Blind Impulse Read Online Free PDF Page B

it not been for Harold Swein’s sponsors hip, Simon never would have boasted the gold spurs because of the great expense even though his own father had been a fine knight and constable.
    But Peter came by the knightly title only through money, not skill.  The active knights scornfully called Peter and others like him, Holy Mary’s knights.  Although Simon noted in the past that Peter did have good speed and reflexes.  He probably would have made a skilled knight if he had applied himself to his training.  Peter had not and entered lists only when he could not avoid them and then usually even a squire could best him. 
    Simon snorted to himself and took another drink, returning to Garin’s room to stand watch over his friend b ut his thoughts continued to prick him like thorns.  As to war, Peter would have been dead the moment he set foot in the Holy Land.  What Juliana saw in the sod, Simon would never know.
    ****
    Alyna did not know the hour but if exhaustion was any judge - it was close to dawn.  She sat back and closed her eyes, fighting her tears. Garin was delirious and had developed a high fever.
    Fortunately, Alyna had managed to stop the bleeding and cut away the infection.  She had stitched the wound closed but as Garin thrashed in his delirium, blood spotted the bandage.  Many times, Alyna, he r father, and Simon would have to hold Garin down to keep him from tearing his stitches out completely.
    Alyna had also found many bug bites on Garin’s legs and arms.  They developed into a rash and Alyna used a decoction of Gooseberry leaves to cool the ho t swelling.  She also bathed Garin in cold water to help keep his fever down.
    Her father squeezed her shoulder and gazed down at her, his dark eyes worried.  “His mother told me the monk is insisting on a bleeding.”
    Alyna’s stomach twisted.  The healer who taught Alyna the ancie nt ways detested bleeding.  Alyna possessed her own reasons to hate it.  Her father said bloodletting had caused the death of her mother when Alyna was born.  Geoff blamed the passing of his beloved wife on the priest who tended her.
    “ Garin has lost too much blood already,” Alyna said softly.  “With his high fever, and weakness from malnutrition, bloodletting may kill him.”
    “ I know,” Geoff said.  “I managed to convince Eleanor to refuse the monk but he keeps badgering her.”
    Alyna sighed and rubbed her eyes. 
    “ You need to get some rest,” her father said.
    She shook her head stubbornly.  “I don’t want to leave him.”
    She heard a soft knock and Eleanor opened the door.  “How is he?” she asked wringing her hands nervously.
    “ The same.”
    Eleanor approached and looked down at her son, grief-stricken.  Suddenly her eyes widened.  “Oh sweet Mary, no, this can’t be possible.”
    “ What is it?” Alyna asked, her heart lurching.
    “ The rash,” she paused and looked closer, her face draining of all color .  “He has the same fever that killed his father.”
    “ What?”
    “ Merciful saints forgive me.  I have condemned him to the same fate.”
    Geoff quickly stepped forward, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder.  “Lady, ‘tis all right.”
    She shook her head, her eyes wide with fear.  “I thought this plague was over when I called him home b ut it has returned.  Two others knights who returned with Garin have the same symptoms.”
    Alyna’s thoughts scrambled.  Her home, Salkeld Hall, was many days from Kirkoswald.  The fever h ad not reached them so she had not seen its indications.  “Your excellency,” Alyna said.  “This fever could well be caused by his festering wound.”
    “ Nay, he has the rash.  Soon, any light or loud noise will cause grievous headaches.  You two have not had t his illness while I have recovered from it.  I want both of you to go to your rooms.  All those who have not had the fever are to be kept away from those who do.”
    “ Your excellency, I vow that I cannot,” Alyna