The Healer [story]

Continued from previous [story] post..



The stranger shot Zeb a stern look as the discovery entered his mind. Usually, William made sure to keep his identity unknown but his injury made his mind swell; survival outweighed sensible thinking at this point. People didn't take well to hunters, so naturally Zeb winced at the dagger and turned his gaze away from the solemn stranger.

The Healer appeared with a cloud of smoke in her wake, elegance came to mind when Zeb saw her. Her body was lithe-like and she moved with slow, graceful movements as if she had all the time in the world to do everything. Her presence was soothing and she seemed to radiate a cure for any troublesome emotion. Instantly, Zeb felt peaceful.

"William, dear boy.." Her voice was silky and it wrapped itself around William, causing him to look up and straighten his back, eyes alert. "Gently apply and sleep comfortably. It may take a few days." She handed William an envelope of birch tree bark, its contents seemed heavy but she handled it with ease.

"My thanks." William said as he showed his respects, turning without a glance at Zeb and walked out the door.

The Healer turned to Zeb and extended a whirl of smoke around him to comfort him. "Some things uncertain demand respect.." Her pale blue eyes pierced his mind. "Your friend is stuck in sleep?" She raised an eyebrow at his thoughts and extended her hand to a near chair. "Please, sit."

Collecting himself, Zeb took a seat and relief filled him. What a trick! This was his first experience with the healer and already he feared the next. In the next room the Healer was uncorking things, spitting; clanking things, whispering and singing? The process was alien to him and within minutes she returned with another birch bark envelope. "Gently, with a soft brush, dust her airway with this. Don't be hasty." Her voice flowed like silk into his ears.

"Yes. My thanks." He paid his respects and turned to the door, anxious to feel like himself again and to see Rainier. As he reached for the handle a voice filled his head, silky, smooth, and enchanting. She will never be the same. You will lose. Zeb winced and looked back only to see the Healer absorbed in her work. Clearly, he was hearing things.. He must hurry.