32 – Changes and Exploration

The morning passed uneventfully.

Simple breakfast, followed by consulting Lars on getting a replacement door for the entrance hall.

We settled on sending a messenger into town to commission local carpenters. The only available option, really. Not like any of the servants or guards were woodworkers, not to mention Lars or me.

I delegated the task of arranging the deal to Lars. He’d have more of an idea what the old one was like.

Previously, this would have been steward William’s job, but he was no longer in my employ. I hope he’s not managed to weasel his way out of what’s coming to him. The thought was a bit spiteful for my liking, but my empathy for the man was limited.

After that I was mostly left alone until noon. The disappearances among the staff had been mentioned last night, so no one made a fuss about it. At least not where I could hear it.

When I was done eating lunch, I got a visitor in the study.

Anders had been released without my direct intervention. Good. The prison guards interpreted my orders correctly.

The man obviously decided to report to me directly immediately after. He was on one knee in front of my desk. Fist on his heart, as was proper. The posture reminded me of Lars greeting Anaster.

“Greetings, Lord Steelheart!” The man appeared almost enthusiastic when I gestured at him to speak. “As per your orders, I have completed my prison sentence. I look forward to redeeming my reliability through my service. As I have already sworn, an event like before will never again be allowed under my watch! You are most merciful to allow me this chance.”

This guy is really eager to work for free. Coming from Earth, that was strange. Considering the circumstances here, I could understand his perspective.

“Good. Resume your normal guard duties for now. Lars is still your direct superior as captain of the guard, so he’ll be responsible for your orders. Do a good job and you’ll retain your position.”

“Yes, Lord Steelheart!” Thumping his chest, Anders stood and headed for the door.

“Anders.”

“Yes, Lord Steelheart?”

“Inform the doctor that I wish to speak with him.”

“At once!”

Only a few minutes later, Anders escorted the doctor – Theodore? – into the room before excusing himself.

The old man bowed with some difficulty. His eyes inspected me through his milky glasses.

“You called for me?”

“I did. You’re not busy, are you?”

“Thankfully, there are no cases requiring my attention at the moment. I am at your disposal.”

“Good to hear. First of all, this is a bit of an embarrassing question. What is your name?”

Stroking his goatee, the doctor chuckled. “I had wondered whether you remembered. My name is Theodore, my lord. Practicing healer for onward of forty summers now.” He gave another small bow.

I nodded.

“Thank you, doctor Theodore. In hindsight, it is embarrassing never properly learning your name. After the recent events, I have decided to change some things. Mainly about myself, but also my handling of people working for me.”

A mix of concern and interest warred in Theodore’s eyes. “Please, tell me more.”

“As an example. If you have a problem or complaint, I want you to bring them to me. Your job is important, so any impediments might put people’s lives at risk.”

“I will do that.” The old man’s eyes were twinkling with what I could only call amusement. “You really are different now. If you will allow a comment, I am glad you did not sell your soul.”

“As am I.”

“I’ve watched over you since before you were an adult. This is the happiest and most alive you’ve ever been. Even with all the stress of the last few days.” He laughed. “Sometimes, a harrowing event can lead to positive outcomes.”

“Indeed. Another change. I don’t know if you are aware, but the mother of my new personal attendant, Mia, is sick with the wasting cough.”

“I am aware. There are a few midwives and such about, but I am the only fully trained local healer, aside from that young priest. I examined Mia’s mother. Unfortunately, she could not afford the medicine, so there wasn’t much I could do aside from recommend rest and tea.” His wrinkles deepened as Theodore frowned.

“Quite the unfortunate situation, that family. The father was a woodsman. Part time lumberjack, part hunter. A common profession in this town. Risky too. Some years ago, he didn’t come back out of the forest.”

“I didn’t know that.” I frowned as well. I knew Mia’s father was gone, but not how.

“It’s besides the point though. You usually take a fee for treatments, don’t you?”

“Indeed I do. Only a pittance for a mere examination, but anything more does cost some coin. I assume I have similar motives as that young priest, when it comes to this. Though I am more affordable for simple matters.” He gave a wry smile. “People harmed in the course of their duties to you are an exception, of course. You pay me already.”

“As long as you are not busy with urgent cases, I want you to provide medical treatment to not only my servants and guards, but their families as well. If the expenses required go beyond the minimum, feel free to talk to me and I’ll cover it. What do you say?”

The old man actually looked surprised at that.

“This is not what I expected, I must admit.” He smiled at me. A true, joyful thing. “I will gladly do this, though my old bones might creak a bit from all the work. It’s not that I like turning away needy people, but my supplies don’t come free. It heartens me to see you care for your people so.”

I sighed. “It’s not pure altruism, I admit. I am of the opinion that less resentment will fester in this manor if I provide these benefits. If you feel someone is abusing this unreasonably, you can also bring it up.”

“Well, self-interest can lead to actions that appear altruistic to the uninitiated. And honesty in a situation like this is revealing of one’s character. Do you want me to take another look at attendant Mia’s mother? Since you brought her up.”

“That probably won’t be necessary. Hopefully. I have an agreement with priest Tristan to cure her once he has recovered from his ordeal. Though I won’t stop you if you want to.”

Instead of answering, Theodore simply studied me in silence.

“More relevantly, guard Anders’ wife is expecting soon. Late fall or so. I know this is usually a midwife’s job, but I would like you to keep an eye out that everything goes well.”

If he was insulted at my instruction, the doctor didn’t show it. Quite the opposite really. He was smiling pleasantly while stroking his goatee.

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“I know I said it earlier, but you really have changed. The young man I knew you as would never have cared about another man’s child. Never mind learning a guard’s name. I am glad you are finally growing up, if you will allow this old man a little jab. Even if it took a tragedy to achieve.”

“Bah. Not like you were ever very careful with your tongue, old man.” I rolled my eyes, then smirked at him. “I hope you will keep nagging me for many years more.”

“We’ll see what the gods have in store for me,” Theodore chuckled. “Now, if there is nothing else?”

“No, I think we are done. Have a good day.”

“You too, lord. If you’ll excuse me, I believe there are some mild cases that just became part of my official job.” With a shallow bow, the man left.

I leaned back in my seat. I’m glad that old man didn’t take my change badly. Out of everyone at this manor, doctor Theodore probably knew Kalin the best. They didn’t have a lot of interactions, but it was a more common occurrence than even with Lars. It wasn’t like Kalin never got sick either. Quite the opposite.

Well, I won’t get sick any more. Nor do I plan to spend a lot of time in the infirmary for wounds. Let’s hope old Theodore won’t get bored without me. Ha.