Carl had checked all over, but all of the doctors had taken leave that day and his range of science did not reach that of modern medicine.
"Looking for something Carl?" Van Helsing asked, walking in, a bag of weapons slung over his shoulder.
"A doctor. Arene has a cold," he said. Van Helsing looked at him seriously.
"She's sick?" he asked, concerned about his daughters health.
"Don't worry," Carl told him. "It's not bad, I'd just feel better if a doctor looked at her."
"Well," Van Helsing said, "Cardinal Jettinte is taking a walk into town, I could ask him to find a doctor."
"That would be wonderful," Carl said and left to find him. Van Helsing smiled. Carl really cared about Arene... even if they did argue over history dates.
Arene had woken up feeling worse and drenched in a cold sweat. She got up out of bed and looked in the mirror, she looked thin and pale. Maybe Carl was right; maybe she did need to see a doctor. Suddenly, the door to her room entered and the Cardinal entered, an old man beside him. The cardinal smiled.
"Arene, I understand that you are feeling under the weather," he said. "I was out walking today and I happened to come across this fine physician. I hope that he might be able to help you."
Arene smiled and held her hand out to the old man, who took her hand and shook it at once, his hands were icy cold.
"Nice to meet you, Dr..."
"Dr. Jekyll, my dear, and it truly is a... pleasure to meet you."
Jekyll made a point of examining Arene thoroughly, all the while nodding and clicking his tongue thoughtfully.
"Ah yes," he said after a while, "it does seem that you have a virus. Nothing to worry about though. We'll soon have you well again. I have just the thing to help you."
As he said this he reached for the bag he'd left by the bed and, after rummaging inside, produced a small dark glass bottle with a silver stopper. He poured a few drops into the glass of water on her bedside and stirred till the water turned a light blue colour. He then held the glass towards her.
Arene took drink quickly with a slight look of disgust. It tasted horrible. She saw the doctor was smiling at her and tried to return the same. The taste was still with her though and it was more of a grimace.
The Cardinal seemed happy and he gestured for the doctor to go with him.
"I have invited the good doctor to stay here until you are quite well. That way he will be nearby should you require his help. For now we will leave you in peace my dear."
The two left the room and closed the door softly behind them.
Arene lay back in bed and closed her eyes. A feeling of dizziness had come over her and she sank backwards as she tried to fight against it. Within moments she had falling into a deep sleep.
The door to her room slid open and Dr Jekyll sneaked inside, shutting it quietly and carefully behind him. This done he approached the young woman lying in the bed.