(...)
I'm glad that Ivo decided to contact me rather than ask a ‘wise’ woman for help. It is unsettling how many people still depend on some old crone’s muddled advice rather than ask a professional medicus!
Luckily for young Elina, her father is cleverer than most. When Ivo requested my services, I immediately left the city and travelled south, to their farm. My arrival was most opportune: the girl’s symptoms were on display at the very moment. She was tossing around, drooling. Her father barely had the strength to keep her on the ground.
Falling sickness. A rather rare ailment, but one easily managed by giving the patient some calming infusions. Elina will never be completely free of these attacks, but at least with my advice she will be able to learn to anticipate them better.
Her parents were really grateful. They invited me to dinner, treated me like the guest of honour. Although I’m not one to fraternise with my patients, Ivo and his family turned out to be a charming and generous lot. Yes, I have to admit that I rather enjoyed myself.