by Donald White
Timmy looked at his mother.
Marge asked nervously "Uh, doctor, is that really necessary?"
The doctor opened a drawer and took out a long spoon. "It is the only way to clear his stomach of whatever is causing the trouble. She picked up the bottle and walked over to where the boy sat.
Little Timmy's eyes went wide, as Doctor Flora opened the bottle and poured some into the spoon.
She drew close to the boy. "Now Timmy, open wide."
The boy jumped off the table and ran for the door. "I'm fine, Doctor Flora. My stomach feels all better, now."
Marge gave a look of embarrassment and followed him out of the room. A moment later, the front door opened and then swiftly closed.
Doctor Flora smiled, placing the spoon in a basin of water.
A rich, resonant voice spoke from behind her. "Flora."
She turned, noticing Galen, standing in the doorway. "Well, I see you managed to get out of bed by yourself."
The high elf nodded, holding one hand over his wound. "I can feel my strength slowly returning. Whose voices did I hear before I entered this room?"
"Marge and her son, Timmy. She brought the boy here, saying that he had been complaining about pains in his stomach. But I knew she was really here to see you."
Galen stared at her, curious.
She explained, "Their acting was poor. If the boy had been in that much pain, he would have shown different signs of it. I also noticed that Marge was attempting to leave the room, while I cared for her son. Most mothers would have stayed to comfort the boy and find out what the problem was. And besides that, it would have been highly unlikely that the food he ate for breakfast would have caused such a problem. Considering the fact that she feeds him the same thing, quite often. So, I put them to the test. If he had really been in that much pain, he would have reluctantly drank what I offered him."
The elf looked at the bottle. "What would it have done to him that he hastened to leave in such an abrupt manner?"
The woman grinned. "Let's just say that it would have emptied him of whatever was causing the trouble."
Galen cocked an eyebrow, guessing at her meaning. "You exposed their attempt at deception, Flora. You did well."
She reddened. "Thank you, Galen."
He groaned slightly. "Though my pain has diminished, it has not been entirely relieved."
She replied, "Just a few more days, and it will go away. But take care, for it will be easy to re-injure yourself." She placed the bottle back in the cabinet. "My assistants will be here shortly. They will feed you."
Galen asked, "Will you bring me a cup of your wonderful juice?"
She looked at him. "You liked it?"
"Yes."
She clasped her hands together. "Then, I shall make some more for you."
He bowed slightly. "You have my thanks."
She tittered and then asked, "Do you need help getting back to your bed?"
Galen shook his head. "I am weary of it. I shall stand by the window and await your two assistants."
She glanced at him. "Very well." She bowed slightly, and then giggled.
He watched her leave the room thinking, This creature is as silly as a sprite.
***
The Ranger returned with word from the dark knight. "Sir Devaro will come here himself."
Sharu look at him, confused. "He commanded us to observe unseen. How will he pass into this land without the humans being aware of his presence?"
"He did not reveal that to me."
Sharu turned to the third Ranger in the trio. "We will observe the murderer, but will stay our hands from slaying him; lest our actions prove to interfere with those of Sir Devaro."
The Hunter agreed. "Wisdom would call for restraint. We would do well to heed such a call."
Sharu asked the returning one, "Did the dark knight give us any further orders?"
"No. He merely called for our patience and for us to continue our observation."
Sharu tilted his head back in contemplation. Then, he said, "We will watch our prey. His location shall remain known to us. Likewise, we shall observe the mending of his wound. Watch the people around him. And watch the woman who cares for him. We must be ready when the dark knight arrives."
The other two nodded their heads slowly.
***
The morning drew on, as Flora and her assistants attended to their duties. First, one or two people came to be treated. Then, a few more… The doctor brought them to the room beside the one Galen was in.
Doctor Flora greeted, "Hello, Ed. What seems to be the problem?"
The man stood up and stretched. "Well doc, I was baling hay, and I think I threw out my back."
"Very well. Take off your shirt, please."
"Sure thing."
She placed her hands on certain areas of the man's back. "Now, tell me if it hurts."
Ed was silent for a moment, and then he groaned. "Right there, doc. That's where it is."
She nodded. "Ayla, get a towel and some hot water."
The assistant hurried out of the room.
Flora turned back to the man. "Now Ed, sit straight and raise your arms out to the side."
The man did so, and then gave a whimper of pain.
She turned to her other assistant. "Cindy?"
The tall girl stood behind the man, and gently grasped his outstretched wrists. "Ready, doctor."
Flora spoke "Cindy is going to pull back on your arms, Ed. Let me know if this hurts." She nodded at the girl.
Cindy pulled.
Ed whimpered louder.
The assistant let go. "I'm sorry."
Flora frowned at her. Then, she said to the patient "You have strained certain of the muscles in your back, Ed."
Ayla came through the door, carrying a basin of water, with a towel hung over her shoulder. "Here you go, doctor."
Flora nodded, taking the towel and immersing it in the hot water. "The heat should serve to relieve the swelling, Ed. However, this evening I need you to take a towel and drench it with cold water."
