The small grill in the heavey door, grated on rusted hinges as it opened. Sterling, head bent downward, was not bothered by the light that was cast inward.
"What is it?" a voice called, barely louder than a whisper. It struck Sterling as strange. Since when did guards whisper or slink about their own gaols, constantly looking over their shoulders where their prisoners were concerned? Lilly's words finally struck a cord.
know that there be a man here in Port who seeks you out and he will cozen ye out of your life if ye let him.
Battered head lifted enough for Sterling to glance quickly upward at the small opening.
"If you cannot send me a doctor then I need you to give me some water. Some linen if you can. Please," he said, his own voice barely audible.
There was a long pause on the outside. Sterling forced his body around and allowed it to slide down until he was sitting, his back supported by the door itself.
"I shall see what I can do." The answer came to him, again but a whisper, before the small portal was once again slammed shut and secured.
"Wait!!" Sterling shouted. "The old hag. She will do! At least allow her to return. She said she would come again to help me!"
The portal opened quickly.
"Hold yer tongue!!" the guard hissed. "Or I can do nothing to help you at all!"