Chapter 39

Kenna floated in and out of consciousness. She didn't know, whether she was dreaming or was awake. But she heard voices, familiar voices, who were talking about her.

"What is wrong with her? Why is she still unconscious?"

"It's called stress fever. I have already given her a special mixture of herbs. But she hasn't responded to it yet."

„Is she going to be all right again?"

"If I knew, what had caused the deep unconsciousness, I could help her better."

"Anything I can do?"

"You can go to Daniel. I think he needs his father now. And let Nostradamus do his work. He knows what's best for Kenna."

Lola! Kenna didn't know, whether she had called out the name or had only formed it in her head. What happened to my baby? But she received no reply. She felt trapped in her own body, without being able to communicate with the outside world.

"I'm staying!"

"Please Bash! Go to Daniel. You cannot help her when you're pacing around and asking the same questions, over and over again!"

"I can't. I can't leave her. Every time I leave her, I lose her. And I cannot lose her again..."

She heard his voice breaking and knew, without seeing it, that he was close to tears. She wanted to reach for his hand and comfort him, but her body disobeyed her command. I am here! she shouted. Can anyone hear me?

"You won't lose her. I promise! I'm staying by her side until she wakes up. I'll call you, if there are any changes in her state."

"You promise?"

"I promise. And now, go! And tell Daniel that his mother is sleeping, when he asks about her. He is too young to understand."

Kenna felt Bash's cool lips on her hot forehead and wished, she could capture this moment. But he left, and she was alone with Nostradamus and Lola.

"You haven't told him about the baby, have you?"

"I'm her physician. It is not my affair, to pass on information."

"Do you think she will keep the baby?"

"At the moment, I'm more concerned about Kenna. She has been in this coma state for hours. Did you talk to this woman?"

"You mean Emeline? No. She's sleeping. She was completely exhausted. Just like her three children. But you're right. We need to ask her what happened. Maybe she can help Kenna."

"I need more ice. We must see that the fever drops. The herbs have achieved nothing. And I don't know, how long she can survive in that condition."

"Oh Kenna..."

Kenna felt Lola's cool hand on her cheek. Tell him to save my baby! Please Lola! I don't know, how I should live without my baby... Bash's baby!

"What happened to you?"

Kenna opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Was this her punishment for Victor's death? Would she linger in this state forever, in between life and death?

"Have you told Mary?"

"Bash sent a message. She will get it tomorrow."

"Poor fellow! He just found his true love and now he loses her again."

"Don't talk like that, Nostradamus! He will not lose her, as long as you're doing your job!"

"There are limits, even for a healer. But I do what I can. You go and wake up the woman. If she knows something that can help Kenna, let me know."

"But I promised Bash..."

"Go! This is more important. Talk to the woman and come back!"

Lola was reluctant to wake Emeline from her deep slumber, but Nostradamus was right. If someone could help Kenna, it was Emeline.

And Emeline told Lola everything from the beginning, about the abduction, the capture, how they escaped and that her brother was killed, after he had followed and threatened them.

Lola was completely stunned. With her eyes and mouth wide open, she listened to Emeline's unbelievable story.

"Kenna killed your brother?" she asked incredulously.

Emeline nodded. "Yes. But she did it to save me and my boys. Without Kenna's courageous intervening, we all would be dead! For me, she is a heroine!"

Lola raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that Kenna sees it the same way. She loathes violence in every way."

"I wish I could do something." Emeline sighed deeply. "I hope she won't lose the baby! She was so happy about it."

"I don't know. Nostradamus, our healer, is doing everything to help her keep it. But her condition is critical. She doesn't respond to his treatment."

"Are her husband and her son by her side?"

Lola looked at her confused. Did Kenna tell Emeline that she was still married? If so, she wouldn't reveal Kenna's secret.

"Bash was at her side the whole time. But he is with Daniel now, looking out for him."

"I think he should be with her." Emeline suggested. "Both should be with her." She paused before she continued. "I'm not sure you know, but my brother had stolen her wedding ring. She talked about it and was bemoaning the loss."

The ring! Lola remembered. She saw it, when Bash emptied his pockets, after he had reached the castle with the two horses, Emeline, the children and the unconscious Kenna. Among other jewelry was the ring. If it meant so much to Kenna, she should get it back. Lola squeezed slightly Emeline's arm.

"Thank you! This was very informative. I will go and find Bash and share with him what you told me."

She left the room and ran off to find Bash and Daniel.