The Last Empath of Doctsland

by Leah Putz

  “Fair enough,” I said, shifting uncomfortably. I wasn’t typically a shy man, but the combination of the sudden silence and all eyes on us made me extremely nervous, that feeling heightened by my need for anonymity.

  Siofra cleared her throat before speaking loudly. “Good evening everyone. We are travelers from Capital City, hoping to explore the small villages in Doctsland. We hope you may welcome us with open arms!”

  There was a beat of silence before a welcoming cheer echoed throughout the room, causing me to breathe a sigh of relief. They seemed to be quite excited at the prospect of visitors from the city. Jion clapped me on the back. “I’m grabbing an ale. Or three. Would you like to join me?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “I’ll sort out some rooms while you two are drinking,” Siofra said before heading over to the man who hunched over a large book, taking notes and counting bills, marking him clearly as the innkeeper.

  “Does she ever just relax?” I said as Jion and I moved towards the bar.

  Jion laughed heartily. “No.”

  As we leaned up against the bar side by side, the bartender rushed over. “What can I get for you two?” he asked through this burly beard.

  “An ale my comrade, please,” I answered cheerily. Socializing with the people of my country outside of Capital City, especially incognito like this, was a new and exciting experience, and I found it hard to wipe the grin from my face.

  “Of course. Right away,” he replied. “And anything for yourself?” I shook my head and as the bartender scurried away to pour the drink, I took a minute to glance around the room. Since the pause upon our arrival, everything had gone back to as it had been before they walked in. Perhaps there was even more of an air of celebration and excitement amongst the folk, many of whom were sparing not so subtle glances at the company of strangers. The room itself was small in comparison to those I was used to in Capital City, but its size presented an aspect of coziness that I had not before experienced. I decided I loved it immediately, and admired the small stone fireplace, the plain and dark wooden beams, and the candles that hung on each to light the room, which seemed to lack an overhead chandelier. Its simplicity enamored me, and when I turned to pay for Jion’s ale, I had a half smile on my face.

  “How much do we owe you, sir?” Jion asked.

  “We don’t often get strangers at the inn. You’ve brought some excitement here with you. The ale is on the house!”

  In response, Jion lifted his drink to cheer the man. I leaned toward him to whisper, “Surely we must pay.”

  Jion scoffed. “Of course, but I know he will try not to accept. I’ll leave two silvers on the counter when we head to our rooms.”

  I pulled a couple of coins from my pocket and handed them to Jion. “Make it two golds.”

  Jion’s eyes scrunched up as he grinned widely, accepting the coins before taking a hearty drink from his ale. By this point Siofra had reappeared and stood beside them at the bar. “I secured two rooms for the night. You two are sharing.” Jion and I groaned in unison, while Siofra glared at us, less than impressed. “Don’t be children. It’s only for a little while. And it’s safer this way.”

  “Fine,” I said, yawning. “Let’s go then. I’m exhausted. Show me where this room is.”

  Jion made a noise in the back of his throat, as he often did when he was irritated, but drained his drink and followed, nonetheless. “Exhausted,” he mocked. “Says the man who slept the entire way here.”

  I chuckled and sent my friend an elbow to the side but felt too tired to argue further. Siofra led us through the common room and down a narrow hallway with two doors. “That,” she pointed towards the door on the left, “is your room. And this is mine. You know I’m a light sleeper. I’m close enough that I will wake up to come to your aid immediately if anything should happen.”

  “Yes, thank you, Siofra.” I was about to open my door, but stopped and turned back to her. “What is our plan for tomorrow?”

  “You may sleep in if you’d like. I plan to scout the town for a bit, and possibly locate the whereabouts of this Manyeo family we’re looking for. I’ll meet the two of you back here when I’m finished. If you aren’t awake by midday, I’ll simply pound on your door until you are.”

  “Ugh. So subtle,” Jion groaned, opening the door to our room and heading inside.

  “Thank you again, Siofra. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said.

  “Good night, Prince Viktor.” She spoke in a hushed tone. There was no one to be seen in earshot, but Siofra was always the cautious, paranoid one of us.

