"Sister, let me accompany you! I know healing arts!" Elvis grasped Bonnie's hand urgently.
"Very well, but mind you don't get knocked by the staff!"
Seeing no time to argue, Bonnie simply allowed Elvis to follow.
They rushed to the bedchamber where Derek lay deathly pale, the royal physician's trembling fingers pressed to his pulse. After an agonizing silence, the old man shook his head gravely. "The Duke's body is a hollow shell after countless battles. I'd believed rare tonics like ginseng and deer antler could restore him, but..." He sighed deeply. "They cannot replenish a lifetime of wounds. Make your preparations."
Mrs. Gabriel's wail shattered the silence. Bonnie's legs gave way, only Elvis' steadying arms preventing her collapse. Nearby, Thomas crouched low, his knuckles white a
