Kapitel 56: Basic treatment
"You can't order me around. We're both clerics, we both studied basic math, health treatment, the Bible, and our great Creator. Well, at least I did," the cleric said defensively.
"Did you even listen to what the girl said? They haven't eaten or drunk anything since yesterday, so please, could you go grab something for them? Maybe a soup?" Rafael pleaded.
It will take years until I can make serious changes in this world if I keep like this, Rafael thought with a sigh.
"Of course, I heard it and I know they need food, but after the real treatment! What you're doing is... I don't even know what you're doing," the cleric insisted, his frustration palpable.
"I'm the high priest's apprentice. These past days, I've learned many things from him. Do you understand now?" Rafael said firmly.
The cleric narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Rafael. "Wait here; I'll get the food." He left, his expression a mix of irritation and begrudging respect.
If Julius asks, I'll just say I had a sudden... Enlightenment, Rafael thought as he took a wooden chair from the entrance and sat between the two beds. "Miss, how are you feeling? Weak? Any pain?"
The woman, appearing to be in her fifties with wrinkles and white hair, spoke in a weak voice, "I... have a headache and I feel weak. I think it was those old fruits I bought that left me sick." She was visibly sweating.
"You must avoid spoiled food," Rafael advised gently.
"But it was all we could buy... Now my husband and my son are working double shifts to make up for us," she said, her regret and sorrow evident.
It boggles my mind how bad things were... are in these ancient times, Rafael thought.
He waited until the cleric returned with a bowl of porridge, accompanied by another man. The newcomer had a green strip on each arm, indicating he was a priest. The cleric stepped aside to let him enter. The priest eyed Rafael with suspicion, clearly hoping for the cleric to reprimand him for pretending to be the high priest's apprentice.
"Ooh, we finally meet, Cleric Robert," the priest said, shaking Rafael's hand enthusiastically. The other cleric, standing at the back, looked surprised.
"Wait, sir, you know him?" the cleric asked in disbelief.
"But of course! The high priest told incredible things about you when we met yesterday. Since then, I've been trying to find time to talk to you, but there's so much to do. Fortunately, now, by coincidence or not, the opportunity has come."
"Well, we can talk while we take care of the people inside," Rafael suggested.
"Oh, what happened? Are they not feeling well?" the priest asked, concern evident.
"They've eaten something bad and are now sick, but it's not too serious. They only need rest and good care. Here, miss, eat this; it will make you better," Rafael said, handing her the porridge.
"You should try bloodletting; it will help. Leave that to our brother here while we speak in the other room," the priest said, dismissing Rafael's methods.
"Leave it to me, I'll grab the things," the priest said happily, heading toward the other room.
"Wait! I already told you, that doesn't help. Priest, tell him to stay here while we talk over there." Rafael insisted, frustrated. The priest found the suggestion strange and would have reprimanded anyone else, but he saw potential in Rafael's claims.
"Brother, stay here with the girls," the priest commanded, his tone authoritative.
At that moment, a girl carrying two buckets of water entered the house. "Sir, I did what you asked."
"Good. Leave it there, beside the bed," Rafael instructed. He then explained to the cleric and the girl how to use the cold water and towels to lower the patients' body temperatures and wait for the hot water to cool down before giving it to them to drink.
Rafael took a seat in front of the priest. "Interesting ideas... But are you sure it will work? Just eating and drinking?"
"I'm pretty sure. So, the high priest talked with you about me. I'm curious about what he said," Rafael inquired.
The priest's eyes widened with enthusiasm. "Julius told me incredible things, like... You. Someone who received a divine message and mission! Is that true? What was it like? Did you hear any voices?"
He called the high priest by his name. Maybe they are close friends, which is why he spoke about me, Rafael mused.
"I'm but a humble servant of our Creator and was honored to receive a mission. One night, I received my first mission in a dream—to inform the high priest of the papermaking process." Rafael began his story, and the priest listened with rapt attention.
"... It wouldn't be easy, I knew, but it had to be done. I faced many hardships on my journey to Calistoga..." Rafael sighed audibly. "But as an emissary of He, I didn't give up and completed my quest."
"Amen! You are a special cleric, Robert, you know that, right?" the priest said, his voice filled with admiration.
"Yes. I'm... Different. When I was baptized, I received another mission, one even harder than before."
"I know, I know. Julius told me everything and asked for my vote."
"Your vote?"
"Yes. Next month, I'll vote for you to become a priest. Julius is talking with every priest at Calistoga, spreading your feats and asking for their votes and protection for you."
Fuck yeah! Julius, you're the best, Rafael thought, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Ah, I'm really grateful for your help. In some way, you all are helping the Great Father by helping me. Amen."
"Amen! Now, Julius also mentioned this new objective or mission you received. I heard interesting things from him. Cement or liquid stone is a game-changer by itself, but you—Ahem—he, gifted us with even more like the printing press and... distillation. Julius asked my help to test the last one. Could you explain everything you know about it?"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein