Doubt and Determination

Glad you could join us for the next doubtful episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

After removing the beast’s corpse from the Bower, Barry and Arturo returned from the honest dark of night covered with persistent rain. Arturo took Trevor’s place tending the Prince’s wound.

The Knight shook his head, whispering, “He’s hanging on by the tips of his tentacles. I’m not sure he’ll ever wake up.”

Clark hadn’t left his mother’s side. “Is Cyrus coming back with the herbs Mama told him to find? I know what they are — should I go?”

Arturo smiled. “Clark, you are the bravest person I have ever met, but I know your mother wouldn’t want you out there in the dark.”

The little Stinger beamed.

Trevor turned to Barry. “Fix my arm. Clark can tell me what we need. You should help the Princess.”

“Me? Help wit da next baby? Dey train us ta do dis,” Barry acknowledged as he took Trevor’s arm and bent, turned, and pushed, “but I don’t know anyting about deliverin’ babies.” His friend’s shoulder clicked back into place. “You need stitches, too.”

“Maybe tomorrow,” Trevor said. “For now, just wrap it up.” Moments later, with a bandage, a sling, and instructions, he gave Barry a one-armed hug. “Thanks. The Princess is gonna need somebody with a clear head and two good arms to help her. I believe in you. You’re gonna be fine. I’ll be back soon.”

Barry’s face twisted into a mask of doubt, but he stood by the Princess’s side after Trevor left. “Tell me what to do, yer Elegance.”

“In a minute,” she croaked as another contraction crushed her lungs.

“Uhhh-ohhhhh-OWWWWWWW!” Cassandra’s eyestalks stiffening, she pierced Barry with her stare.

“Whatta youse need, Princess?” he asked.

“I need to push!”

“Then push, yer Elegance!”

“AAAAGGGGHHHHH!”

Clark grimaced and plugged his ears.

“Come on, Princess — again!”

“Aaaahhhh-OWWW! It’s not like before,” she whimpered. “It hurts. It hurts so much more. Nothing’s moving when I push.”

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .