In the mouth of a Serpent

"How is he, doctor?" came the worried words of Brandon as he peered at Noah who was sitting on the flat bed which was used by the patients during examination. 

Noah's shirt was half open as the doctor in charge of treating his injuries rubbed a medicinal ointment to treat the wound on the side of his abdomen. 

The bruise looked terrifying as the area where Nicolai had kicked Noah had turned a dark purplish. 

"It's nothing to worry about," replied the doctor as he pulled away picked up an ice pack from the table and handed it to Brandon. "Apply this ice pack on the bruise after twenty minutes. Wait until the skin has absorbed the ointment." 

He then turned to look at Noah before advising patiently, "Keep the bruise elevated at all times, Mister Nelson. Though it's just a small matter, as the damage to your blood vessels is not severe, it can still turn life-threatening if you are not careful."