  I had barely shut and locked the door before Jion had collapsed onto the smaller of the two beds and fallen asleep, still in his traveling gear. My lips quirked into a small smile as I kicked off my shoes and got undressed. I crawled into the bed and noticed it wasn’t nearly as comfortable as my large feather bed at home. Despite that, I drifted to sleep almost immediately after resting my head on the scratchy pillow.

  ***

  After what felt like a mere five minutes, the loud sound of pounding at my door pulled my from my slumber. Looking blearily at Jion, I saw that he was already lunging out of bed and grabbing his sword. “Who is it?” Jion boomed, his voice startlingly lower than I was used to hearing it, and very much like the sound of the threatening guard he could be when he wasn’t goofing off with his friends or his husband.

  “It’s me,” Siofra called back from behind the door. Jion visibly relaxed as he pulled the door open. Siofra was dressed in full gear and, frankly, looked less than thrilled. “I cannot believe you two were still sleeping.”

  “What time is it?” I croaked, my voice rough with sleep.

  “Later than it should be. Most have already eaten lunch. I’ve been out all morning, scouting the perimeter of the town,” she explained.

  “Did you locate the residence of that family we’re looking for?”

  She nodded, hands on her petite armored hips. “I haven’t gone yet, but I asked around town and nearly every person I spoke to knew of the family and where they reside. They seem to be almost revered by the townspeople. Apparently even this pub is named after the Manyeo empath’s of old. They live a bit outside the town center. It would take some time to walk there, which would have been fine had you two not slept in so late. If we want to be there and back by nightfall, we will need to leave soon and we will need horses.”

  “Alright,” Jion said as we both stumbled around the room getting dressed and gathering our belongings. “Let’s go then. I’m sure the inn has horses we can pay to use for the day. I’ll go talk to the keeper.”

  “Already done,” Siofra said. “Three horses are waiting for us out front.”

  “Great. Let’s be on our way,” I said, tightening my belt around my slender waist and slinging my pack over my shoulder. That’s got to be the quickest I’ve ever gotten ready in the morning. I thought, wryly, Thanks, Siofra.

  As soon as we exited the inn, three horses were presented to them by a young boy whom Vik assumed was probably the apprentice to the stable master. “Here you are, my Lords and Lady,” he said, bowing. He handed the reins of a small, yet formidable looking brown horse (which seemed to match her exactly) to Siofra, introducing him as “Seanigh.”

  Next he led a butterscotch horse to me and said, “This is Butter. She will treat you well. She is rather large, but very sweet and eager to please.” I smiled as I took the reins.

  Lastly he presented, “Cat,” a massive black horse, to Jion, who laughed loudly at the name and subsequent explanation. “He is friends with all the stray cats in the neighborhood. They sleep at the stables in his stall with him.”

  Jion smiled at the boy. “Thank you very much. They are fine horses indeed. We’ll take great care of them and return them by nightfall.”

  I quickly mounted Butter, and Jion and Siofra did the same.

  “I wish you safe travels,” the young boy said, grinning and bowing once more. The warm smile on his rosy face proved he
was immensely proud of the beasts, and of his duty in presenting them. “The horses will serve you well.”

  I grinned down at him. “I’m sure they will. We look forward to our return. Thank you.”

  After blushing with pride, the boy scurried off, causing Jion and I to share a grin. His excitement was infectious, and just what we needed to distract us from our nerves and get us through the journey of the day.

  “We’re off,” Siofra said, digging her heels into her mount and taking off at a trot.

  “I guess we are,” Jion replied, doing the same. I followed and sped to a gallop to catch up.

  “How far of a ride is this?” I asked once I was side by side with my companions.

  “A half an hour at most. I expect we will make it in less time, if we keep up this pace, which I’m sure these horses can manage.”

  The sun shone brightly as we wove through rich green forests and clearings on a small gravel road. It made me sweat in my armor, though I didn’t mind it in the least. Not much could dampen my spirits as I admired the beauty of the countryside I rode through, especially not some sweat. Birds chirped, and we even came across a waterdog, which I had never seen before in the city. I gasped, pointing to its small, fury form as it rushed along the foliage.

