Read Online Faery Queen by Michelle M. Pillow - Free Book Online Page B

the dead, but then he’d see Sir Geoffrey’s face and he’d know. Geoffrey was certain that William had been eaten by the creature that attacked Hugh. With little choice, Thomas brought Geoffrey into confidence, introducing him to the magical tenants of the castle. He only hoped the man recovered from the shock. The last time Thomas saw him, he still looked pale and shaken.
    Rees refused to leave Hugh’s side, though Thomas did have to warn the spright about interfering with the physician’s work. The doctor came at a high price, but Thomas did what he must for the life of his brother. He’d sell everything they owned to save Hugh.
    Until he knew Hugh’s fate, he didn’t feel right leaving to search for William, but the longer he waited the more he feared for William’s life. Already he had the magical creatures trying to figure out a way to get him to the Otherworld. Heinic claimed he could brew a potion but it had been a long time since he’d done so. If there was a chance his youngest brother was alive, Thomas swore he would find a way to bring him home.
    Once, a year ago, when they’d asked how to get from one realm to the other so they could come home, King Merrick had told them, “Your journey begins as any other, by walking out the front gate of the castle.” Easy for the King of the Unblessed to say, he had magical powers. Thomas had ridden out his front gate many times and only once did he ride into the Otherworld—and that was with William’s help.
    Thomas heard footsteps and pulled back from where he listened. Moments later, the door was opened and the physician came out. The man carried a bowl filled with blood.
    â€œI have done all I could,” the physician said. “The wound on his neck and arm have been cauterized and I have bled as much poison as I could from his body.”
    â€œPoison?” Thomas frowned.
    â€œThe poisons of the body. It is what causes the earl to be sick,” the physician explained, “though I would not doubt that some grave toxin seeped into his body from the injury. There are leeches on his chest above his heart. They should remain until the morrow. Then, take them off and throw them immediately into an old fire. Once the fire burns out, take the ash and bury it.”
    Thomas nodded, noting the instructions.
    â€œI must warn you.” The physician lowered his voice. “Even if the earl does heal, there is a chance he will have caught whatever madness possessed the man that bit him. I can tell by the wound that the man had sharpened teeth, not a good sign, perhaps a sign of witchery. Maladies of the mind are easily spread through bites and this one was so close to the earl’s head. We can only hope the madness did not travel up, but down to his foot or hand. Then he will only shake in the limbs from time to time but be of sound mind. If it goes the other way, I fear the worst.”
    â€œMany thanks.” Thomas stepped back, letting the man take the tainted bowl of blood past.
    Though the chamber was stifling hot when he entered, Thomas didn’t dare risk Hugh’s health by putting out the fire. The earl’s room was a large square, with the fireplace and a huge bed stuffed with straw and lined with feathers for softness. A large fur rug covered most of the stone floor. Hugh had a writing table, complete with parchments and wax. The family crest hung on one wall, matching the ring on Hugh’s finger. Pulling a red, padded chair next to Hugh’s bed, Thomas sat.
    A faint odor was in the air, the smell of burnt flesh and incense. Hugh’s chest was uncovered and two black leeches sucked from him. Thomas wanted to knock them off, but had to trust the doctor knew what he was doing.
    â€œFoolish mortal,” Rees grumbled, appearing near Hugh’s head. He patted the earl’s hair back from his face. “Hurt Lord Bellemare with his potions.”
    â€œThey are