Coreopsis

 First insert, part six

The guard brought two people with him back from the train. There was no introductions. They scrubbed up and got to work. Dying tourches were replaced with fresh ones. More hot water arrived. Soiled fabrics were taken away. Tools were boiled. 

Sarah sighed, “would you asked if it’s okay to bring linens from the train? We don’t have enough.” Orion translated. Leader Lady nodded yes. The guard was sent back to the train.

When the guard returned, not only did he bring a laundry sack full of fresh linen, he had a message. There were no boulders in the snow bank. The train could plow through. And the damage to the tracks ended up being very minimal. Only a thousand feet of track had been damaged. But there was a miles worth of debris on the tracks that gave them the appearance of being damaged. When shall we leave?”

Orion looked at Sarah before he answered, “when the job is finished.”

The guard groaned with disappointment. 

Sarah was amazed that the difference having just two extra people made. The load seemed much lighter. 

The torches were changed again. 

Sarah was so stiff she could hardly stand. “Did I hear you say the train is ready?”

The guard jumped to his feet, “yes!”

Sarah and Orion spent a few minutes in conversation with Leader Lady before it was agreed no more help was needed. 

Once the train was back in motion, the guard couldn’t hold his peace any longer. “They need to pay for the damaged tracks. The time lost. Materials wasted.”

“Materials wasted?” Sarah questioned. 

“Our linens. And your, plus the other doctor’s time.”

Sarah got directly in his face, “send me a bill.”

When they were in their car, Orion voiced, “I think our guard made an enemy today?”

She only bristled.