Wulf finds a distraction

July 5, 1084

Aengus and Cat seemed to be heading inside.

Aengus and Cat seemed to be heading inside. Wulf scrambled for the door so he could beat them down the stairs. He sneaked across the gallery and made it back to his room undetected.

His brother was already sleeping.

He whispered, “Gils!” When that didn’t work, he shook him awake. “Gils! Wake up! I need your help.”

'Gils!  Wake up!  I need your help.'

“What?” Gils whined.

“Whisht! I need you to make a distraction.”

“What? Why?”

“Listen! I have an idea about how to help Wyn.”

Gils sat up. “What?”

'What?'

“I was listening to Aengus and Cat. And they said the blind elf said there was blood and heat in Wyn’s head, and he made it come out, and there was water in his head, but he couldn’t make it come out.”

“What?”

“So, listen! I need you to make a distraction, and I shall go down and make the water come out, and maybe he will be better.”

'Maybe he will be better.'

“You mean make him cry?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. But you have to make a distraction for Da and Lili so I can go down.”

“Like what?”

“Like, I can make you throw up.”

“Oh, not that again!” Gils groaned.

“But it’s the best distraction we have!”

“I know, but why is it always me who has to throw up?”

'I know, but why is it always me who has to throw up?'

“Because I’m bigger, so I have to do whatever the thing is we want to do. And listen!” Wulf smacked his forehead, stunned at his own genius. “I have a better idea! After you throw up, tell Da you remember that dog bit you a little too. And how you think maybe you’re getting a little mad.”

“But then he’ll be scared! And tie me in my bed!”

“I know. But after I’m done, you can tell him you remember he actually didn’t bite you and he’ll let you go.”

Gils pouted. “Can’t you just tell Da you want to help Wyn’s head?”

“But then he would know I was listening to Cat and Aengus!”

'But then he would know I was listening to Cat and Aengus!'

“Maybe he wouldn’t.”

“Maybe he would! And then he’ll tie us in our beds for certain. Every night! Come on! We have to help Wyn. He’s practically our uncle.”

“What do I have to do?” Gils sighed.

“You go out… go out on the gallery! And lean over the wall, and throw up down into the hall. That will get their attention. Go out and hurry! I shall count to ten and make you throw up when I get to ten, so be ready!”

“All right,” Gils said as he prepared to run. “But next time you have to throw up if you want a distraction. No matter what.”

'But next time you have to throw up if you want a distraction.'