Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 28: The Village 2

"A tiger attacked us, and he saved us," Abel replied indifferently. The lack of respect was evident in his tone.

The villagers swarmed the four people when they entered the village entrance, their voices rising in a cacophony of curiosity and suspicion.

"What’s that on the sled?" an old woman asked, her gnarled hands already reaching for the leaves covering the sled. A sharp crackling sound from Barett’s basket startled her, and she pulled back.

"You’ve caught pheasants?" another villager guessed, craning his neck to get a better look.

Lara, standing beside the brothers, fought a surge of irritation. Though her body wasn’t tired, the feel of Darius—sweating profusely at her back—left her uneasy.

"Abel, can we go to your house?" she said impatiently, her voice lowered but firm. "Your brother’s in bad shape and needs a doctor."

Abel snapped out of his daze, blinking as though suddenly aware of the urgency. "This way," he murmured, leading Lara and his brothers toward the farthest end of the village.

"Cyrus, hurry—get the village doctor!"

Cyrus hesitated, his steps faltering. Reluctance flickered in his wide eyes. "But Brother," he began, "Grandma Melba said we already owe them too much... and they’re not running a charity."

Abel clenched his jaw. "Tell them a relative arrived with money. Now, Go!"

Cyrus turned to Lara, his gaze searching. "Sir Kane, is it true? Are you really our father’s relative?"

Lara’s lips twitched. She wanted to deny it outright, but the boy’s hopeful, innocent face made her swallow her words.

"Hmm," she hummed noncommittally. If the lie could buy them time, so be it.

Without another word, Cyrus dashed off, determination replacing his doubt. Abel gestured for Lara to follow as they trudged down the narrow, uneven path toward his family’s house.

The village homes they passed were humble, their walls made of weathered logs and thatched roofs sagging under neglect.

Abel’s house, tucked at the edge of the village, was no different. Its bamboo fence leaned precariously as if one strong gust of wind might send it toppling. A flower garden out front lay in disarray, its plants wilted and overrun by weeds.

The door creaked open, and a young woman appeared, a toddler balanced on her hip. Her weary face brightened momentarily before her expression turned stern.

"You’re finally back," she said, her tone scolding. "Your mother’s condition has worsened from all the worrying. You left without letting her know."

Abel’s shoulders sagged. "Auntie Lina, I’m sorry for causing you trouble." He pushed the gate open wider, allowing Lara to step inside. Together with Barret, they hauled the sled into the small yard.

"Barett, take Sir Kane to the room. Darius needs to be laid down immediately," Abel instructed.

Barett gestured for Lara to follow him. Lara locked gazes with the young woman still standing on the door before following Barett inside.

Barett nodded and led Lara through the creaky front door. Inside, the air was warm and slightly musty. The floor was bare, compacted dirt worn smooth by years of footsteps, just like their house at the plateau.

The small room Barett led her to contained two bamboo beds pressed against opposite walls. Together, they eased Darius onto one of them. His clothes were soaked with sweat, and his face was sickly pale.

"His clothes are wet," Lara said briskly. "Change them and get him some water to drink."

When Lara stepped out of the room, she found Abel standing rigidly by another doorway. His brow furrowed, and his expression was heavy with worry.

"What’s wrong?" Lara asked, her voice softening.

Abel glanced toward the open door. Inside, an older woman lay motionless on the bed, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Across from her, two young girls lay curled up together on another bed, their faces pale.

"My mother... her fever hasn’t gone down," Abel muttered. "Aunt Lina tried wiping her with water, but it’s not working."

Lara pulled a small bamboo tube from her bag and handed it to him. "This is turmeric powder. Brew it—one part powder to five parts water. In the meantime, keep her hydrated."

Abel frowned, unsure.

"Water," Lara reiterated firmly. "She needs to drink, even if it’s little by little."

Abel nodded reluctantly and hurried toward the kitchen.

"Auntie Lina," Abel called over his shoulder, "we caught some fish and wild chicken. Could you please dress the chicken and instruct Barett on how to cook it?"

Lina stepped into the room, her toddler still clinging to her side. Her gaze settled warily on Lara.

"This... child. Aren’t you going to introduce your guest to me?"

Abel paused. "Oh, right. Auntie Lina, this is Sir Kane. He saved us in the forest when a tiger attacked. He’s..." He faltered, unsure how to finish.

"I’m a soldier," Lara said smoothly, her tone neutral. "I got separated from my companions in the mountain."

"Sir Kane, this is my mother’s youngest sister, Lina. She lives next door and that child is her son."

Lina’s expression softened slightly at the explanation, though a hint of suspicion lingered in her eyes.

After the brief introduction, Abel disappeared into the kitchen, and Lina turned back toward Lara.

Lara entered the room where Abel’s mother lay, noting Lina’s hesitation. "Don’t worry," Lara said. "I’ve got some medical knowledge and want to help."

Lina stepped aside, though the tension in her shoulders didn’t fully ease.

Lara knelt beside the bed, placing the back of her hand against the older woman’s forehead. The heat was scalding, and Lara pulled her hand back quickly. She retrieved another bamboo tube, this one shorter and thinner, and unscrewed the wooden lid.

Inside was a small green pill. Lara handed it to Lina.

"This is medicine for reducing fevers. Please give it to her."

Lina stared at the pill, her expression blank with confusion.

"Her fever’s too high. We need to act quickly," Lara urged.

The toddler in Lina’s arms squirmed and began to cry.

"Never mind, I’ll do it myself." Lara gently fed the pill to the unconscious woman, carefully tipping water from a jug into her mouth to help her swallow.

The door flew open with a bang before Lara could place the jug back on the table.