When I start to rise from the couch, Keller says, “Don’t leave.”
“I’ll be right back. I promise,” I say before placing a kiss on his head. “Right back.”
He sighs and lets go of my hand, allowing me to leave.
I slip into the kitchen where Lara and Ottar wait. Quietly, Ottar says, “Is this what it was like on the island?”
“Yes,” I whisper. “It came out of nowhere and took him out. He threw up then as well. While you were getting pillows, I asked him if the man who tortured him hit his head a lot, and he said he can’t remember, he blacked out.” My teeth pull on the corner of my mouth as I look back at Keller on the couch. “I think something more serious is happening to him, and I’m really concerned.”
“Same,” Ottar says. “Let me call Theo and see what he says. We can have Runa bring supplies as well as the palace doctor. I want to make sure Theo would be okay with that first since it’s bringing someone from the outside in.”
“We can trust Runa,” I say. “She would never do anything to cross us.”
“I know,” Ottar says. “That’s why I suggested her, but since the palace is on lockdown, I just want to make sure we have all of our bases covered.”
“I understand.”
Ottar slips past us and into the back room where Keller and I did our studying sessions. When the door shuts, Lara turns toward me. “I hope he’s okay.”
“Me too,” I say as I twist my hands in front of me. “He’s been struggling. Been really foggy. He told me it’s really frustrating that he can’t figure out who is behind all of this. That the voice that spoke to him was familiar, but he couldn’t place it. It’s almost like his brain isn’t fully functioning, and that’s scary, Lara.”
“I know. He took notes, right? Maybe we can look at his notes and see if we can figure everything out.”
“He did. He brought his notebook down to discuss with you, but then all of a sudden, his head started really hurting him and then, well, you know what happened after that.”
“Let’s see what Ottar says and then we can figure this out because the sooner we do, the sooner we can relay it to Theo, and he can decide what to do. He’s been working closely with King Clinton on a plan of attack. If Arkham is involved, it won’t be pretty for them, especially since Theo is working on joining the ITO.”
“I know I should know this, but what is the ITO?”
“The Icelandic Treaty Organization. It’s made up of fifteen countries that all pledge military allegiance to each other. Arkham is not a part of it, nor is Torskethorpe because we’ve never had a reason to join. Like I told you before, Torskethorpe has always been a peaceful country. But now with these threats, Theo wants to join, and King Clinton is assisting in the process, one of the reasons he’s also in Marsdale.”
“I get it.” I glance over at Keller and ask, “Why aren’t we in Marsdale? It seems safer there.”
“With the source of the threats still undetermined, Theo won’t have the current monarch and future monarch in the same place.”
“Ah.” I nod. “That makes sense.”
Just then, Ottar walks back into the kitchen while pocketing his phone. “Theo wants a doctor sent out here immediately. I’ve contacted Runa, she’s already pulling together supplies and gathering the doctor. She’s been briefed on the conditions.”
“Was Theo worried?” I ask.
Ottar nods his head. “Very. We considered taking Keller to a hospital, but once again, without knowing the threat, it could prove more dangerous. We’re best hiding out for now.”
“Are we sure we can trust the doctor?” I ask.
Ottar nods. “Yes, he’s been cleared.”
“Okay,” I say. “When do you think they’ll get here?”
“Late today or tomorrow depending on when Runa can meet up with the doctor.”
“Well, I hope it’s late today,” I answer.
“Me too, but for now, why don’t you go sit with him? I’m going to look up some home remedies that might help with migraines. Let’s not bother him with questions until the doctor gets here.”
“Agreed,” I say and then take a deep breath. When I look up at Ottar, I say, “I’m scared.”
He gently rubs my shoulder. “It’s okay. We’ll take care of him. Nothing will happen.”
