This is episode fifty-one of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.
Saving Lettice
They materialized back at the ravine.
“You picked this place because you didn’t want anyone to see us?” Thomas asked.
“It would be hard to explain why we suddenly disappeared or suddenly appeared,” Tom said.
They climbed the steep incline and walked back toward the house.
“When were you planning to duel, Bouchard?”
“In two days, there is a royal court at Whitford Castle’s great hall,” Thomas said. “I was going to plead my case and demand satisfaction. If Bouchard accepted and the Duke approved, we would duel in the great hall.”
“To the death?” Tom asked.
“Yes,” Thomas said, “but sometimes the winner will strike the death wound. He will show mercy, but that will not be the case with Bouchard. He always strikes the death wound.”
“Does Bouchard own a manor nearby?”
“The ravine is a boundary between us,” Thomas said. “His manor is a mile beyond.”
“He wants to own both sides of the stream for what reason?” Tom asked.
“The stream on our land is the best place to build a watermill,” Thomas said. “He needs our permission to build the mill. My father was willing. My father wanted a share in its profits. Ordinarily, this would not be a problem. Bouchard was not going to enrich a commoner.”
“And that’s where it began?”
“No,” Thomas said. “Long before that. Drake Bouchard wanted my mother as his legitimate wife. She favored my father.”
“Let me get this straight,” Tom said. “I’ve been doing some reading about the nobility of this period. If your mother married Bouchard, she would not ever become a noble, but she would have a good life, right?”
“That’s right,” Thomas said.
Tom continued. “And if the marriage was legitimate, the children would become nobles.”
“That’s how it is,” Thomas said.
“Your mother gave up a lot.”
“She does not see it that way,” Thomas said.
“All those years, Bouchard envied your father and lusted for his wife and found a way to dishonor both,” Tom concluded. “He has a sick, dark mind.”
Tom handed the container of the potion to Thomas. “Here, convince your mother to drink all of this.”
They reached the house and walked in. Lettice lay limp on the table still sitting on her stool.
“Mama! Mama!” Thomas rushed to Lettice’s limp body. “She is dead!”
Tom reached down and felt for a pulse on her wrist. “She has a pulse.”
“Brain!” Tom called out. “Send me an examination device! Place it on the table.”
“Thomas, Tom said, “I will lift her by the shoulders and you lift her legs. We will place her on the bed.”
They gently lifted Lettice. She moaned as they placed her on the bed.
The examination device sat on the table. Tom grabbed the silver metallic device that was about the size of a box of cereal. He lifted her blouse and placed the device in the middle of her chest. Tom pressed a silver button. It hummed.
The device spoke. “Do you want treatment?”
“Yes,” Tom said.
The device hummed for about a minute.
During that time, Thomas asked, “Will that device cure her?”
“This is the first time I’ve used it,” Tom said. “Brain, will this cure Lettice?”
“There is every indication she will recover,” Brain said. “The examination device has limitations, but her condition did not exceed them. She is being provided with hormones and electrolytes. As soon as she is able, the liquid should be given to her. She should drink it all within fifteen minutes.”
Thomas’s eyes were full of tears. “Thank you, Brain.”
The device stopped humming, and Tom removed it.
Lettice’s eyes opened. Thomas sat her up and helped her drink.
She sat on the edge of the bed. “What happened?”
“You were exhausted,” Tom said.
“You were near death,” Thomas said. He looked at Tom. “But tome mixed up a potion. I have it to you, and now you are better.”
“What was in it?” Lettice asked.
“Oh, just some herbs and spices I carry with me,” Tom said, “and I mixed a little honey with it to make it taste better.”
“I really feel good,” Lettice said.
She started to stand, and Thomas gently held her in place.
Lettice looked at Thomas. “Thomas, I have more wheat to grind.”
“Don’t bother, Lettice,” Tom said. “I will purchase enough for a few days. You should rest for a couple of days.”
Lettice slowly nodded and laid down. Thomas covered her. She smiled and slowly closed her eyes.
“Are you sure she will be healed?” Thomas asked.
“If Brain is sure, that is as sure as it can be,” Tom said.
“Will you stay with us?” Thomas asked. “It is not as clean and comfortable as what you are accustomed to, but it is all we have to offer.”
“It would be an honor for me to do so,” Tom said.
“You can have my cot,” Thomas said.
“A straw bed is all the accommodations I need.”
“The royal court is not for two days, what will you do?” Thomas asked.
“Well, there is work here, and tomorrow, I’ll call upon Drake Bouchard. I will tell him who I am and challenge him. And to sweeten the pot, I will insult him in every way I know how.”
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