BreadCrumb Trail (The Yellow Hoods, #2): Steampunk meets Fairy Tale by Adam Dreece Page B

Tee. “Nikolas learned a lot about medicine from your other grandfather. The girl is in good hands.”
    Tee was surprised. “I didn’t know Granddad knew medicine?”
    “Sam Baker may be a small man, but he is very knowledgeable. Now, off you go,” said Anna, ushering them out.
    After the Yellow Hoods were on their way, Anna went upstairs. “Here’s the hot water you needed,” she said, handing the kettle carefully to Nikolas. “I’ll be on my way. I wasn’t planning on staying the entire day.”
    “Understood,” said Nikolas. “Thank you for your assistance.”
    Alman leapt off the bed where Mounira lay wrapped in fresh blankets. “Yes, thank you,” he said, shaking Anna’s hand, surprised at the strength and firmness of her grip.
    Anna looked at the girl. “Your daughter looks like a fighter. She’ll make it,” said Anna flatly. “Good luck.” With that, she left.
    Once the sheep bladders were refilled and placed between layers of blankets, Alman made himself comfortable beside his daughter. There was just enough room for two.
    Nikolas thought back to how many scares he and Isabella had had with one or another of their children, of how many times they had lain with one of them, waiting and hoping for them to get better. Sometimes, Isabella would bring him paper, a quill, and ink—so he could sketch ideas while he lay there—but not once did he use them. He understood what Alman was going through. “I’ll be downstairs,” Nikolas said, and then left the room.
    Alman kissed his daughter on the head, and fell asleep.
    Hours later, Mounira awoke, confused and groggy. “Where am I?” she asked, waking her father. “Why can’t I move?”
    Alman smiled and stretched. “It’s okay, Mouni. You’re safe. You were very cold. Anciano de Montagne and the Yellow Hoods found you. Anciano Klaus bundled you up and made sure your soul could warm up properly,” he said, stroking her cheek. 
    “Baba, I feel so hot,” she said, yawning and looking around. “Can you take some blankets off?”
    “Let me go and ask Anciano Klaus, okay? I’ll be right back.”
    Mounira lazily looked around the simple bedroom. Oil lamps in the corners gave the room a warm glow. Sunlight peeked through the closed curtains, telling Mounira it might be late morning.
    Alman returned with a smile. “He says it’s okay to unwrap you. We should also change the bandages on your feet, anyway,” he said, helping her out of the blankets.
    “My feet are fine,” replied Mounira.
    Alman’s face paled, and inside the terrible weight he carried got heavier. “Mouni, I must tell you… you burned your feet.”
    Mounira shook her head. “No, they’re fine. They feel fine. Maybe they caught a little fire,” she said, annoyed. “You don’t trust me. Look, I’ll show you.” She unwrapped her bandaged feet, and only then realized how bad they looked.
    Confused again, she looked to her father. The feisty girl who was just telling her father off now needed him. “But… but they don’t hurt, Baba. Why don’t they hurt?”
    He cuddled her and rocked her gently. “You’ll be okay. You are tough inside, and you will be fine. Your feet need time to heal, that’s all. Okay?” he said, kissing the top of her head and smoothing her short hair.
    Nikolas walked in with fresh bandages and placed them on the bed. “Let’s have a look at your feet, yes?” He bent down to examine them. “Can you feel this?” Nikolas touched the bottom of her foot.
    “Yes,” said Mounira.
    “Alright,” said Nikolas. He then pulled out a butter knife and poked her right foot a bit sharply. Mounira had no reaction.
    “Nothing?” said Nikolas.
    “I felt a pushing, but that’s all,” she replied.
    “Interesting. You feel soft things only, yes?” asked Nikolas.
    Mounira had to think about it. “I think so,” she said, uncertain. “I just don’t really think about how things feel, except for maybe my stump, because sometimes I can’t block it