Stain stepped forward. "I am the healer."
The man nodded, "All healers are welcome. However, if it is discovered that you are not a true healer you will be jailed and flogged." The man waited for Stain's response.
"Is there a test that I should pass to assure the city of my abilities?" Stain asked.
Another man suddenly stepped from the gate. "Yes. You may convince me of your abilities." This man seemed older and arrogant
Stain looked at the man. "How shall I do that?" He was not impressed by this stranger.
The man smiled, "By showing your knowledge of healing." He pulled out three vials. "Identify these three compounds. That should prove your abilities."
Stain nodded and took the first vial. Opening it he looked inside and examined it's contents. He lifted it gently to his nose and took a soft smell. "The essence of the evening. A medicine to aid in sleeping." He handed back the vial.
"Very good. But any common person might know that one. Let's try a more rare one." The stranger handed Stain another vial.
Stain once again opened this vial. He examined it in the same manner. "You are quite right that this is a more rare medicine. I do not know what name you might call it, but where I come from it is called, 'Death's Handshake'. It causes one close to death to revive for a time. Yet it can not prevent death."
The man nodded, "We call it, 'Death's Friend'." He handed the last vial over, "Now for a true healing master this one should be easy."
Stain opened the vial and examined it once again. He stoppered the vial quickly. "A tool most healers avoid, poison. This one from the core of the fire apple. It causes the patient to burn from the inside. The only good use I know it can be used for is when the person is grievously wounded and facing death from bleeding inside. It can sometimes stop the bleeding. But just as easily it can kill."
The stranger seemed surprised that Stain would pass this last test. "Many lately have claimed to be healers. Some pass the first test, some even pass the second, rarely has one passed the last one."
Stain nodded and handed back the vial. "And what is the punishment for failing?"
The stranger's smile took on a darker twist, "Why to drink each vial correctly identified."
Stain looked serious, "That must weed out the fake healers quite well."
The stranger nodded, "Fewer and fewer people claim to be healers. We had too many that were causing problems instead of healing the people. Now, as to your guard." The stranger turned to me. "I assume you are armed?"
I smiled, "I am armed with a short sword and a staff. But I am not the guard. I am simply his apprentice."
The stranger's eyes scanned the rest of the group and I could tell he was trying to identify the guard. Robert he passed over as he carried no weapons. Finally his eyes rested upon Raven, as the only other person carrying an obvious weapon. "Young lady, are you the guard?"
Raven nodded and stepped up beside Stain. "I am."
The stranger snickered, "A woman guard. Funny."
Stain reached out and grabbed Raven's arm. "I would suggest you not harm an official of this fine city."
Everyone looked down and saw that Raven had already grabbed a throwing dummy knife and was preparing to throw it at the man.
The first man smiled, "That would be an unfortunate mistake. However, I share his disbelief. Perhaps a demonstration of her skills? Otherwise we will be forced to ask for her to either turn over her weapons or remain outside the walls."
Raven grinned and called out loudly, "You on the wall! Hold out your shield!"
The man looked down with a questioning look. The stranger nodded and the man held out his shield. Suddenly Raven spun and launched a series of knives. The man's shield rattled from multiple impacts. A circle of knives now stuck out from his shield. His eyes widened when he looked closely.
"Care to return my knives?" Raven called up. The man pulled the knives out and tossed them gently to Raven, who caught them easily and sheathed them in fluid motions.
"Is that enough of a demonstration?" Stain's voice bubbled with humor.
The stranger nodded, "She is quite deadly with those. Then some rules. Firstly, you may protect your master and those he deems needing your protection. Secondly, keep your knives sheathed in public unless forced to draw. Thirdly, aim to disable, not kill. Finally, if any of the city watch asks for your permit to carry them simply tell them Rathe authorized it for a period of two days. The young man also with his sword and staff."
"Master Rathe." Stain nodded, "Thank you for your assistance."
