Tearing The Shroud

by JM Bray

  Justus nodded. ‘We’ve not come here for some time. Yes, you were indeed that old when we met. However, unlike what happened during my adventure, you have not grown younger. I am unsure why.’ He tapped his chin. ‘The matter bears more investigation. I would say that I reduced my age here by precisely the amount of time I was in that foreign world. Imagine the possibilities. When the moment comes again in eight years, I could go there, live for forty years and return here as a man of thirty-eight. I could repeat the event endlessly. I could even relive certain ages of my life if I so chose!’

  He paused, considering what lay before him, and smiled. Triumph and satisfaction vibrated in him. ‘Pae, I have circumvented death.’

  Chapter 13

  Convalescence

  His stitches itched like the blazes. Coleman tried to ease it through the thick wrapping using his palm but that brought no relief. As he resorted to his fingernails, Sari’s voice came from the doorway.

  ‘Hey, none of that. Jolie will have your hide.’

  He looked up, feeling like a boy with his hand in the sweets jar. Maybe charm would work. ‘Ah, but it’s just a bit of scratching.’ He gave her a lopsided smile.

  Sari snickered and stepped to his bedside. ‘You can reserve that for someone else. My knees won’t weaken like a Novice, but valiant effort.’ She took his hand, forcibly removing it from the bandage.

  Maybe he should plead?

  She tilted her head. ‘How about if we try taking your mind off it?’

  ‘I’ll try anything. I’m about to ask that you bind my hands.’

  ‘Hopefully that won’t be necessary. So, last time I was here, you were telling me about your squad’s tactics. Let’s pick up there.’

  Coleman took a breath and blew out. Maybe it would help.

  An hour later Jolie strolled into the room. His itching had abated, and her arrival lightened his spirits further. ‘How is our star patient today?’

  ‘My itching’s better now, thanks to Sari.’

  Jolie smiled warmly at her. ‘She is indeed a scratcher of itches…of many kinds.’

  Sari coughed. ‘I…do what I can. Well, I have inspections to conduct. It’s important to keep the Novices on their toes.’

  ‘I don’t envy them.’ Coleman smiled.

  Sari nodded. ‘Nor do I.’ She smiled at Jolie. ‘I’ll see you in the dinning hall, yes?’

  ‘I smelled roasted lamb, it should be delicious. I’ll meet you at our usual table.’ Jolie said.

  ‘Great.’ Sari smiled and strode from his room.

  Alone, at last. ‘I’d love to ask about your day and stare into your eyes like a smitten teen, but is there anything you can do about this itching?’

  A smile played at her lips. ‘Smitten are you?’

  Yes, that would be the case. ‘I just meant…there are things I’d rather be doing.’

  Jolie pulled him into an upright position. ‘As would I.’ She said softly. Her breast brushed his arm, giving him an itch of another kind altogether.

  Had she done that intentionally?

  ‘But lets try letting this wound on your chest breathe.’

  Her hands moved delicately, reminding him of a butterfly’s touch. Unable to support himself, he lay his head under her chin as she spooled the bandage from around him. He could think of worse places to be; it made the itching worth it. ‘So, how was your day?’ he asked.

  ‘A bit frustrating. Only one Novice in the newest group showed a talent for Healing, and she faints at the sight of blood.’

  ‘That’s inconvenient.’

  Jolie chuckled and it vibrated through his head, her breath stirred his hair. ‘I have her posted to assist the butcher.’ The chuckle deepened.

  ‘Oh, now that’s just wicked.’

  She tossed the bandage aside and wrapped her arms around his shoulder, easing him back onto the bed. The embrace made his heart race. ‘Me? Wicked? Never.’ She sat on the bedside and took his hand. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. She brushed back a lock of his hair. ‘With blond hair like this, it must have been lighter when you were a boy.’

  ‘It was nearly white.’ He ran his thumb over the back of her hand. ‘It needs a trim. I try to keep it short.’

  She appeared to struggle to pull her eyes away from his, looking at his chest. ‘Your stitches are ready to come out and the wound is healing well. So, I think we can manage that.’

  ‘Will you—?’

  ‘Oh, by the Divine, you wouldn’t want that.’ She waved her free hand. ‘I can wield a Healer’s blade with my eyes closed, but that talent didn’t transfer to cutting hair. You’d end up looking like a shorn sheep.’ She ran her fingers through his hair and their eyes locked again. Her touch sent goose bumps down his arms. ‘We can’t have that with a man as handsome as you.’

  Handsome? His voice came in a whisper, ‘No…I suppose we can’t.’

  Reaching Out

  The Matriarch collapsed bonelessly to the floor, her face pointed up at the Golden Orb of the Divine.

  Oh, no. Jolie rushed forward, reaching her a moment later. She shoved her panic aside and became the Healer, gently laying her out, straightening her legs and placing a small cushion under her head. The Acolytes slowly ceased their chant. The haunting song of finding hope in the Divine seemed to travel out into the Cloister rather than simply fall silent. They opened their eyes, coming out of a meditative state. As they did, they hurried to surround the Matriarch.

  ‘Back up,’ Jolie commanded sternly.

  One of the Senior Acolytes protested, ‘Now see here — ’

  ‘I said back up!’ Jolie looked at her and the woman paled, lowered her head and did as directed. ‘Yes, Mistress Healer,’ she said.

