Chapter 23 Touched

“I cannot believe you went looking for him in the woods alone!” said a boy’s voice.

“It was no less dangerous than you playing with your food.” a girl retorted.

“Well at least you found our merchant. What made you bring him back?”

“I did not want strangers to start coming around do to his absence. Plus there is something strange about him. He continues to repeat the same words. At first I thought it was his fever. Then I realized he was touched.”

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“By whom, this could be a trick.”

Sadko opened his eyes to see two white blonde youths. Their images along with the room continued to stretch and shrink. All he could say was: “Find the stones. Find the lake. Destroy the garden.” He did this with chattering teeth as a great chill came over him. The girl put a warm cloth upon his head. “Rest, be still. We have heard you.” Sadko felt one last burst of cold in his mind. There was a flash as white as snow that formed into a lovely woman dancing. He sat up and threw his arms around this woman. “I will win you my love!”

Hansel snarled and punched the merchant out.

“You are impossible,” Gretel placed her hands on her hips. “He only gave me a hug.”

“He has a fever. He needs his rest.” Hansel gritted and turned away, folding his arms.

Gretel giggled and tended Sadko’s newest bruise.