Far From a Pleasant Land by Beryl Carpenter

Author:Beryl Carpenter [Carpenter, Beryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781491860502
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Published: 2014-05-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“Papa!” Sara Elena reached him first. She loosened the narrow ties around the neck of his doublet.

Raul and Beata supported him under each arm and helped him into the bedroom. Sara Elena went ahead, taking off the coverlet and spreading back the blankets. They propped him on the edge of the bed. Raul pulled off Father’s boots, and removed the belt from around his waist.

“I feel weak.” Droplets of sweat poured down Don Alonzo’s flushed face.

“What did he say? I can hardly understand him.”

“His voice sounds far away, like he’s not really here.”

Sara Elena leaned down and put her ear next to his mouth. “What is wrong, Father? Where do you feel pain?

“Head—pain like a knife. Can’t feel arm—leg—” His words faded away like a wispy summer cloud. His head sank into the pillow.

“Beata, get some hot water and a cloth. Raul, go find Juan Sanchez. He may be with Luis, since they are preparing to go with that Columbus fellow. Tell him we need them both now.” Sara Elena barked out the orders, surprised at her own fierceness.

The two hurried to fulfill her commands. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Pray that I can find them,” said Raul as he slung his cloak over one shoulder, kissed Beata and sped out the door.

Beata raced to the kitchen for a bowl and towel, and then sped to the water kettle heating over the hearth. She splashed the steaming liquid into a pottery bowl and returned before Sara Elena could let out a breath.

“What new evil has come upon us?”

“Beata, help me take off Father’s doublet,” said Sara Elena. Together they worked at easing his limp arms up and through the ample sleeves, one after the other. Sara Elena lifted Father up so Beata could pull the garment over his head.

“He looks so ashen. I’m worried,” said Beata.

“You’re right. He’s as pale as the bed sheets.” She wrung out the wet cloth and placed it on the old man’s head. “Father, I love you. You need to rest. We’ve sent for a doctor.” She stroked his hand. His eyes flickered open for a moment, then closed.

After she smoothed the blankets up around his shoulders, Sara Elena turned toward her sister-in-law and saw the deep creases carved into her face.

“What more can be done? Tell me, and I’ll gladly do it.”

“Don’t distress yourself. You have done all you can for now. Wait for Juan Sanchez and see that your father rests quietly.”

Beata approached Sara Elena and wrapped her arms around her. Sara Elena pulled away.

“I can’t let myself give in to emotion. I need to watch, not get clouded by sentiment. I’ll go now and wash up.” She walked out.

“I understand,” said Beata, shrinking back as though she didn’t. She retreated to a corner. Raul, Luis and Juan Sanchez burst into the room a few minutes later. Sara Elena came running from the kitchen, wiping her face and hands with a towel.

“I’m here. Tell me what happened,” said Juan Sanchez, flinging his cloak over a nearby chair and unbuckling his sword.

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