Chapter 35 The Old Woman and the Boy
It rained late that afternoon. Beret stayed by Misara’s side while she regained her strength. She was able to take some of the broth that the old woman had prepared. But she slept most of the time she was in bed. She is going to be fine, Beret reassured himself. The sky darkened as the rain poured. He lit the lantern by the bed left there by the young boy.
It had been a couple of hours since they arrived at the old woman’s home. Fortunately, none of their hosts was afflicted by the sickness. He kept gazing at Misara’s lovely face. The more he did, the more he fell in love with her.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to resist the feelings he had for Misara. Sitting so close to her, all he wanted was to hold her in his arms and keep her safe.
As he wrestled with these thoughts, Misara’s eyes opened. She looked around as if bewildered by her whereabouts.
“Where am I?” she asked.
Before Beret could answer, the old woman entered the bed chamber.
“You are in my home,” the old woman said warmly.
Beret stood up to allow the old woman to approach Misara. The old woman sat beside her and held her hand.
“You were exhausted by the heat and it would seem you are not very fond of looking after yourself,” the old woman said. “Food is very important you know.”
Beret saw Misara smile at the old woman. Misara then tried to sit up from the bed. Beret attempted to approach her in order to help. But she managed to do so by herself.
“Thank you so much for your kindness,” Misara said to the old woman. “But we must get going. There are many more homes to visit. People are still sick.”
The old woman said nothing. Her expression of warmth remained unchanged. The old woman helped Misara stand. She was able to walk normally now.
Beret felt relieved. He thanked the old gods silently.
He followed Misara as she exited the house.
He could see the rain had stopped, but the sky was still dark.
Kort was outside the house. He looked at Misara with concern.
“Are you feeling better now?” Kort asked.
Misara smiled and said, “I am. Let us continue.”
Kort then went to the horses to untie them from a nearby tree.
The old woman stepped outside and simply watched them. The young boy followed. Misara approached the old woman and the young boy then she raised her hands, palms pointed in their direction.
“May the protection of Misar be upon you for the kindness you have shown to his servant,” Misara said as she blessed them both.
“Thank you once again for all that you have done,” Misara said to the old woman.
The old woman bowed and continued to smile at her.
When Kort arrived with the horses, the three bid their farewells.
As they rode off down the street in search of the sick, Beret saw Misara looking back at the young boy. She had a perplexed look. When Beret’s gaze shifted to the boy, he was carrying the lit lantern that had been in the bed chambers.
He wondered what it was about the boy that seemed to have caught Misara’s attention.