Page 28 of The Iron Highlander
As she pushed open the door, she was a little shocked to see the bags of her sisters packed and neatly placed in a corner. She had expected them to argue a bit more, but they seemed to havelistened to her. Kate turned to see the girls seated on the bed, with Willow lying on it.
Kate took a look at Freya and Lily’s faces and instantly knew something was wrong. “What is it?”
Lily turned to Kate with eyes full of tears and her lips quivering. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She turned her head away and turned back to Willow. Before Kate could speak, Grear and Hilda pushed open the door behind Kate and rushed in, Hilda quickly got to work.
“Freya!” Kate snapped, looking closer at Willow. “What happened to Willow?”
“We daenae know, Kate!” said Freya, her voice breaking as she spoke. “We woke up, and she was just like this.”
Willow had turned very pale, with her lips turning a little blue. Hilda brought a piece of cloth to Willow’s mouth, and the moment Willow sniffed it she lurched to the side of the bed and threw up. Kate watched, seeing her tongue, which was a shade of black. Willow coughed severally before falling back into the bed, with Hilda continuing her diagnosis.
“What happened to her?” Kate asked, looking at Hilda.
“I cannae be sure yet. But see the color of her skin, and the blackness of the tongue? I fear it’s a plague of the bowels. Something she ate, and now her body is fighting to get it out.”
“Is there something ye can do for her?” Grear asked, rubbing Willow’s arm in concern.
“Aye, I have a tonic which might help flush out what she has eaten, and get her body cleaned up. But I need a few minutes to completely mix it up. Also, when ye take it, Willow, ye will be throwing up a lot. So ye need to get as much rest as ye can. Stay in bed, and drink a lot of water.”
Willow nodded slowly, turning in pain. Kate leaned over and touched her forehead. “I’m so sorry, Willow, ye’re going to be fine. Hilda will fix ye up in no time, okay?”
“We should probably give her some room as well. She needs space to breathe, the slightest thing could irritate her and cause her to throw up some.” Hilda added.
Kate nodded and walked out of the room, with Grear and the others following behind her. Once Kate was gone, Willow and Hilda burst out laughing, struggling to hold back their giggles. Freya, Lily and Grear walked back in, chuckling as well. The plan had worked without a hitch, and now Kate would be forced to stay, knowing that Willow was in no condition to travel. They would have bought a few more days with the stunt they had just pulled.
“I cannae believe that worked so well,” Hilda said with a laugh.
“Aye, me neither. She bought it completely.” Freya laughed.
“Lily, that was a beautiful idea. Using the noshka plant to discolor her tongue, and the powder? Beautiful. If I had no idea, I would fall for it too!” said Grear.
“Yeah, I mean it’s funny, but my tongue still tastes horrible,” said Willow.
“Oh it’s harmless, and the effects wear off in two days. But if we need more time, you might need to eat some more,” said Lily.
“Nae! Someone else has to fall sick, not me!” Willow replied, raising her hands. “I’m done.”
Grear turned to look at the door, smiling to herself. “We can just hope that this time we have bought will make yer sister change her mind.”
Kate walked out to the parapet at the top of the castle. For a moment, she considered that she had been too hard on her sister. Willow had fallen ill, and while Hilda had said she would be fine, Kate could not help but feel bad about it. It was her job to take care of them, and if anything were to happen to any of her sisters, it would be on her conscience.
Her illness had come at a bad time, as Kate wanted them to leave the McDonald estate. But now, she would have to wait until Willow was strong enough to walk again. She let out a sigh as she overlooked the lands surrounding the estate. To the southwas the small village which had several small huts and buildings, along with a prosperous market.
While she did not know much about the outside world, she had heard the servants at the McGowan estate talk about the wonders seen at the market, and Kate decided that she would take a look for herself before they had to leave. Maybe there was some goodness to be had at the home of the Laird and Lady of the McDonald estate.
She shut her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath. If she could just hear from her mother, guiding her on what path to take, she would take it. Kate needed a sign, and so she sent up a silent prayer, hoping to get it. Before she finished, the sound of feet behind her made her turn around, and she found Reuben at the entrance to the roof.
He began walking towards her, but Kate was not in the mood to talk to him. She turned and began walking away, hoping he would ignore her, but the only path out of the roof, was through the door which he had just come in through. Reuben reached her, with a smile across his face.
“Why are ye smiling?” Kate asked, making sure he could tell that she was not interested.
“I’m sorry, I just thought ye were tryin’ to leave.”
“I was.”
Reuben smirked, “Well, daenae let me stop ye.”
“What do ye want, Reuben?” Kate asked, letting out a labored breath.