  “There must be a pond nearby,” Siofra answered with a smile. I gazed in awe, trying to memorize everything about it, from its wide brown eyes and thick copper fur to its webbed and hoofed feet. I stared at it until it was out of sight, and then allowed my eyes to wander more around the peace of the wilderness.

  The loud voices, clanking of metal from the barracks, and other noises I was accustomed to in the city, had disappeared. In their place was a sweet silence, interrupted only by the footfalls of their horses and occasional bird song. Missing also were the distinct smells of the city, something I was more than happy to get away from. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and smiled as the floral, grassy scent filled my nostrils.

  True to Siofra’s estimate, little more than half an hour had gone by before we came into a large clearing with a white stone house in the center. “Here we are,” Siofra said, pulling Seanigh to a stop as Jion and I followed her lead. “I’ll go first, introduce myself, make an announcement that the prince is here. We won’t be able to hide your identity and convince them to join us, so it’s best to reveal you to them. I’ll also sus out any potential threats. Jion, you stay here with Vik.”

  Jion gave her a sharp nod, and she moved forward leaving us behind. “And we wait,” he said once she was out of earshot. “Kelps, I hope this goes well.”

  “It will,” I said. “It has to. The best case scenario is that we leave her today with a healer and an empath on our side. The worst case is that we only have a healer or an empath. Anything else is not an option.”

  Jion glanced at me. “Will we take them by force if they do not agree to come willingly?” he asked, his voice stiff.

  I hesitated, then let out a defeated sigh. “No, of course not. Then we wouldn’t be any better than Siglind. We just…” I paused. “We need to be convincing. We need to win them over.”

  Jion shrugged his wide shoulders. “Then we will,” he said simply.

  We watched anxiously as Siofra disappeared into the home. “We shouldn’t have to wait long. She’s fairly quick when she scouts.”

  “Quick but thorough. I don’t know how she does it.”

  “Maybe you should have her teach you.”

  “I’d never give her the satisfaction,” Jion cracked, causing a fit of laughter to envelope us both. We quickly regained control of themselves, knowing Siofra would be less than impressed if she came out to signal us and we had dissolved in laughter.

  Our timing was excellent. Shortly after mastering ourselves and replacing our smiles with stoic stares, Siofra stepped out and called to us. “Prince Viktor,” she said, using my formal title for the first time in days. “Please enter the Manyeo residence.”

  Jion and I shared a glance and a nod before dismounting and moving forward. After reaching the entrance, we tied Butter and Cat on a post next to where Siofra had tied Seanigh. The animals immediately turned to the trough full of water. Feeling my nerves start to rise, I paused before heading inside. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before I stepped over the threshold.

  Jion turned on his booming announcement voice. “We thank you greatly for welcoming us into your home. May I present to you, Prince Viktor.” I bowed, and the members of the household followed suit. As I came forward, I threw my hood back to reveal my hair and face. My silver hair, an emblem from my father, was famed, and there was no doubting the legitimacy of the title I claimed. I took the opportunity to survey all those that were in the room. It was a very small crowd. An elderly woman sat beside a small fire, her white hair tied into a knot atop her head. Behind her stood a couple, or at least what I assumed was a couple. The man had a bandage around his leg, and his arm was wrapped around the shoulders of the woman next to him. Lastly, my eyes fell upon a young woman. She stood on the other side of the fire, almost as if shielding the elderly woman. Her jet black hair was streaked with a large chunk of white blonde at the front, full lips set in a fearsome line, her grey eyes seeming to pierce me.

  The man stepped forward. “You do us a great honor, Prince V. My name is Yeoman, and this is my wife Alicen.” He gestured towards the girl that I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off. “My daughter Lisalya.” She bowed stiffly. “And the matriarch of the Manyeo household, my mother, Isotta, the great healer.”

  I bowed once more. “A pleasure to meet you all,” he started to say, only to be cut off by the youngest.

