|
In the Kitchen
Saeryn mastered here trembling breath and answered Falco evenly. “It started as any sickness might when one is out in the cold often and working past one’s strength. Then he became consumed in a fever and very quickly it worsened until he fell into a sleep. He woke only once or twice before he left Edoras and was taken to Minas Tirith.” Her voice sank as she added, “Some say it is a sleeping death, and he will never wake again.”
“They that said that weren’t counting on King Elessar,” Javan said from the doorway. His face was set in a defiant expression and he glanced briefly at Lady Wynflaed as though blaming her for the rumors sent around that Eodwine was going to die. “I think he will be fine.”
Saeryn looked at him and smiled a little. Eodwine had been a great man to Javan, and she knew this. She knew well that Javan did not want to face the fact that Eodwine might die, and that was why he spoke so boldly in defiance of it. “We all hope he lives,” she said quietly. “But I fear we have spoiled your appetite,” she said, trying to brighten the mood. “Don’t push Fordide’s food away, Falco! You might offend the poor woman, and we wouldn’t like that. Besides, your fasting won’t make Eodwine well. We are glad you have returned. You will make the people happy and bring back glad remembrances of old times.”
|