Page 62 of All In Good Time
“Aye. We believe so, but we cannae be certain. It took quite some time to heal, but eventually it did.”
“Do ye think the wound is the problem, Arthur?” Edna asked.
“Without opening it back up, it would be hard for me to say. There are a number of possibilities, none good. After seeing the sight of the scar, I’m thinking perhaps a bowel puncture. ’Tis possible that is the reason he’s been so ill, but he wouldnae have lingered this long.”
“May I,” Edna said. She made her way to Rory’s side and looked under the bandage at the scar. “Rory, I’m going to place my hands on ye. I mean ye no harm.”
Rory nodded his permission.
She placed her hand over the scar and closed her eyes. After a few moments she spoke. “Yes. I see it. He was poked by a sharp stick as he fell. I don’t believe it perforated his bowel, but I do believe it was a poisonous plant that may have been the culprit.”
“How is that possible?” Nick asked.
“I dinnae ken, but we must send Logan off to find the plant if possible.”
“What good will that do?” he asked.
“If we have the plant, we may be able to create an antidote to the poison. If it works, he will be well again.” Edna did her best to sound positive about the situation. She was anything but.
“There’s no time to waste then,” Nick said, standing and heading to the door.
“Bring Logan back here to me so I can explain what he must find,” Edna instructed.
Nick was out of the room like a shot. “How do ye do that?” Dr. Ferguson asked.
“I don’t do it, it just comes to me,” Edna said. “I know it seems crazy and sometimes I feel that ’tis, but if it works, why would I question it?”
“And why would ye? Why would I?” Dr. Ferguson smiled.
“Rory, ye must concentrate on living while we do our best to find a cure for what ails ye,” Edna said. He nodded, but his focus was on Aisla. His eyes hadn’t once left her face. She was just the medicine he needed. Edna was happy to have her assistance.
The sound of feet thundering down the passageway announced the arrival of Nick, Logan and Sara.
“Good. Yer here,” Edna said when they entered. “Logan, I ken ye were about to leave when we arrived. Ye must continue on that quest. Find the place where Rory fell and look for the stick or branch that impaled him. Do ye understand?”
“Aye. How will I know ’tis the one.”
“I cannae tell ye that, because I dinnae ken it meself. I’m hoping that it will be clear to ye when ye do find it. Bring back whatever ye come across that ye think may be of help. Pieces of the plant it came from would be particularly helpful.”
He appeared skeptical, but Sara had faith. Edna could see it in her eyes.
“We can do it,” Sara said to Logan. “Let’s go. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we’ll be back.” She took him by the hand and hurried him out the door.
“Do ye think they’ll locate it,” Dr Ferguson asked.
“I have already given Logan direction as to where the accident happened. He should be able to find it soon enough,” Nick replied.
“I believe they will,” Edna added.
“Come. Let’s leave these two alone. They’ve much to catch up on.” She led the men to the door and then turned back to Aisla. “Dinnae allow him to tire. He still needs his rest.”