by John Mangold
As she pondered this mystery, Nia led Maluem towards one of the shadier spots, discovering as they approached a set of stone carved benches resting at the tree’s base. Even though their walk to this point had been brief, Maluem felt her strength beginning to wane. When they reached the benches, Maluem was delighted to rest for a moment, though she did her best to mask this fact from Nia.
“Maluem,” Nia said finally, the grim expression returning to her features. “I need to ask you some questions, and I need you to be very truthful with me. No half-truths, no hidden meanings. Do you understand?”
The tone of the doctor’s voice set Maluem back for a moment. What did Nia suspect? Did it have to do with Maluem’s condition? Or perhaps it was the discussion she had had with the imposter? If that troll in the cot next to her had been mouthing off to the doctor…
“Yes, Doctor, I am fully capable of understanding you,” Maluem said. “However, I fail to see what I can tell you that I did not already relate during your little inquisition.”
“Maluem, what happened at the border? What did you do?” Nia asked in rapid succession.
Maluem’s blood froze. She did know, but how? Maluem thought frantically. The history of that device is locked securely under the Archives of Camilos! There is no conceivable way Nia would have access to those tombs! How could she have recognized the staff for what it was?
No matter! Maluem chided herself while slightly shaking her head. Perhaps a bounty hunter informed the investigating soldiers of the charges against me. Maybe Nia learned of the spectacle created during the Leviathan’s death. Either way, I will have to take my leave as soon as possible.
Unconsciously, Maluem noticed the air around her growing colder.
“Maluem, do you not care to answer me?” Nia said, clearly vexed by Maluem’s silence. “Listen to me, Sergeant Mitchell was by this morning, demanding to see you. He won’t tell me what is going on, but it has something to do with transmissions from the troops at the border. Maluem, he wants you moved to a holding cell, one designed to restrain Mystics.”
The air around them became considerably colder. A thin layer of frost began to form on the closest tree trunk. As Maluem considered the doctor, she could see the muscles in Nia’s arms tense as she gripped the stone bench she sat on. The doctor’s eyes took on the stern look of determination as she considered the woman sitting in front of her.
“I wouldn’t try it, girl. I can sense what you are doing, and it will only buy you more trouble than you can handle. Trust me, I can do a fair bit more than heal, and right now, you are in no shape for a duel. Besides, at this moment, I am the only thing between you and the tender mercies of the local militia. So, why don’t you simply answer my question? I am still willing to help if you are willing to talk.”
“What would you have me tell you?” Maluem replied through gritted teeth.
“What happened? Why is the military suddenly so interested in you?”
“I have no better idea than you. I already told you all that I know.”
“What you told me was a load of dak. Something big happened on that border, and I am certain you witnessed a good deal of it. The other patients have told me you were arguing with someone the other night, someone named Volo, perhaps? Is he the one you are protecting?”
“That was not Volo. He is dead!” Maluem replied. “I do not know who that was.”
“Well, they seemed to feel he sounded quite spry for a dead fellow. Maluem, tell me the truth. If he did something at the border, let him come forward. I am sure he and the Sergeant can work something out-”
“Listen to me, Volo is dead,” Maluem interrupted. “I witnessed his demise personally. I do not know who that was…or even if anyone was there at all! I…I am not…very certain of very much right now. I was probably just talking in my sleep.”
“I thought of that. The patients told me they heard a man’s voice.”
Maluem shook her head at this. It didn’t make sense! Nia was just trying to confuse her!
“Then, they are mistaken!” Maluem shouted. “Maybe they are the ones who imagined it. Listen, all I can tell you is everything was quite normal when I crossed the Aragina River. Simply tell your Sergeant to talk with the leader of the guard in Estel. His name is Captain Sutton. I am sure he can give you all the information you need to know. Now, if you’ll forgive me, I am feeling rather tired…”
This last part was not merely a dodge to rid her of the Nia; Maluem really was feeling quite light-headed. The strain of preparing to cast, even if it was out of reflex, had sapped much of what little strength reserves she had. Still, she did as much as she could to hide the extent of her frailty from Nia. This woman did not need to see how frail Maluem actually was.
“Very well, Maluem, I will pass this on. However, I doubt they will have much need for it. Contingents of the soldiers are already on their way back. They should be arriving tomorrow evening. I am sure we will know the full report of what they witnessed upon their return. However, if you remember any details between now and then, it would be best if you told me first. Otherwise, this all will quickly be taken out of my hands.
“Until then, I believe it would be best if I moved you to a private room closer to my chambers. It would be best for your safety and would allow me to guide your recovery personally. Besides, whether it be visitors in the middle of the night or loud sleep-talking, your activities are upsetting your fellow patients. So, when you are ready, I will lead you to the lower level, where your new billets will be.”
