Plague Doctor Emil (special preview)

Luckily, it doesn’t take too long for us to receive word from someone who is willing to help us. He arrives on day driving a carriage with a showy picture painted along the side. It read: “Doctor Emil’s Wonder Serum”. 

You and the other exchange wary looks, wondering if he’s really a doctor or some sideshow huckster trying to sell his wares. As Emil steps off his carriage, you see he’s wearing dark clothes where the wrists and ankles are tight to the body. He has on a wide brimmed hat with a gold band and below it he’s wearing an odd mask. It’s white with dark lenses for eyes and the face is stretched out into a long beak. 

“Hello, hello, hello,” Emil sings as he approaches you at the door. He takes off his hat and bows low, swinging his hat into the air. “Doctor Emil are your service, my lady!” His voice is sing-songy and bright. He certainly sounds like some snake oil salesman. 

He stands erect and places his hat back on his head. “I was told there were some seriously ill people here.” He tilts his head up and whistles. “Nice place ya got here.” He’s pretty tall, but he’s a little thick, kind of husky.

You scowl and step towards him. “The Lady of the place and her son are extremely ill,” you tell him with a hushed, dangerous tone. “They’re both weak, pale, and are having labored breathing.”

Emil tilts his head as your talk.

“The little boy has been coughing blood for three days now. The lady barely moves. She doesn’t eat or drink. She just lies there.” You ball up your fists and glare at him. “If you’re just someone looking for a quick dollar then here-” you shove a fist full of money at him. 

“This isn’t a place for false miracles,” you whisper.

Emil looks down at the money in his hands then holds it back out to you. “I do not promise such things. I promise results.” He looks back at his carriage. “Yes, I sell my wares on roadsides and markets. Yes I try to make a quick buck anyway I can. But first and foremost I respect my craft and I do know how to heal.” He places the money back into your pockets.

“Let me see the patients,” the song is gone from his voice.

You take him to the quarantined area, following him into the bedroom. He looks over Lady Iris and then checks on Rodry.

“Nanny,” she wheezes.