Once Dustin was breathing softly and in a deep slumber, did Ann get up. walked slowly not to waken him. . She held  him a little longer, missed having little ones in the house. Kate and Johh grew up fast and her own kids were grown. Ann left the drink by the bed with the oil lamp dimmed just incase he woke up with a nightmare.  Ann added a few logs on the fire. She snuck out closing the door softly. Ann turned out the light in the halls as she walked toward her room. The house was always quiet. She was startled a bit as Kate stuck out her head, Ann, is Dustin alright. Ann felt her heart stop and raised he hand to her chest. "Gracious child you scared me." Kate walked out in her night gown, "I am sorry Ann. I had to know if Dustin is.." Ann walked to her, "He is fine, the poor Dear just needs a good nights rest. Don't worry Kate, he will be sad for a while. Good night."<br/>Kate gave Ann a hug and kiss on the cheek, "Goodnight Ann. See you in the morning. Ann, you will let him sleep in."<br/>Ann nods, "Indeed I will see he is not disturbed."<br/>Kate reentered her room and left the door cracked and Ann closed it.<br/>It was the weekend and all slept in late next morning. It was around 11 am when Ann checked on Dustin. She heard Dustin wheezing, coughing hard. Ann felt his forehead and he was burning with fever. His neck and arms were covered with red rashy spots. She did not allow anyone in the room. The older woman had seen this before. It was carried by orcs and could leave a human with limited site, or hearing or unable to speak. It took weeks to run its course. Ann felt horrible for the young man. She hoped he was strong enough to survive. The fever could kill a child or elderly. Ann had the sickness and guessed the wound on Dustin's wrist contained the poison from a cactus that grew in the barrens. There was no cure in mountains. The rash and fever start followed by stomach pains, and at worse convulsions.