BG has grown quite a lot. New characters have joined the plot. What will this new volume hold in store. You have to check it out if you want to know more.
A Collaboration of authors from around the globe. A western written in poetry and prose. Wher...
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The wounded Liberty Belle was patched up well, but not well enough to push your luck and rush, it took a full day to reach the dry dock after they had carried the delirious Denver back onboard. The word was out, and the Doc was already waiting to board and made an impressive sight as he attempted to run up the gangway as soon as it was lowered on the dock.
The crew moved respectfully aside, allowing the boys to usher him to Denver's cabin, where he found Missy sitting on the edge of the bed holding the unconscious Denver by the hand. He had drifted in and out of consciousness on the slow journey home and Missy was distressed because even with her powers, she was unable to communicate with his wandering mind. She wasn't used to feeling so useless, so much so, that she was overcome and unusually her eyes were streaming with tears, probably more out of frustration than fear for her husband's wellbeing, for she was aware that there was no one more capable than him of putting up a fight against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Uncharacteristically the rugged old Doc gave her a gentle hug as he slipped her aside, whilst nodding at the boys, indicating that they should show her some tenderness, they didn't need telling twice, as they gently led her away and hugged her with amazing tenderness. She welcomed their attention, but she was no fool and was well aware of their aim and looked at Shadow with a knowing smile, who was already one thought ahead, she knew well that if their powers were to work, all three of them were required.
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The Doc began his examination of Denver, he was a shrewd old fox and there was very little he hadn't seen before and was confident there was a simple explanation, although that didn't mean there would be a simple answer. Even though unconscious, he winced in pain as the Doc attempted to move his head, a reaction that drew his attention. Turning to the boys, he indicated what was required, they didn't want to hurt their father, roll him over they must, just then Petra walked into the room. She wasn't one to dither and pushing the boys aside, she took hold of the bedsheet and gently rolled him over and with ease then drew him back to the centre of the bed, everyone sighed in relief at her painless intervention.
As the Doc had suspected there was a tiny festering insect bite on the base of his neck, he breathed a sigh of relief, as he scratched his head, the two actions were most definitely contradictory, so everyone was puzzled, and Bart couldn't wait for him to finish contemplating and was the first to fire a question at the Doc.
Well Doc, what's the diagnosis?
To which the Doc gave a grumpy reply.
Well first off, he's been bitten by a tick, which he scratched off, hence the inflammation.
And before anyone could interject, he added.
But the good news is that he was fortunate it didn't burrow into an artery or a vein, as he'd be dead by now.
Bart shrugged his shoulders in dismay.
That doesn't sound good Doc, what's your prognosis?
It was now the Doc's turn to shrug his shoulders.
I'mnot sure there is one Son unless you think praying is one, as judging by hiscondition he's contracted a disease called anaplasmosis, which is rarely seenin humans, and I've only seen it in animals, and there's no known cure.
Come on Doc, give it your best shot.
Well, if he were a lot younger it would unlikely be a serious problem, but his age doesn't help him, but by all accounts, he has a strong constitution, so the best we can hope for is that it comes to his aid. But firstly, I must lance the inflammation and remove what remains of the tick and relax the inflammation, which will relieve the excruciating pain in his neck, after that it's all up to you guys.
What do you mean Doc?
You need to keep him cool, I recommend a cold bath every hour, to help break his fever, if you can do that he's not home and dry, but his chance of survival is much higher. And although he's unconscious, with the pain gone, his subconscious will still hear you, so keep talking, every little bit helps.
The Doc returns to his work and deftly lances the inflammation and successfully removes what remains of the tick, it was surprisingly large considering the size of the bite. He cleans the wound and applies a dressing and gives instructions that it should be removed, and the wound is cleaned after every cold bath before applying another dressing.
He turns and addresses the family.
That's as much as I can do, so it's now up to you, and Missy please make sure you follow my instructions, I wish you a good day and may Denver's God be with him, at least for the next twenty-four hours.
They all stand and stare in amazement as he turns tail and leaves.
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