Distant Cousins
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Dark Warrior's Realm
Kwai Chang Caine concentrated on the crystal medallion hidden in his shirt. The medallion began to glow and suddenly Caine was no longer in the white realm of the Dark Warrior.
"Master Caine!" Brother William declared with surprise, startling the fellow Shambhala Master out of his meditation. "What brings you to Shambhala?"
"Shambhala may be in danger," Caine stated, his words coming out in breathless gasps. The leap to Shambhala drained him of what energy he had. "I must return home to inform my son. Bon Bon Hai has the powers of his dark master."
"No, this is grave news. Do you know what Bon Bon Hai may be planning?"
"I do not." Suddenly Caine teetered and nearly collapsed.
"You've been injured and you are feverish. Come I will see to your wounds personally."
Brother William led Caine to the infirmary and directed the newest Shambhala Master to lie down on one of the platforms. He placed a pillow under Caine's head then walked over to a shelf containing several herbs. He chose what jars he needed then carried them over to a table that contained what equipment he needed to blend the herbs. Brother William placed a small pot of water over a lit burner. As he waited for the water to begin boiling he began grinding up what roots he needed. He briefly looked back at his patient to see that Caine had fallen asleep. Whatever ordeal the younger priest had suffered had exhausted Caine.
The news of Bon Bon Hai threatening the sanctity of Shambhala worried Brother William. They were scholars, not fighters. Many of the brothers had no skills to fight such an enemy. Then the soft bubbling sound of the boiling water intruded on his thoughts and Brother William was once again concentrating on his task. He added the herbs to the water and allowed them to boil for a few minutes. The tea he would give Caine to drink while the left over herbs would be placed into a poultice and applied to Caine's wounds.
Brother William walked over to where Caine was lying and examined the gash in Caine's temple. Though the wound was closed, it was red and angry. Brother William could feel heat coming from the wound.
'There must be an infection,' Brother William thought. 'The wound will have to be reopened to allow the infection to drain.'
Brother William walked over to the workbench. He picked up a small wooden case and opened it to reveal its contents. Inside rested several surgical knives. Brother William picked up one, along with a soft cloth. He took both over to where Caine lay. He draped the cloth across Caine's cheek and gently made an incision along the gash. Blood and pink puss poured from the wound, allowing it to fully drain. Brother William dabbed at the reopened gash. He carefully watched the wound until all he could see was blood flowing. While Brother William worked another monk came in and assisted his efforts by bringing him sutures to close the wound. After the wound was closed the assisting monk gave him the poultice of herbs then brought the cup of tea.
"You should have called me," the monk stated.
"Brother Caine needed immediate assistance, Brother Matthew," William stated. "I could not allow his infection to become worse, but I am pleased that you are here."
"Did he require a tea to sleep so you could make the incision?"
"No. He was already asleep from exhaustion."
"He should drink this before it turns cold," Brother Matthew stated.
"I will make him more when the poultice needs changing. Allow him to sleep. Gather the brothers. We must talk."
Continues with Part 11
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2003.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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