Rathe smiled, "Thank you for that sir. Enjoy your time in the city." He turned and headed through the gate.
The other man grinned, "That was impressive! I have never seen Master Rathe surprised. That was a pleasure. In return, if you visit the Wounded Gull, ask for Skyler and tell her Xavier owes you a meal." He turned, chuckling to himself, and walked to the gate. "If you would cross over, I need to lock the gate." We entered through the gate and into the courtyard on the other side of the gate. A wall surrounded the courtyard, also guarded by armed men on top. "Across the way is where you want to go. That gets you into the city proper." Xavier closed and locked the gate, a heavy metal bar sliding across the entire door.
As we crossed the courtyard a voice called down, "There is a knife contest tonight. Winner gets a large prize." A guard called this down as he leaned over the wall. "Just down the street from the Wounded Gull. Look for the banners. All the best knife throwers will be there, but I have a feeling you might put them to shame. Buy in is ten gold rings." He leaned back from the wall and walked off.
"Ten gold rings?" Stain shook his head. "That must be a championship contest to be so high."
Raven grinned, "It could be fun."
Stain looked at her. "Well, we will be getting a free meal. I imagine we could afford to allow you to enter. I wonder what the prize will be?"
We walked through the second gate and suddenly found ourselves in the middle of a marketplace. Hawkers and criers were on all sides, calling for people to sample their wares. Various Wanderers could be seen examining vender's booths. Some were even buying.
"We will go ahead and pass through this area. I need to go further in to the city. Most of what I need is in the actual stores, not in this marketplace of stalls." Tulip took the lead and plowed into the mass of people. We slowly made our way through the throng until we emerged on the other side. A street wound up from the market place, lined with stores that had signs hanging. "The one you need is just off the main street here." Tulip turned down a road and headed towards a shop that had a sign decorated with plants. Some living, some painted. The sign read, "The Dirty Hand". As we entered a bell chimed softly deeper in the store.
"I will be with you in a moment!" A deep voice called out from the back of the store. "Feel free to look around."
"What if I want to steal a few things?" Tulip called out.
The voice paused and then laughed, "Then I would be forced to disown my own sister." A shadow could now be seen approaching us. It changed into a bent over old man, whose face resembled old leather that had been folded too many times. "What brings you into town you old hag?" He picked Tulip up in a hug. She hugged him right back and laughed.
"Put me down you old goat!" Tulip finally said through her laughter
He sat her down and looked around. "Young Amelia and Robert. Married at last?"
Amelia blushed and nodded while Robert smiled.
"Good!" Tulip's brother reached under a counter and pulled out a package. "I was going to send my gift later, but since you are here." He handed the package to Amelia.
Upon opening it she gasped, "It is beautiful!" We all looked closely and saw a beautiful set of tools.
"There are two sets. One for Amelia and one for Robert. The best I could buy for each of your vocations." He turned to the rest of us. "Friends I am guessing?"
Tulip smiled, "Family. Stain, from across the mountains. His apprentices, Ott and Raven. Both in
grafted and married just a few days ago."
Her brother smiled, "Well it seems some more gifts are in order. Welcome to the family!"
"I am their vine." Tulip said this gently.
He turned to her in shock. "Truly? You did this?"
She nodded and he howled in laughter. "It is about time you forsake your illogical vow." He hugged her again. He released her and cast out his hand, "Timothy, Tulip's younger brother. The one who had no desire to travel the roads and has an herbary instead."
Stain shook his hand and an odd look jumped to Timothy's face. He shook his hand gently and reached out towards Raven and me. We shook his hand and he reacted the same way. "Well, now I know more. Do not speak of what you are here. Instead, let's retire to my home." He walked to the door and locked it. "I live above my shop. Let me lead the way." He walked through the shop, leading the way behind a curtain and up a set of stairs.
***
After closing his door Timothy turned to his sister, "Why do you bring three full wheel mages to my home!" He was upset.
