Chapter #2

                                    

                                          
The long-detailed story brings them to Hal's home in the village of Ahn. Always intrigued with Carr's adventures Effim utters. "Wow I wish I could come with you."
Carr informs him, "keep in mind it's not as fun as it sounds. Especially when death is calling your name."
"That's true." Hal advises his boy. "You have got a lot to learn about this world, before you go running around in it." He hands Effim the other three animals, "now do your old man a favor and take these to your mother."
"Sure thing Pa." Effim gladly struggles with both weighted sticks, ambling to the house.
"So, you think you'll be back through in a couple weeks?" Hal considerately offers. "If you'd like I could check on your mother."
"Could you?" Carr looks up at him, "I would certainly appreciate it."
Hal grins, "happy too. I was going to make a trip to the city for supplies too. I was going to..."
"Borrow the skiff?" Carr finishes Hal's thought, "you can, but you might want to take the new boat. I'm sure Effim and your wife would enjoy it."
"Thanks," Hal says, "I'd like that. The wife and boy would certainly enjoy the trip. A minor adventure for the boy and a shopping excursion for the wife." Winking at Carr, "and we've always a place to stay there."
They both utter at the same time, "the Slaughtered Lamb, rum and fun."
Chuckling Car continues on with the prior offer to visit Mother. "Maybe that way she won't think I sent you just to check on her."
Knowing her well Hal comments, "ah, she'll still think that."
"Probably, but thanks anyway. I better keep moving." Carr gets on top of the horse, "I'll stop in on the way back through, with another tale to tell."
Hal waves once good-bye, "stay spry."
"Stay good," Carr returns the simple wave.
The village is fairly active with the nice weather. Carr scans the village for Sonja and Doris. The villagers take notice of him, unsure of whom it is. He waves to people allowing a few to recognize him. However, the girls are nowhere to be seen. Making a slow pass by Sonja's house, Carr sees only her mother sitting inside sewing.
Taking the eastern road out of town they cross a high arched stone bridge. Glancing down the Jays River he notices the village kids playing. With no Sonja sightings Carr sighs coaxing Ebony to pick up her pace.

          ***

Reaching the town of Ingleside as the sunsets Carr nears Violetta's home. A woman screaming in anguish catches his attention. The scream comes from Violetta's place.
Carr quickly jumps down and hastily ties up Ebony. The main door to Violetta's is open slightly. Sounding like Violetta another loud pain filled scream rings out. Concerned for his healer Carr calls out, "Violetta?"
Answered by a suffering woman's cry Carr draws his sword and rushes inside.
Throwing open the door to the healing room he sees Violetta trying to deliver a woman's baby. The expected mother has two ladies standing with her. All look at Carr with shock and worry at his intrusion.
Violetta turns to see its' Carr. Scowling while giving Carr the evil eye, she silently dismisses him.
Red faced and apologetic Carr drops his head backing out of the room, "sorry ladies." Closing the door, "I thought..."