  “Why are you here?” Lisalya asked. “And you…” She gestured at Siofra. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier the prince was coming to my family’s home?” Her father immediately scolded her under his breath, and her grandmother held up a hand to silence her.

  “I was merely out scouting, and was not aware that you belonged to the very family we were searching for. My apologies if I have caused you any distress or confusion,” Siofra explained.

  I saw the panic in their eyes at the possible offense from Lisalya and sought to reassure them. “I understand this visit is abrupt. We will explain everything shortly. It is a rather long story, though, and we’ve been riding for an hour. Do you perhaps have somewhere we could sit?”

  “Of course. Let us head to the Peristyle,” Isotta said, using a cane and her granddaughter’s arm to stand. “Alicen, could you prepare some food and drink for us and our guests? We will have dinner together after we hear this long story of yours.” Alicen nodded and scurried off, I assumed in the direction of the kitchen. All that remained followed Isotta as she strode through the atrium and into the opening of the Peristyle. All along the walls were plants and flowers, and in the center was a large round table with eight seats. Isotta took a seat and the rest of us followed suit.

  A moment of awkward silence ensued before I cleared my throat and anxiously twiddling my thumbs. “Well, I suppose I should begin. Our country faces a great threat. You may not yet know, but my step-brother Siglind, King of Bushand, has claimed the throne of Doctsland now that my step-mother has passed away. He plans to send his army here to take the crown by force. If they are able to set foot on our soil, they will destroy everything. He and his army are not known for mercy. In fact, their reputation is quite ruthless. I cannot let it come to that. If it does, we truly don’t stand a chance.” I glanced up and met their terror stricken eyes. “Now, I do not wish for you to despair. In fact, please feel assured.” He gestured to his comrades. “For we have a plan that we will need your help with.”

  “What is it?” Lisalya asked, her low voice steady despite the worried crease in her dark brow.

  Taking a deep breath, I began. I did my best to lay the plan out before the family, trying to keep my tone hopeful and to remain positive that they would succeed in an effort to reassure the family and ensure they’re assistance. Siofra and Jion chimed in occasiona
lly to add their own thoughts and to assist me in my explanation. Gathering that Isotta was the leader, I carefully scanned her face as I spoke, hoping to discern her thoughts on the matter, but she remained frustratingly stoic. It took time and, as I spoke, Alicen began to emerge with drinks and trays of fruit, vegetables, and meat. By the time I had finished, a feast was laid out before us. Frankly, I was starving.

  “And how exactly do we factor in here?” Lisalya was the first to speak, defiance in her voice. It was already clear to me that she for one was not eager to join us. I dearly hoped she was not the rumored empath, though from the information Jion had heard it seemed that was an unlikely wish.

  “Well,” Jion spoke up. “We know you have a great healer among you. Bringing a healer along on this quest would help to protect our lives should anything befall one of us. It would be a great advantage to have that reassurance. And…” he hesitated.

  “And…?” she repeated, a rounded eyebrow raised.

  “We have heard rumors,” I finished.

  “What kind of rumors?” she asked.

  I flashed her the smile I’d often used to disarm anyone I was trying to win over. “You certainly don’t want to make it easy on us, do you?” To my dismay, she didn’t seem affected in the least. That had usually worked on the young women of Capital City. “We hear rumors that you may have an empath among you.”

  Yeoman drew in a sharp breath before he could stop himself, and Jion smirked at the involuntary response. That in and of itself was an indication that the rumors had some truth.

  “And how, pray tell, would an empath be of service on this mission?” Isotta said.

  “Gathering enough of the people of Bushand to our side is absolutely imperative to our mission. However, we’re going in blind. We have no idea where to find or how to pick out those that are most likely to be sympathetic to our cause. Approaching the wrong people could, and most likely would, prove disastrous. If we had an empath with us, on our side, we could drastically lower our margin for error. Truth be told, it may very well prove essential to the success of the mission as a whole.” I did my best to emphasize how critical the matter was- to stress how desperately we needed their help.