Tulip patted him on the arm. "They are shielded. Plus we are only staying one night and I wanted to see you. And I wanted you to meet them."
Timothy looked at us, "I am sorry, but I think I would rather have passed. There have been mage hunts occurring"
Tulip looked concerned, "Again?"
Timothy sat down, "A while back a man appeared who claimed that mages would destroy the world. Most wrote him off as crazy, but a few listened. He gained a following until the rich were listening. Now being a mage without official sanction is considered a crime. They even have mage hunters."
Tulip sat down, "I had no idea!" She looked around. "It seems I have led us into danger."
Stain nodded, "Danger we are used to, at least we know before we are attacked this time." He went to the window. "I am guessing you are a mage also? From your reaction I would say more a sensitive than anything else."
Timothy nodded, "I am considered a hedgemage by power, but as you say, a sensitive. I can feel magic and detect mages. Sometimes I can even tell their power and strength. All three of you made my skin jump and crawl. It is not safe here for any of you." He shook his head, "You must leave tonight!"
Tulip shook her head, "That would be too suspicious I am sure we are being watched. We will keep our abilities to ourselves and leave as scheduled." Her tone made it obvious she was not changing her mind.
"Fine. You never listen. But you need to be as normal as possible." He walked over to a large cabinet. "Why did you want us to meet?"
Tulip smiled, "Stain is a true healer and these two are in training."
Timothy smiled, "Well at least you avoided some suspicion by passing the tests. I have the best herbal inventory in the city. Plus I know who is looking for healers outside the city. Did you have a destination once you left?"
Stain looked over at Tulip, who nodded. "We are heading for a pass hidden in the mountains nearby. We hope to cross over and bring aid back to our kingdom."
Timothy shook his head, "I have heard of this pass. Few know where it is, but I know one who should be able to lead you. I will send him a message and he will be waiting for you at the west gate in the morning." He pulled a book from a chest. "Here is a list of all the healers I have personally met and tested. Each is a master and their apprentices and journeymen are listed under them. Mages are marked, visible only to mage sight." He handed the book to Stain. "This is for this side of the mountains, all that I know of and who travel through Shadow's Edge."
Stain took the book, "This is a treasure. Thank you. Are you sure you can part with such a record?"
Timothy smiled, "I have a copy. Using the same kind of spell that is built into spell books"
Stain grinned and tucked the small book into his pouch. "What can we do for you?"
Timothy grinned, "Perhaps provide rare herbs on occasion?" He turned to the chest once more and pulled out a small bag, no bigger than the book. "This is a special bag. The spell on it connects it to my warehouse. Each bag I have made is attached to a specific chest. If you find an unusual plant, I would appreciate you passing some through to me. The chest will alert me that something is waiting. In return I will provide you with herbs and such as you need, using the same chest and bag. Simply place a list of what you desire in the bag and I will receive it. Within a short time, a few days at most, I should be able to provide those things you desire."
Stain looked down at the bag. "This is an ingenious idea!"
Timothy smiled, "I once read of a mage who did the same idea but with supplies for his army. He would provide them with food and weapons while they sent back valuables. It took me some time to work out all the issues, but it works well now. The only thing is no living creatures can travel through. You may pass your hand and arm, but no more. If you attempt to pass an animal through then it will die."
Stain nodded, "Very well. I am sure we can provide plenty for your warehouse." He tucked the sack into his pouch.
Timothy pulled two more pouches out and handed one to Raven and me. "So that when you are Master's you may do the same."
We took the pouches and tucked them away. "Thank you." I murmured. I was thinking about how that spell would work.
"Now, you need to leave soon. It would be suspicious for you to stay too long. Even with my sister with you." He headed down the stairs. "Where will you be staying tonight?"
"Well, we have a meal paid for at the Wounded Gull and Raven might be entering a contest not far from there." Stain stated this.
