Tales from the Past – It was a dark and stormy night…
(I ran across several entries that were never published. Since the subject matter and history have bearing on the current posts, I thought I’d better publish them.)
The storm raged outside, sheets of rain pelting the ground, making it impossible to travel.
“I’ve sent for the midwife, but… she’s out near Dalaran. I don’t think she’ll make it.” Simone kept her voice low.
Carlo furrowed his brow. “Who then? I don’t know anything about such things! By the gods, she was already days old before she came to me herself!” He paced back and forth, trying to think. “What about Gangial?”
Simone shook her head vigorously. “Not that drunk! He wouldn’t know which end to tend!”
“He’s the only healer around! Fetch him!” His voice raised in panic as he heard Bjorke cry out in pain again.
“Och, Ah’ve no business here!” The dwarf reeked of drink, and could barely stand. “Lemme go back t’ mah room. She’ll be fine. ‘s woman’s work, onyway.”
Carlo grabbed the priest by the beard, nearly lifting him off the ground. “Something’s wrong, and it’s too early! Now… go heal her! Do… something!” His face was red in fury and fear, and he flung the man into the bedchamber. He paced back and forth. In all his years, he’d never been one to shy away from what needed to be done… but she was as much his daughter as if she’d been his own blood kin, and he couldn’t bear to watch. Simone and her newest protégé, a young nightelf named Cara, were assisting.
“Hol’ her, Ah said! Keep her still!” Gangial unwrapped a short blade, and Simone gasped. It was rusted, and notched from abuse and neglect. He poured a foul, brown liquid over it from a flask, then took a drink himself, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.
“At least use my blade!” she protested.
“Nonsense, lassie, it’s fine!” Before Simone could object again, he plunged the blade in, drawing it down Bjorke’s belly as she screamed. The twisted line of blood bright against her pale skin, the round belly gaping open. “Och.. noo.. tha’s no’ right…” mumbled the Dwarf, just before he passed out cold on the floor.
