He guided Shadow first toward Rose’s tree on the hill, then to her favored spot in the woods beside the waterfall. Not seeing her at either of those places, he began searching for her father’s old house. He had to find it soon, before night fell and it grew even darker.
He pushed Shadow down the narrow path that he believed led to the woodcutter’s cottage. Shadow responded nimbly to his commands as Wilhelm guided him off the path time and again, searching the woods for the cottage. It was so dark in the dense forest, with the thick clouds darkening the sky, he couldn’t see far. “God, help me!” Wilhelm cried out. Every moment counted. With the fading light, the evening air grew colder and colder. If Rose did happen to be in the little cottage, she would be freezing by now. “God, help me find it!”
Wolfie’s warning bark and growls came to him from his right. He turned Shadow toward the sound. Soon he spotted the dark square of the house. “Thank you, God.” He leapt off Shadow’s back. Hold on, Rose. I’m coming.
Chapter 23
“It’s me, Wolfie. That’s a good boy.”
The dog stood in the open doorway. Wilhelm slowed his steps and held out his hand to him, waiting for him to catch his scent and remember that he was a friend. The dog sniffed and then whimpered, moving aside. Wilhelm strode quickly into the house.
“Rose?” A dark form lay on the floor. He crossed the floor and dropped to his knees beside her.
“Thirsty.”
Rose was lying on her side. Wilhelm laid his hand on her forehead. Burning hot.
She shivered. He whipped out the woolen cloak he’d kept against his side and spread it over her. “Everything is all right. I’m here.”
He jumped up and whirled around, searching for something that would hold water. Spotting a metal dipper with a broken handle on a shelf, he grabbed it and ran outside to the stream behind the house. He dipped it into the icy water and hastened back inside.
Wilhelm sat on the floor beside her and slipped his arm underneath her. He lifted her head and shoulders and propped her against his chest. She grimaced, but still didn’t open her eyes. “Drink this.” He placed the cup to her lips.
Some water dribbled down her chin then she parted her lips and drank. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
“Rose. I’m here. I’m taking you home.” He smoothed back the strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek. “Drink some more.” He held the cup to her lips again.
“Thank you.”
Her voice was raspy and weak, but it gave him hope.
“I don’t think I can walk,” she said.
“No, you don’t have to walk.”
Wilhelm pulled the hood of the cloak over her head and lifted her into his arms. She moaned.
“Are you in pain? Where?”
Her eyes were closed as she spoke. “My neck. But I think I’m merely tired.” Her voice trailed off.
Wilhelm carried her outside where Shadow stood waiting. He lifted Rose’s limp body and held her in the saddle while he mounted up behind her. He opened his cloak and pulled her against him, wrapping the material around her, protecting her from the rain and sleet that was still falling. Her head lay against his chest, just below his chin. He pulled her hood low over her face, seized the reins, and urged Shadow forward.
Rose moaned and Wilhelm slowed Shadow’s pace. He pressed his lips against the top of her head. “Everything’s all right now. I’m taking you home.” The heat of her feverish cheek burned through his clothing.
God, heal her. Don’t let her die. The words of his prayer repeated over and over to the rhythm of Shadow’s hooves.
Her body shuddered and she snuggled closer to him. She placed one hand against his chest and slipped her other hand around to his back. She mumbled something, but he couldn’t make out the words.
His temples pounded with his urgency to get Rose to Frau Geruscha. But he tried not to let Shadow move at too quick a pace. Finally, after making Shadow walk the whole way to keep from causing her pain, they neared the town gate. The guard recognized Wilhelm and let them in. He guided Shadow toward the southwest tower of the castle.
“We’re here, Rose. I have you.” He slid off the horse, pulling her off after him while supporting her head and neck. He cradled her in his arms as he carried her into Frau Geruscha’s chamber.
“You found her!” Frau Geruscha hurried toward them. Her relieved tone and expression immediately turned to alarm. “Is she hurt?”
“She’s burning up with fever.” Wilhelm lowered her carefully onto the bed and she moaned again, her face scrunching up in pain. “Her neck hurts and she’s confused.”
Wilhelm watched the color drain from Frau Geruscha’s face.
“What? What is it?” Wilhelm demanded.
She didn’t say anything.
“Tell me.” Wilhelm took a step toward her.
“She must have what the baker’s daughter had.”
“The baker’s daughter? What happened to her?”
Frau Geruscha would not look up. “She died.”
Wilhelm’s heart stopped.
“But that doesn’t mean…Rose is older and stronger.”