The Healing Ward

Landon motioned to one of his assistants. "Bring me a bandage and a bowl

of water," he instructed. The assistant bowed and scurried away. Landon settled back onto his stool and began removing Luciana’s sandal. “Where are you from?" he asked conversationally.

"From Argan. I’m one of Lord Samuel’s servants."

The assistant reappeared with the requested items. Landon took a towel, soaked it in the cool water and wrapped it around Luciana's ankle. "You’re a chambermaid, I presume?"  

Luciana nodded. He removed the towel and began tightly wrapping the bandage around her ankle. "Was that your young man?" he asked, giving her a cheeky grin.

"No!" Luciana exclaimed, more harshly than she had intended. She sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Landon said, brushing it off.

"William and I grew up on the manor,” Luciana said. “He’s always been very protective. Each of us is the only family the other has. That’s why it bothers him so much when Catherine hits…” her breath caught in her throat and she stopped abruptly.

"Don’t worry, lass," Landon said kindly. “I’ve kept many a secret in my day. No one will hear anything from me.” He unstoppered a small bottle and poured the amber-colored contents into a cup. "Drink this and rest. You'll feel better when you wake."

Luciana drank meekly. The liquid was thick and sweet, and it immediately made her drowsy. She settled onto her pillow and fell asleep.

                       

                        

* *   *      * *   *      *

Landon resealed the bottle and sighed. She seemed like such a sweet, soft-spoken girl. It was a mystery to him why her mistress would beat her. Ah well, if nothing else she needs rest, he mused to himself. He had noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the faint lines already on her face. She's too young to have such a careworn countenance. The sleep will do her a world of good. He left her to sleep undisturbed.

             

*   *      *   *   *      *   *

William softly knocked on the door of the healing ward. Outside stars were twinkling in an inky black sky and the heavy red curtains rustled in the night breeze.

Landon opened the door and beckoned him in. William quietly followed him to Luciana’s bedside. The room was softly lit by the braziers and a few torches, one of which hung almost directly over Luciana's bed.

"How is she?" asked William.  

Landon ran his fingers through his hair. “Her ankle is healing, but it’s what I found on her back that concerns me.” He carefully pulled the blanket away, exposing Luciana’s back. Angry red welts crisscrossed her skin, swollen and bruised. Some had thick scabs where the skin had been broken, and a few were faded into pink scars, puckered and shiny. Landon replaced the blanket gently and straightened up. “I’ll be honest with you, lad. In all my years of healing, I’ve rarely seen a servant worse treated than this,” he said, his voice a hoarse whisper.

William reeled back in shock, bracing himself on the bedpost. A film of tears blurred his vision and the room teetered. He sat down on the floor stiffly, unable to think. The dull ache of hate and heartbreak gripped his chest, squeezing the breath out of him.

He felt a presence beside him and a weathered hand on his shoulder. They sat there for several minutes, the horror of what they had seen leaving them mute.

Finally Landon spoke. “This isn’t your fault, William.”

William felt anger well up inside of him. “No. It’s her fault.” He heaved himself to his feet, wiping his eyes. “That wretched woman has gone too far.” He turned to leave and Landon grabbed his arm.

“Where are you going?” he demanded.

William shook his hand off and went out into the corridor, Landon on his heels.

“What will you do, whip Lady Catherine until she’s suffered as much as your friend? I don’t think you’re that kind of man. Besides,” he said, blocking William’s path, “What will Luciana do if you’re imprisoned or executed for trying to hurt Lady Catherine? That girl in there treasures you above all else. Would you desert her for a fool’s errand?”

William hung his head and let out a tortured sigh. “I can’t bear this,” he said bitterly.

Landon drew him into a fatherly embrace. “I know, lad. I know.”