A Different Kind of Fairytale

Opportunity

As we rode through the trees we slowed to a walk to let the horses rest.
"What did the plant he ingested look like," I questioned the Captain. I was hot on an idea of what it was but I needed a description to be able to help at all. The Captain wasn't listening and was unaware of what I said. I repeated myself but still no answer. I rode ahead and cut him off spooking his horse a little.
"Caption answer me please," I said with an edge of annoyance in my voice. He finally opened his mouth and then it began to pour as it does often in Valentina. He began to laugh and I joined in. His laugh was clear and deep it seemed to echo deep within his chest. We began to ride faster until we came to camp. Everyone was huddled in tents out of the rain, some did not look well at all and I followed the Captain to the infirmary. When I entered the entire tent reeked of death and disease when I turned to the Captain he was standing next to a soldier talking to him. I could see that the man would die and the Captain seemed to realize it too. Soon I saw the body sag and the eyes went blank. Nurses came over and pulled a sheet over his face. The Captain motioned me over and I crept up behind him because I was afraid of death I always had been.
"The war is bad isn't it," I whispered as he turned toward me with a blank expression that made me flinch.
"The king attacks anyone he suspects of being responsible for the death of Princess Alexandria and Queen Celine," he said in an empty tone he pointed toward a bed a few rows over and motioned for me to lead the way.
"This is Private Kory," he nodded toward the man on the bed. I set to work poking and prodding at the man until he groaned in pain. I motioned for a nurse to some over while I mixed some herbs to make him sick.
"I need hot water, a bowl, some cloth, and some new clothes for him," I commanded. She nodded and rushed off with her task while I turned to the Captain," Can you help me sit him up."
"Of course," we held him up until the nurse came back and I guided her hands to supported him. I poured the solution down his throat and made him swallow. I held the bowl while he retched into it and rubbed his back. When he was finished I laid him back down and put the cloth on his head.
"Changed that every few hours so he can get better he will be in a short while. A few days at most." I exited and couldn't look up at the other men cause I would feel obligated to help every single one. The Captain pulled me to a stop and forced me to look at him.
"It has only gotten worse after each day we need help. I was told that the first Apothecary I found who was up to the task to invite her to join this company. Will you join us?"