Timothy nodded, "The Wounded Gull has good food. Common every day fare. I heard of that contest. If she is good enough the prize is supposed to be quite large. There is an inn that is run by a friend just down the way from the Wounded Gull. She runs it with her family. The Blue Maiden is the name. Tell them I sent you and you should get the best service of the town."
He opened the door, "It was a pleasure to meet all of you. Thanks for stopping by sister of mine, be safe." He hugged Tulip, Ruth, and Amelia. "Welcome to the family Robert. Try to keep up with these ladies."
Robert chuckled, "I try."
Timothy stood and watched us walk away. Finally just as we turned the corner he shut the door gently, tears flowing down his cheeks.
***
"Where is the Wounded Gull?" Stain asked Tulip.
We had been walking a few moments in silence. Tulip seemed lost in thought. She looked up and shook her head, seeming to focus herself.
"It is in the workers area of the city. Not were all the influential live nor near the poor. Most people who live there work in the upper reach or for the city. This way." She turned and led us inwards, towards the city center. We followed a well worn path that seemed to have been trod by all of humanity, it was so worn to an almost icy smoothness. We neared a wall, much like what surrounded the city. "This is the middle city wall. The city was once only this size, but as it grew it needed more walls. This one still separates the merchant area from the residential area. Here very few business thrive. Mainly ones that provide a service to the residents. Eateries, inns for visitors, household goods, those kind of things." She turned through the gate and headed up a larger path. "I know the Wounded Gull. Good food, if a little plain. We are almost there." We turned a corner and exited our path and stepped onto a large road. Each side was flanked with either businesses or large gates amidst walls. She led us across the way to a building full of light and noise. "The Wounded Gull." She stated. A sign hung from the front portraying a sea bird with a broken wing. She led the way inside The noise was incredible, such was the crowd. Yet there were still tables open. Tulip led us to a large one towards the back of the room. As soon as we sat a woman of healthy dimensions appeared.
"I am Tabitha. What can I do for you?" She stated this in a heavy accent that bubbled out of her mouth. Like she was drowning on her words.
"Is Skyler in tonight?" Stain asked.
The woman laughed, "She is in every night darling. Give me a bit to
find her." She walked off.
"I guess Skyler is an important person?" Raven commented. She was looking around the room, checking for danger.
We sat there for a while, the noise changing yet never lessening. Finally a short woman appeared at the table. "I hear some strangers are looking for me. That either bodes good or evil. Which be it?" Her voice was soft, yet firm.
Stain nodded, "Xavier said that our meal with you tonight would be on him."
Skyler stood there a moment considering this. "What did you do to loosen his pouch? He normally haggles over even a few coins."
"My body guard impressed him." Stain said this softly.
Skyler looked over the group and fixed onto Raven. "I can imagine. You going to enter the knife contest tonight?" She leaned closer and looked at one of Raven's blades. "May I see that?"
Raven looked surprised yet pulled the blade and showed it to Skyler.
"Ah. It is an honor to meet a knife master. You are more advanced than many." She motioned for Raven to sheath her knife. "What would you desire for a meal?" She addressed the table.
"What do you have tonight?" Tulip asked.
"We have three choices. A beef brisket, but it's a little dry. The chef left it on the heat a little too long. A fish soup, hearty but salty. The final one I would suggest, wild boar with mushrooms. We also can cook some stuff to order. For drinks it is mainly juices and fresh water. The higher ups have banned all else. What can I get all of you?"
We ordered and Skyler took off to get our food arranged. The original lady came by and dropped off a few jugs of juice and glasses. "Give us another bit and the crowd will die down. It is the evening guards getting ready to go on shift." She lumbered off.
She was right, after a few more moments people started paying their bills and leaving. Soon only us and a few other tables remained. A covey of servants filled the room and proceeded to clean all the empty tables. In a brief period of time the room was quite quiet and almost empty. Skyler returned with a few helpers. Food was passed around and she sat a bowl of crusty, dark bread in the middle of the table.
A Coursing Passage (A Life of Magic Book 3) Page 20