The man winced, feeling the heat. "Sure thing, doc."
She went to the sink to wash her hands. "Those hay bales are very heavy, Ed. Please be careful."
He gave a grin. "When the work's got to be done, it's got to be done. But I'll certainly try not to hurt myself."
The doctor replied, "Let me know if you have any more troubles, Ed."
Ayla smiled sweetly, handing him his shirt. "See you later, Ed."
Cindy opened the door for him. "Take care of yourself."
He nodded, walking out of the room.
Flora turned to Ayla. "I want you to clean up. Cindy, I need to speak with you."
"Yes, doctor."
When they were outside the room, Flora spoke. "I know you were concerned for the patient's sake, Cindy. But you must get used to dealing with people in pain."
"I'm sorry, doctor. I just felt..."
Flora eyed her sternly. "Cindy, we are here to help people… some who may be in grievous pain. You must condition yourself to help them, regardless of whether or not it hurts them. If that man had torn something, then releasing him, as you did, could have worsened the injury."
The girl bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Doctor."
Flora assured "Everything is fine, Cindy. Just remember what I have told you. Ours is a difficult job, but a necessary one." She placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "You do good work, Cindy. I am pleased to have you as my assistant."
The girl's countenance brightened. "Really, doctor?"
Flora nodded. "Yes. Now, let's go help Ayla."
"Yes, doctor."
The high elf had noticed a door leading directly into the room that Flora was working in. He could also see that the keyhole was large enough for him to look inside. He managed to kneel down enough that he could view the room's occupants.
For awhile, he observed Flora speaking with different people and asking them what their ailments were. Then, she would sugg
est a treatment. Her two assistants would procure various tools for her. Or they would draw water for cleansing wounds.
Galen thought to himself, She is calm in her dealings with them, even as she is with me. There is a kindness in her words, but she is resolute in her actions. He noticed that a few of the humans asked about him. She refuses their requests to see me, quite easily. How strange it is to find a woman whose fickle nature does not soften her resolve.
Patients came, and patients went. The high elf could feel the pain in his chest. Finally, he stood up and walked back over to the window. My strength will return. And I shall depart. He gazed out at the land of man. The plants are the same as in Elfland. The creatures move about and graze, just as they do in the elfin kingdoms. But this place is so very different from my own. These humans are curious individuals. Flora is oft at peace, but there is a turbulence within that frustrates her efforts. Her assistant Ayla, is enthusiastic, but she is reckless in her desire to please. Cindy is sensual, but she is vulnerable. He could see the two guards, standing dutifully at their posts. These men are determined, but ignorant. And though they are diligent, their minds wander. The enemy would do well to exploit such a weakness. He placed a hand over his wound. They have done what they can, though it is very little. Perhaps, that is enough.
Chapter 4: "Fugitive from Righteous Judgment"
Two men stood guard at Androtopia's southern border. John peered off into the distance. "Hey, Richard."
"What?"
John pointed.
Richard's eyes went wide. He saw dark figures on sleek black horses riding towards them. "What's going on?"
John shrugged, watching as the riders approached. They wore black armor, but carried no shields. There were long-handled swords sheathed at their sides, or on their backs. And he counted about thirty of them.
Richard, the other guard spoke "They are riding under a flag of truce, John. However, we still must stop them."
His fellow nodded.
The riders stopped just short of crossing the border. One of them dismounted, carrying the flag. He approached the two men, speaking in a rich, melodious voice. "Peace to you."
John was transfixed by the bright green tint of the creature's eyes as the olive-skinned elf loomed over him. The man nervously replied, "You are... dark elves."
The greater fay bowed. "We are knights of Queen Nicnivin the Blue, rightful ruler of all Elfland. We have come, seeking a murderer and a fugitive from righteous judgment."
Richard stood straight. "What do you... require of us?"
The knight menaced the men with his gaze. "As I have stated, we have ventured forth under a flag of truce, in order to apprehend a murderer. He is of the Usurper's elves..."
John asked, "Who?"
The dark knight gave a look of irritation. "He is a greater fay among those you call the high elves." The elf stepped forward, leaning down. "You must release him to us."
The man froze in place, staring into those eerie green eyes. "I... I..."
Holding up a hand, the elf responded softly. "You shall do what we have requested. This elf is a danger to all those around him. He must be taken and judged."
John managed to say, "No. I... I can't do that..."
The knight's gaze grew cold and he drew up to his full height once more. "Your defiance is irrelevant. You will allow us to search your land."
Richard, the other guard, managed to speak in a raspy voice, "None are allowed... to cross the border..."
The dark elf glared down at him. "Foolish human, you cannot prevent us in our righteous quest. Now, stand aside..."
Another of the riders scowled, dismounted, and approached. "Peace, guardians of the land of men. I am Sir Devaro. I ask that you take us to the murderer. It is neither you, nor your people with whom we contend. We seek only the killer. When we have him, we will leave your land, and not return."
Though both dark knights were of similar size and stature, John could feel something different in this elf's tone. He thought, "This guy speaks as if he's in charge. He does not demand obedience. He expects it."
