Chapter 31
After speaking to Murtagh and Alec, it didn't take long for Daniea to figure out Jamie's poisoning took place near Leoch. And with their help she narrowed it down to either occurring on one of his early countryside outings or at the tavern in the village. However she knew deep in her heart that there could only be one culprit, the watch.
By day Alec and Willie scoured the countryside; whilst she spent all her time in the tower of Leoch tending to Jamie and preparing all his medications to fight the symptoms. She tried her best to keep his ever rising fever at bay and his heart rate slow as to hinder the poisons journey to his heart as long as possible.
By night Angus and Rupert inquired quietly at the tavern and businesses within the village; and Daniea utilized all her training to try and lure out anyone who might have information that would help her. Sadly after almost a week of searching they still had no leads as to who administered the toxin or where it had occurred.
With every passing day Daniea couldn't help but lose hope. It was amazing that Jamie had lasted as long as he had although now he was on borrowed time; but succeeding his last outburst he hadn't reawakened which made her need ever more dire.
"My lady!" Fergus bellowed from the tower window as they reined in their horses after another long night of searching.
Daniea's heart dropped as she swung down, well before Raven ever stopped moving. Sprinting towards the castle as fast as her feet could carry her, the young boy met her halfway up the tower stairs.
"Jamie?" She yelped.
"No...oui...there was someone in my lords room."
"What?" She grimaced, grabbing Fergus by the hand and pulling him up the stairs to the doorway to Jamie's room. She released him as she first checked on Jamie.
No change.
"Claudel?"
"Fergus, my lady." He corrected, standing tall as he looked on at Jamie.
"Fergus… what did you see exactly?"
He took a deep breath as he began his tale.
"I came to sit with my lord while monsieur Murtagh went to the kitchen to gather supper. When I got to the door I saw a woman fidgeting with your brews my lady. I yelled at her to announce her business but she ran, pushing me against the wall. I do not know what she was doing to my lord."
Daniea could see the fear and worry in his eyes. She leaned down and pulled his small frame into her embrace. "Shhhh, he is fine." She tried to assure the boy. "Fergus, what did you see?"
"I do not understand my lady." He sniffled as he pulled away.
"Did ye see what color her hair was? How tall?.."
"Ummm she was fair like the evening ladies."
She nodded in understanding.
"Go now and find Murtagh, tell him what ye just told me."
Daniea made her way back over to Jamie who had begun to sweat profusely once more. She pushed his damp hair aside to lean down and gently kiss his forehead.
"Please hold on."She murmured in his ear.
Turning around towards her work table she noticed most of the vials had been tampered with, most of her mixed herbs dumped out while mysterious ingredients intermingled with others; but most alarming of all was the dagger crusting with fresh blood that had been hastily tossed amongst her tools. She darted towards Jamie when Murtagh entered.
"Look for blood!" She barked at him.
A minute later after throwing back the blanket covering his body from the waist down Murtagh found a deep cut running up the backside of his calf that had begun to clot.
His eyes widened, "Why would anyone slice the lads heid?"
Only one scenario came to mind but as their eyes connected Murtagh sighed, blurting out Daniea's own fear.
"Lass, Ye know I don't wanna think it but... I've always said... the only good weapon for a woman is poison."
