No Turning Back

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Rider Of The Pale Horse Pt.2

It was a very emotional reunion with her family. Ingrid's two sons, three daughters and her eight grandchildren had all gathered in her daughter, Brigit's home. As she walked through the door; everyone leapt with happiness upon seeing her. There were many tears and even more apologies as everyone made amends with their beloved matriarch.

As the hazy dawn grew nearer; everyone agreed that it would be safer for Ingrid to continue to live with the Richtofens. They were far wealthier than everyone in the village and they paid Ingrid far beyond what was required. By staying there, she would continue to be able to earn a decent living whilst remaining safely within the confines of their land. And with a poignant and sorrowful goodbye; the elderly woman left the warmth of her daughter's candle lit home and ventured back out into the darkness of the village outside.

Upon sneaking back - Ingrid slipped into her quarters without a word. But Jürgen, however, had been unable to sleep that particular evening and heard her returning from the village. He jumped with a start as he heard the cast iron gates gently screech shut. Jürgen tiptoed out of bed and looked out of the window to see Ingrid quietly making her way up the path towards the house.

He had long since realised how difficult it had been for Ingrid. But the sight of her dressed all in black with her cloak pulled over her head as the fabrics draped and fluttered in the cold night air felt more like a bad omen. And even though the fact that Ingrid had snuck out leaving Jürgen with mixed feelings; he opted not to say anything about her clandestine outing. And so, he quickly quelled the feelings of unease and concern that the evening's revelations evoked.

However, after successfully burying the thoughts of that evening; Ingrid began to feel poorly a few days later. Outwardly, she insisted that it was simply put it down to her age and the ever changeable damp autumnal weather whenever anyone in the house asked. Whilst inwardly, her heart was full of worry as as wondered whether it was something much worse. But, of course, the rest of the family saw no alarm in Ingrid's condition - except for Jürgen.

He too began to worry that Ingrid had caught the disease that evening she left for the village. And now - his family were at risk. One of Ingrid's main duties had been cooking but to everyone's surprise; Jürgen strangely dissuaded her from doing so. In fact, Jürgen had insisted that she cease many the tasks she had been paid to do anymore.

And as each night passed; Ingrid's condition continued to worsen. Jürgen feared the worst as he lay awake every night wrought with worry as Ingrid's muffled coughs and feverish shivers made their way through the house. And like any good wife, Larissa had known that something was on her husband's mind as she too lay awake each night listening to him toss and turn.

She knew Jürgen would try to continue carrying the burden of what was worrying him,alone. And even though she appreciated his attempts to protect her and the children she knew that it could not go on. So one evening, she finally insisted that Jürgen come clean. Her heart sank as Jürgen told her about Ingrid's trip into the village. Larissa felt both anger and betrayal that Ingrid would do something so selfish - despite all the care and hospitality she and her husband had shown over the years.

Both tearfully agreed what should be done. The village doctor had long since refused to attend to anyone in the house. So, they would be forced to take Ingrid into the village in the hope that the villagers would take pity and convince the doctor to treat her. And qs much as Jürgen and Larissa cared for Ingrid; their children's health came first. Ingrid's family would have to deal with the consequences of their foolish actions after encouraging an elderly woman to expose herself to such a deadly disease.

Primis, unable to sleep, had been sitting by his parent's bedroom door the whole time. He had simply left his bedroom to fetch a glass of water but ended up finding himself anxiously eavesdropping on everything they discussed that night. His heart clenched as he listened to his parents conjure their plan to deal with Ingrid. But as he heard them get out of bed to execute it - he quietly tiptoed back to his bedroom like a whisper in the night.

He lay there shivering with worry as Jürgen quietly opened the door ajar. He looked in to check on Primis - who managed to convincingly feign sleep in light of the situation. Primis' eyes quickly cracked open once he heard the door close and got up to look outside the window.

It was dawn as the sun began to rise up over the horizon. He could still hear Ingrid's coughs and splutters beneath the mumbling of his parents in the hallway. Then, he heard Anna's voice as she left her room and ventured out to ask what was going on. She was quickly reassured to go back back bed by Larissa which, to Primis' surprise, Anna did as she was told without another word.

Larissa and Jürgen made their way down the hall towards Ingrid's room as Primis quietly left his bedroom and followed closely behind. The faint light from the candle illuminated the hallway with a sickly flicker. Larissa and Jürgen remained at a distance as they stayed on the threshold of the room. Primis' chest tightened when he heard Ingrid's weakened voice acknowledge them.

"I know jou snuck out to zhe village, Ingrid", Jürgen stated aloud.

The elderly woman began to apologise profusely as she begged them for forgiveness. She knew deep down that she had become stricken with the disease and had not left her room for days.

"Ingrid, my dear, please do not apologise. Ve understand vhy jou did it. But staying here will not help you and we cannot risk the children's health", Larissa interjected calmly.

"Ja, und zhe doctor vill not call at zhis address. Ve must get jou to zhe village. I'm sure jour family vill persuade zhe doctor to see to jou", Jürgen explained.

Ingrid quietly conceeded as she knew she could not risk Primis and Anna's health. So the three agreed to leave for the village immediately. Jürgen and Larissa tore rags which were folded many times and tied around their noses and mouths. Jürgen fashioned a stretcher out of a bedsheet which was secured to two long broom handles on each side. Both then delicately lifted Ingrid onto the stretcher - who was now beginning to sweat profusely and vomit.

Primis felt a tear fall down his face as he began to quietly cry. He and Anna loved Ingrid deeply and she had long since become a member of the family. And even though what she did was foolish - he still loved her like a grandparent.

As they emerged from from room with Ingrid in her state, Primis' breath hitched once he saw her deathly pale face. He silently sobbed as he watched his parents quietly leave the house and make their way down the garden path with Ingrid. The gate screeched as they left the safety of the family home and made their way out towards the village.

The sun was beginning to light up the streets as Primis watched them until they disappeared from view...

End of part twenty-six...