Richard looked over at John, gesturing off to the side. Then, he turned to the elves. "I must... discuss this with him. Wait here."
When they felt they were out of earshot, John asked, "What do we do?"
Richard glanced fearfully over at the dark elves. "They come under a flag of truce. If we refuse them, they might take it as an insult."
John sighed, "We can't let them in. What about our orders?"
The other guard replied, "They are bound by the truce. If they violate it, then we will be forced to drive them out of our land."
John asked, "Should we inform the other posts?"
Richard nodded. "We cannot leave this place unguarded. You must journey to the garrison. Tell them what has happened. Then, return."
John shook. "We don't want a war."
Richard grabbed him by the shoulder. "They don't either. They told us what they want. I think we should give it to them."
John stared at him, stunned. "But what about our ally?"
The other guard glanced over at the dark elves. "Our ally is their enemy. And you heard what they called him."
John nodded. He sighed again, shaking his head. "I will go to the garrison. But first, I will inform the nearby post of our situation."
Richard patted him on the back. "I'll hold them off until you return."
John stared at his fellow. "I don't think we could hold them off, no matter how hard we tried."
Richard held his chin up. "They are not looking for trouble with us. We'll have to use that to our advantage. Now, hurry up."
John nodded, and dashed off towards the next guard post.
Richard took a deep breath. He was quite good at games of chance. But this would be his biggest gamble, yet.
***
Later in the day, Flora entered the room the high elf was in. "Galen, I'm sorry that I haven't been available today. I had a lot of other patients to take care of."
"All is well, Flora. I can stand, and gaze out at your wondrous land. I have listened to the voices of your precious villagers."
She smiled. "And you've been watching, as well."
He looked at her. "Woman, are your eyes so keen that they could see me in this room?"
Flora giggled. "Eyes as bright as yours are not concealed by keyholes."
Galen nodded. "I wished to observe a doctor at work, rather than to experience it."
She clasped her hands together. "It's fine. I don't think anyone else noticed. Though, a few did ask to see you."
He stared out the window. "You did well to prevent them."
Flora looked down at the floor. "Galen, how do you know there would be trouble? After all, I'm able to stand in your presence."
He turned to look at her. The elf noticed a slight quiver in her expression. "Woman, you still tremble before me."
She forced herself to raise her head. "Galen, you are strange to me. It's natural for me to be a little bit afraid."
The elf stared out the window once more. "The fear of man, leads to strife. And thus, gives birth to hatred. We are the people of peace. Such things we cannot abide."
She sighed. "But Galen, you are curious. Wouldn't it be worth the risk, to get to know us?"
"Foolish human, the peril is in knowing you. Man is a fearful creature, who lashes out at that which he does not understand. And that which he knows, must be made to suffer. For man, intimacy breeds contempt."
Flora bit her lip. For a moment, she did not speak. She glanced out the window. "Galen, this room is too confining for your further treatment."
He tilted his head to the side, staring at her.
She smiled. "Let's go for a walk."
Having left her two assistants to take care of any other patients, Flora led Galen carefully out into a field. "Now, let me know if it gets too hard for you to walk. We don't want to overdo it."
"The sounds of your land soothe me, Flora. My pain has diminis
hed."
Flora walked barefoot through the grass. "When I was a little girl, I would go to visit my grandfather every summer. He owned a farm out in the country. And I would run endlessly through the fields, happy as a lark."
The elf nodded. "The child of man has the heart of a pixie. Their days are spent in joy, but for the pixie those days do not end."
Flora listened intently.
Galen continued, "Your people change, like the flowers in the field. You were once a sprout, and now have grown to become more. Pixies remain as they are."
"So, they never grow up?"
"They do not."
She tried to imagine these little elves, running and playing, cheerful and content. Flora smiled. "Sometimes, I wish I could go back to those days."
"Woman, as I said, you have grown to become more. A pixie could not have mended this wound. Nor could they assist people as you did earlier. Pixies need a fay, to show them wisdom."
"A fay?"
Galen placed a hand gently on top of her head, "Those who have grown to become more."
She looked up at him. Then, she carefully reached up, and placed a hand on top of his head. She giggled. "You must be a fay."
He gazed down at her. "I am a greater fay."
She removed her hand from his head. "I can tell." Flora thought for a moment. "The elves that I have heard the most about are nowhere near as tall as you. Would that make them lesser fay?"
"Your reasoning avails you, woman." He removed his hand from her head, and placed it on her shoulder. "A lesser fay grows this far. They are playful, like the pixie, but have grown beyond that. They can do things that a pixie does not have patience for." He placed his hand, once more at his side.
The two walked on, until they came to a wooden fence. Flora leaned against it. "Such a peaceful day could never be found in the city. When I finished my apprenticeship, I searched for a place to set up my practice. This village is what I found."
Galen looked all around him. "It is a beautiful place. The trees are few, but the fields are vast. You did well in coming here."
"Thank you." She bowed. Flora seated herself on the fence. She kicked her feet slightly. "Galen, tell me about your land.”