Judith’s eyes widened in fear, “What’s going to happened to me?” she stammered losing her nerve.

“We need to infect you with a disease,” said Dmitri softly.

Fear turned to outrage in an instant, “What?” she demanded, “Have you fallen so low that you would do what that mad man asks?”

As she continued, her voice became shrill. Dmitri tried to quiet her down with placating gestures, but she was growing even more agitated. She got up and began to rant and rave, cursing Dmitri and Draycott. She continued until Claudia hit her over the head with one of the larger tomes.

“Claudia!” exclaimed Dmitri in shock, “What did you do that for?”

“To quieten her,” said Claudia simply with a shrug. “It seemed like the thing to do. Besides, I didn’t like the way that she was looking at you; all dreamy eyed, as if you were a hero out of legend!” She laughed, “She stopped after you told her your plan of course,” she snorted. “That worked really well didn’t it,” she finished sarcastically.

Dmitri was in disbelief because of her behaviour and her incessant talking since she hit Judith, not to mention the jealously there in the first place. How could she think like that? Hadn’t he shown her how he felt by now? He held up a hand to stop her tirade, “You are a fool sometimes Claudia, but that could be why I feel about you the way I do. If we infect her while she is out, she won’t fight us the way she did.”

Claudia caught only one part of what he had said, “They way you feel about me?” she asked turning dreamy-eyed herself. Dmitri sighed, unable to understand women. He bent down and grabbed Judith by the ankles, “Do you mind?” he asked, indicating that Claudia take her by the arms. They lay her on a workbench with some padded cloth beneath her head.

“We can’t get her to eat the stuff, but if we can put some inside her mouth at all, it will begin to do the job,” said Dmitri getting one of the samples. Claudia looked on in morbid fascination. Using a spoon, he gathered a small scoop of the black ooze and holding her mouth open with one hand, he scraped the spoon clean against the side of her mouth.

“Done,” said Dmitri standing up straight again.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Wake her up,” said Claudia in a hushed voice.

Dmitri nodded, “But first, we are not to give her any water. The formula you made does all of that and any additional water could produce unexpected results.”

He looked at Claudia for confirmation that she understood and she nodded. Dmitri shook Judith gently; no response. He looked at Claudia, “How hard did you hit her?”

Claudia looked horrified, “Not that hard. She is breathing isn’t she?”

Dmitri placed his hand near Judith’s mouth and nose, to feel her exhale. “She is breathing. Get me some water,” he said pointing to a pitcher on the table.

“But you said-“ started Claudia.

“I know what I said, I’m not going to make her drink it,” interrupted Dmitri.

Claudia did as requested and retrieved the water. Dmitri surprised her by splashing some water in Judith’s face. Judith rocketed upright, coughing and spluttering, “What?” she began and then she was interrupted by a coughing fit. Dmitri made soothing gestures and patted her on the back. When she had calmed down somewhat, her shoulders sagged in defeat as realisation hit, “You infected me didn’t you?”

Dmitri nodded solemnly, “Yes, it was the only way.”

“The only way to what?” demanded Judith.

“To get out of here and defeat Akahaziel,” replied Claudia.

“How am I meant to help with that?” asked Judith stunned, “I’m only a merchant!”

“In good standing with those in the French village though yes?” asked Dmitri.

“I wouldn’t say the best standing,” she replied. “But yes, they know me and I have traded with them if that is what you mean?”

“Our original plan involved a Frenchman from my village,” explained Claudia. “We were sure that Draycott would have sent one down in an attempt to break my spirit. But then he took it to another level and sent you in; this way, it makes us infect you with the disease instead of someone from my village. You were someone he trusted and ranked high, so if you can be targeted, anyone can.”

“But you have given me the disease!” exclaimed Judith.

“Yes,” said Dmitri, “But this is a modified version. The plan was to get the Frenchman to return to his village and go to the church and pray for Uriel.”

Claudia threw up her hands, “and that’s where it all fell down, you’re not one of them. Will they take you in?”

“I was welcomed into the village as a trader, so I don’t see why not,” said Judith with a shrug.

“The disease isn’t showing yet though,” informed Dmitri.

“What is this disease?” asked Judith, “am I going to die?”

“Not from this, no,” said Dmitri. “But we will need you to get to a church and pray for Uriel. Let him know where we are and that we will need his help to get free.”

Judith repeated the instructions back to confirm them and Dmitri nodded when she got it right.

“Now, I suggest you rest,” said Dmitri. “Tonight will be the hardest night of your life.”

Judith nodded and shuddered, suppressing a sob and closed her eyes tightly.