Maluem only nodded in response. She thought of resisting, knocking Nia down, and making a run for it, but she knew she wouldn’t get far. She couldn’t even gain her feet quickly in her current state, let alone run any significant distance. Besides, Nia appeared to be a more adept Sorcerer than Maluem first believed. Whatever her skills were, it would take a bit more than Maluem currently had to best her. She would have to bide her time and look for an opening to escape. Perhaps, she could wait until the doctor fell asleep, then reclaim the staff and collar and be gone before anyone was the wiser. Yes, all she would need to do is stay awake longer than the doctor. That should be easy enough to do, considering she and sleep were no great friends at the moment.
Maluem took her time in the garden. She was in no hurry to move to what could very well be a jailer’s cell. After a time, though, Nia determined that Maluem was as rested as she would get. Rising, she led Maluem back into the infirmary and down a set of stairs to the building’s basement. As they descended, Maluem’s misgivings grew much louder. It could prove very difficult to escape under normal conditions but to be underground at the same time vastly decreased her chances of success.
If only I had studied more teleportation spells… Maluem thought ruefully. For all her years in the Archives of Camilos, what had she wasted her time learning?
The subterranean hallways were surprisingly spacious and well-lit thanks to intriguingly fashioned rune-lamps along the hall. But just the knowledge that there was earth all around her made Maluem begin to feel a bit claustrophobic. This sensation only increased as they entered Nia’s quarters.
The first chamber which confronted them was what Maluem assumed to be Nia’s office. The square cell held a small desk stacked high with papers, a heavy-looking chair resting on oddly formed legs, with tiny wheels affixed to their ends, and a slender chest of drawers. There were doors on the left and right of the cluttered desk leading to chambers further in.
The left portal was open, revealing a sparsely appointed chamber with a simple bed, a nightstand stacked high with books, and a single chair with medical garb draped over it. On this was perched a travel bag, stuffed to overflowing with hastily packed clothing. This was obviously Nia’s private chamber.
The door to the right opened to a similarly simple room, with a bed similar to those upstairs, an empty nightstand, and a well-worn metal chair. The rooms were not particularly small, but the lack of windows added to Maluem’s anxiety. This was going to be
a great deal harder than she had thought.
Once more, she considered immediate action. However, merely thinking of drawing energy brought on a wave of nausea. Once again, it galled Maluem to be so helpless.
What kind of Sorcerer am I? Maluem thought while shaking her head. How powerful can I be if I cannot escape from a simple infirmary? If Master Valde could see me now, how ashamed he would be!
“Make yourself at home,” Nia suggested as Maluem sat on the side of the bed. “I know it is not much, but it is a site more private than the open bay upstairs. Besides, if you should have any unwanted visitors during the night, they will have to get past me first.”
Maluem was not sure how to take that comment, but she decided to ignore it for now to pursue more pressing questions.
“This is not your normal place of work, is it, Nia? These chambers don’t seem to suit you too well.”
“Is that so? You feel you know a great deal about me, do you now? Or is it more to the point that you remember the little conversation the good Sergeant and I had the other day?”
“Well, yes, now that you mention it. You two seem to have a bit of history.”
Nia barked a short laugh.
“Well, professionally speaking, we do at that. I have known Kym for a few years now. He is a good man, though he can be a bit thick at times.”
“What man is not?” Maluem agreed.
“Yes. Well, thick skulls seem to be a common trait among the genders, from my experience. Nevertheless, my issues with Kym are more closely linked to the uniform he wears than the man within it. The military and I have a much longer history, one I do not have the time to go into now. To put it simply, I have never been very good at following orders without question.”
“I certainly can appreciate that. But tell me, the Sergeant mentioned something about a Government Sanctioned License…?”
“Ah, yes,” Nia replied after an exasperated sigh. “That is one of the sergeant’s favorite topics. He and his Lieutenant love to bring that subject up whenever they want my professional cooperation. I don’t suppose you have much experience with such contracts, being from Camilos. You see, in this land and those north, Mystics are not allowed to move about as freely as they do where you come from. Here, you can only become trained in the Mystic Arts from a government accredited college, and then only in your assigned field. The primary school of M.A. was established in Wellington, some miles south of here.
“Mystics, or Sorcerers as you might call them, who come from outside lands are required to register at the border. By decree of the Capitol, they may only practice their skills openly if they have a ‘State-Sanctioned License.’ Had you crossed the border legally, you would have been required to obtain one yourself. The license allows the Mystic to use their abilities to provide a service to the public and earn a living. In return, the Benevolent Leaders of Enox require you to submit your professional services to the state whenever they are requested. It is a way for the Capitol to harness the gifts of individuals such as us.
“I run a Healing Practice in a city north of here called Stella. It is a small office, but I do a great deal of work thanks to the never-ending war in Santilis. That meat grinder keeps me quite busy with the refugees and dispossessed it spits out regularly. As a matter of fact, if it were not for the obligations of my license, I would be there now. However, the Military called, and I have answered. I can only hope that my office is still standing when I return.”
“I see,” Maluem said once Nia grew silent. “That seems to be a very harsh yoke to live under. One, I do not intend to suffer as I will not tarry in Enox long. I sense that my business calls from the North of here. What can you tell me about the country of Santilis? You say they are presently at war? With whom?”
