is atrocious.”
“Yes but it’s effective,” I said, preparing to remove the remaining stake.
“Alright,” he said. “Make sure to warn me before you pull the seCOND ONE!” He yelped in pain as the stake was pulled loose.
I tossed the wooden object aside before turning to face the door. “Mariella!” I shouted, “it’s safe for you and Rupert to come in now!” I turned back to face the doctor, “now, what of these other wounds?”
“Iron pellets,” he said, easing himself into a sitting position against the bannister post. “Some sort of explosive projectile weapon it seems.”
I gave the wounds a quick glance before looking him in the eye again, “I’m afraid that’s going to be beyond my ability to remove.”
He waved the notion away, “It’s alright, I have some forceps in my bag that should do the trick, Mariella can grab the bag for me.”
“Right then, I’ll go check on the other two girls.” I turned to leave and he grabbed my arm, turning back to face him, I saw a deeply haunted look on his face.
“Andrea,” he said, breathing heavily, “They’ve taken them.”
My heart dropped, “what…”
“Sophia and Coralline,” he replied. “Those soldiers who attacked us, they took my daughters.” A pained look crossed his face that I had to believe was due to more than just his wounds.
I turned to look back towards the door, Mariella was standing there cautiously, surveying the destruction while holding tightly to Rupert’s leg. A plan was forming in my head as ice began to flood into my veins.
I immediately set off down the hall towards my suite in the east wing. Throwing the doors to my chambers open I then went to my bed and pulled the large trunk with my hunting gear from under it, popping the latches and opening it. Looking over my equipment I had to prioritize what I could grab and what would need to stay. I didn’t have time to don my entire armor but my breastplate and bracers would do for now over my current clothes.
As I tightened the straps on my armor I heard the door behind me creak, “I’m coming with you,” came the strained voice of the good doctor.
“You most certainly are not Dr Braithe,” I said, turning to face him. “You have been thoroughly wounded and from the looks of it you can barely stand.”
“I have to,” he said, “my… my girls…”
“Doctor…” He looked me in the eye. “What you need to do is remain here and protect Mariella.” I pulled my crossbow from the trunk and gave it a once over.
“And what do you plan on doing with all of that?” He asked.
I grabbed my belt of ammunition and turned back towards the door, passing Dr Braithe. “Doctor, when you hired me it was on the basis of my claim that I could keep your daughters out of trouble.”
He hobbled to try and keep up with my hurried steps, “Andrea you and I both know that this is not what you meant.”
“Yes, but the fact remains the same,” I turned to face him as we returned to the foyer. “Sophia and Coralline are in trouble, and I intend to get them out of it.” I turned and headed towards the door. “Rupert, come,” I ordered as I passed the hound and he fell into step behind me. I made my way down the stairs to the Kingsguard carriage and pulled the door open. “In,” I said as I nodded towards the interior. He grumbled and climbed inside.
There was a small tug at my sleeve and I turned to see Mariella standing there. “Are you coming back?” She asked, worry in her eyes.
I smiled at her, hopefully reassuringly, “of course darling, and I expect to see you in bed before sunrise when I return young lady.” I slung my crossbow over my shoulder and climbed into the driver’s seat of the carriage.
Dr Braithe walked up and put his arm around his daughter, looking up at me as well, “I hate to state the obvious but you’re up against the full might of the crown you know.”
I gathered the reins up in my hands and turned to face the two of them. “I’ve never been a fan of kings personally,” I said as I cracked the reins and led the horses out the gate and down the road.
Parts [0], [1], 2, [3], [4]
7 notes
·
View notes