Erik

rain was drumming on the carriage roof relentlessly just above Erik’s head as he travels into the heart of the city gripping his cane tight enough to shatter any lesser material as he stares ahead as though he were going to be shot, he didn’t like being summoned like a mere beast and he liked his uncle even less. His uncle seemed to find sick pleasure in exerting power over others, especially his nephew. “That “ancient tomb” wouldn’t even tell me why he summoned me!” Erik’s mind roared as he stared at the incessant rain pouring down his carriage window. “Insufferable rain! Who’s idea was it to build a city where It always rains!” he said slamming his fist against his seat. He didn’t truly mind the rain, what he did mind was being summoned in the middle of the night with no explanation. “It “would” be this night.” He thought mournfully thinking back to that morning “I-I still don’t understand why, why would you deceive me…Eloise my love…well not anymore” he said under his breath “she never told me she was in love with someone else…maybe I just didn’t see it, maybe my idea of her was what I was in love with. I was blinded by her beauty, but neglected to see her heart.” just then the carriage came to an abrupt halt almost sending him into the seat across from him, as soon as he steadied himself he heard shouting from his coachmen (John) “oy! Get out the road!” I opened my door to see a young woman finely dressed but soaked through and collapsed on the road as my coachman realizing what Erik had, jumped down to check her condition. I ran out of the carriage to investigate. “milord! I’s just found her ere in the road! Thought she was some stray mutt.” he said not really knowing what to do “that’s fine John help me hold her up, I need to see if she’s breathing.” Erik said with purpose as he checked her pulse and listened for a breath. Her pulse was weak and her breathing shallow but she was alive. “Help me carry her to the carriage John and head for the nearest physician!” Erik said as they carried her sitting her up in the seat beside Erik’s own. “but milord about the Baron? He’s expecting you any moment now?” Erik turned to him and emphatically said “my uncle can wait! This lady cannot!” they rode until they were at the first Physician’s practice they came upon, as John jumped down and banged roughly on the door. It was not even five minutes before the physician was there in his night cap and powdering gown his eyes groggy and his large shrews nose twitching, but he was ready to work all the same once he saw the woman in Erik’s arms. “bring her to my study! There is a table there set her down there!” The physician said as he turned to the coachman and ordered “get my nurse up and tell her to bring her herbs, she lives just next door. Quick man!” John ran out with a new found urgency as Erik just stood there helpless and feeling useless to help the poor creature. The longer her observed her the more he was convinced she was a nobleman’s daughter or ward at least. The nurse ran past him in her shawl and night clothes as she pushed him and John out “please, the doctor needs privacy” she said hoarsely “right, yes we’ll get out of your way” Erik said cooperatively. It was an hour before the physician came out gripping his hands. His eyes met mine and for a horrible moment I thought the worst until a smile cracked his solemn face “she’ll be fine, just cold and malnourished but strong” Erik’s chest released its stored pressure all at once as he sat down in the armchair not being able to before at least not without him jumping back up to pace again. “wake up John! She’ll live.” Erik punted the snoring coachman’s boot jarring him awake with a final snort “ah! What, What!…oh, oh good.” The coachman slurred “you two my stay here tonight if you’d like? You can store your horses in my stables for the night” the old shrew physician offered adjusting his thick spectacles “Thank you sir. my coachman and I would appreciate that.” The shrew nodded and asked his house maid to ready the guest rooms as Erik sent John to hitch the horses. I was seven hours since their arrival as the morning sun was creeping through the windows Erik had sat up with the physician in the mysterious girls room. Erik stirred as he must have drifted off as did the physician who was lightly snoring. Just then Erik’s eyes caught movement, she was waking up.