“Well,” Nia replied with a tight grin. “For someone in no mood to provide answers, you certainly seem full of questions of your own. I would have you answer a few for me before I reply to any of yours. Since you arrived in this hospital, I have witnessed a peculiar change in you. You seem to have gained an aversion to me, as though my touch brings you pain. Can you tell me why this is? Do you find my presence uncomfortable?”
“I am sorry if I have given you that impression,” Maluem replied, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable and trapped in the one door cell. “But I assure you it is not your proximity, but intimate contact in general, that I find objectionable. It is a condition I cannot fully explain, other than to say it is a complex affliction that has assailed me for some years now. I mean no offense, but I do not believe your healing skills can cure it.”
Nia stood in silence, considering Maluem for a time, an expression on her face that spoke more of certainty than confusion. Maluem could not help but wonder what this woman knew and how she had come to know it. However, before she could devise a way to ask, a horrendous ringing pierced the silence.
Nia strolled over to her desk, moving some files aside to reveal a very odd device with a glowing rune on its side. Lifting a horseshoe-shaped assembly from the mechanism’s top, she stretched out a short tether in between the gadgets, holding one end of the U to her ear while the other dangled before her mouth.
“Yes, this is Doctor Fyfe,” she spoke into the device. Maluem could hear a disembodied voice buzz from the end near her ear, but she could not make out any of the words. “Yes, I understand. Put them in Treatment Theater Three. I will be there immediately.”
Replacing the device to its cradle, she returned to Maluem’s door.
“I have some patients to attend to,” She said in a hurried voice. “Now, I realize I cannot force you to stay. With or without your abilities, this is a hospital, not a prison. However, I must impress upon you that, should you decide to flee, the Sergeant and his men will catch you. Make no mistake, he is a clever man, and he knows his business. Do not give him an excuse to demonstrate it. I ask you, from one Mystic to another, do not try to run. If you stay here until I return, I promise that I will do all I can to help you.”
“Why would you wish to assist me?” Maluem asked in return. “You know me no better than I know you. Why would you risk anything to help me in my plight?”
Nia only sighed before responding.
“You have not studied the healing arts, have you?”
Maluem only stared at her blankly.
“I thought not. Maluem, I have no time to explain now. I can only say that I have reason to trust you. Now, will you trust me? Please, give me your word that you will not attempt an escape during my absence.”
Maluem stared at her for uncounted pulses. Did this woman understand what she was asking? She must, or she would not be so insistent in getting her reply. Yet Maluem could not easily give her word. She could not help but feel that every pulse brought her ever closer to the jailer’s cell, though she knew not what the charges would be. Still, she did not plan to make her move until late tonight. What harm could it bring to promise to stay that long? After that, Nia would be asleep, and Maluem would be on her way.
“Very well, Nia. I give you my word. I will be here when you return.”
Nia gave her a satisfied nod.
“Very well, I will have your meals sent here should I be detained. There is a dumb waiter by my desk. You will hear a bell sound. Open the door, and you will find a tray inside. I think you will find the provisions are better here than in your previous quarters. Get some rest. You still have more than a little healing to do.”
With that, Nia spun around and strode out through the office. As she closed the main door, Maluem heard a distinct click. Rising to investigate, Maluem slowly tried the knob, confirming her suspicions. Nia had locked the door behind her.
No matter, such a lock will be easily defeated when the time comes, Maluem thought to herself.
However, with that thought came the sudden icy feeling in her stomach. Her unlocking device was in her corset, and that was in the sergeant’s office, wherever that was. Frantically, Maluem rushed to Nia’s chamber. As sparse as the room was, it
took no time to search it. Sure enough, tucked under Nia’s bed was Dorjakt’s Staff, still wrapped in the cloth Maluem had used. Beside it lay the arcane collar, still emitting its pulsing blue glow.
Quickly gathering them up, Maluem moved her items to what was to be her room. She knew Nia might notice their disappearance, but they were Maluem’s at any rate, and she had a right to claim them. She was still bitter about the loss of the lock-pick, but there was little she could do about that now. Maluem had learned how to open locked doors manually, but those skills had grown quite rusty in recent years. Given the circumstances, it looked like she would be getting a refresher very soon.
Expecting that Nia would not be back for a time and wanting to be awake when her healer slept, Maluem decided this was the time to rest. Moving her bed close to the door so she would hear any entry, Maluem climbed into her bedding and closed her eyes. She must have been tired indeed because the next thing she knew, the loud ring of a bell was echoing through the chambers. How many hours had passed in-between?
After a short search, Maluem was able to find a small portal with a bell mounted above it, set into the wall next to Nia’s overflowing desk. Sliding the door upwards, she discovered a metal tray stacked with delightful smelling food waiting inside. Tasting a portion cautiously, Maluem found the flavor far more to her liking than the previous night’s offerings. It was a pale shadow to Volo’s cooking, but it was an improvement, nonetheless. In mid-chew, Maluem realized that she had managed to think of Volo without feeling a stabbing pain in her heart. However, she could not decide if this pain’s absence made her feel relieved or more guilty.