  ‘Be assured ladies, if I need help, I’ll ask for it.’ Her hands flew over the supine woman, checking her pulse, temperature, pupils, and head. She breathed a sigh of relief. ‘It appears the Matriarch has simply fainted.’ There was a clamor of concern. ‘She should be fine; let’s give her a few moments. Would someone please bring water, a cup, and a clean cloth?’

  One of the women ran from the Chapel, and returned moments later with the required items, setting the cup and pitcher on the floor near Jolie. ‘Thank you,’ Jolie said with a nod. She took the towel, wet it and gently wiped the Matriarch’s brow and cheeks. At the touch of the cloth, the elderly woman’s eyes fluttered open and she tried to get up.

  ‘Wha...where?’

  ‘Shhh. Matriarch, all is well,’ Jolie said gently as she prevented her from sitting. ‘Rest for a moment and then let’s try to sit up. Yes?’

  The woman’s eyes gained focus. ‘Of course, Mistress Healer. Did everything go well?’

  Jolie’s brow furrowed and the Senior Acolyte placed a hand on her shoulder, speaking quietly, ‘A brief memory loss is common after a Seer has an ecstatic moment. It will return in full shortly.’

  Jolie eased her tone and touched the woman’s hand. ‘My thanks, Senior.’ She looked back at the Matriarch. ‘You did what no one in our order ever has. It was...remarkable, truly a wonder to behold.’

  ‘We reached him?’

  Jolie nodded, ‘Yes, you did; let’s try sitting up and I’ll tell you more.’ Jolie supported her as she sat. ‘Better?’

  ‘Much, thank you. Now, you were saying?’

  ‘Yes, you reached him. You communicated with him by writing on some sort of Divine window with your finger.’ She shook her head. ‘I...am not explaining it well.’

  The Matriarch patted her hand, ‘Don’t worry, dear. The memories will arrive shortly, and if they don’t, we’ll chat about it until the words reveal things. So, I wrote, and did the young man write back?’

  ‘No, he spoke,’ Jolie answered.

  ‘Dear, you must be mistaken. To speak through the Shroud would require a tremendous amount of power. It would be impossible.’

  ‘But Matriarch, he did; I heard him as plainly as I hear you now. The voice came from far off but filled the room. He
said, “Wait. I don’t know what you mean. What do I do?”’

  The woman’s brow furrowed. ‘It seems he is even more unique than we had anticipated.’

  ‘Matriarch,’ Jolie paused. ‘You did so, as well.’

  ‘Did I now? What did I say?’ She raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Choose wisely.’

  ‘Hmm. I am sure that will make more sense once the memories fill in the gaps. And what was the result of my effort?’

  Jolie smiled slightly, tilting her head to the right. ‘You passed out.’

  The Matriarch laughed softly. ‘I, the Great Seer of the Known Realm, speak two words and pass out. But our Companion rattles off sentences.’ She shook her head. ‘Perhaps unique doesn’t do him justice. Come now, let’s walk back to my quarters and see what I remember.’ She nodded at Jolie. ‘The first thing tomorrow morning you need to pay a visit to our guest, Coleman. Since he is nearly recovered, it’s time that he knows what brought him here.’

  The Acolytes had waited respectfully as the two women spoke, but as they stood, all of them rushed over, each wanting to make sure for herself that their beloved Seer was well.

  A Walk

  ‘If I stay abed much longer, I’m going to start throwing things at people.’ The idea of tossing a glass at the kindly Elder woman who brought his food prompted a rueful smile. It would be like attacking his auntie. Without Jolie’s regular visits, he’d have left long ago. He’d grown very close to her during his recovery. His thoughts wandered to her; she was so intriguing and beautiful, with a quick wit and sharp mind —

  ‘I’m glad to see you’re still enjoying your stay.’ She stood in the doorway, and brought sunlight with her.

  ‘Do they teach you to move silently here?’ As she stepped to the bed, he smiled, basking in her nearness.

  ‘They do. But you have only your dulled perceptions to blame; I was clomping around like a horse.’

  He shook his head. ‘Nay...never a horse.’

  She rolled her eyes and approached his bedside.

  He continued, ‘A calf maybe. With cute eyes.’

  ‘A cow is it? You’re calling me a cow?’ She swatted his arm and proceeded to check his wounds.

  ‘A calf...a shapely, svelte calf?’

  ‘Too late to make amends now. You’re paying the price.’ Jolie crossed her arms, which emphasized another of her attractive attributes. ‘Up here.’ She smiled. ‘My eyes are up here.’

  ‘I know where your eyes are.’ He proved it by looking at them.

  ‘Yes, I could tell.’

  ‘So, this price you mentioned. What might it be?’

  ‘Twice around the grounds, with a shapely, svelte calf on your arm.’

  ‘Really?’ His smile matched hers.

  ‘Yes, really. It’s time you started moving your muscles. We don’t want you withering away. Up you come. No time like the present.’

  He swung his legs over the side of the bed, eager to comply. ‘Where are my clothes?’

  ‘The sleep gown will have to do. Your leathers were ruined, and we must make new ones. Now that you’re up, we can fit you properly.’

  ‘In my gown? What if the wind blows? I mean — ’

  Jolie took his arm and pulled him from the bed. ‘If I see anything I haven’t seen before, I’ll let you know.’

  It took Coleman off guard. ‘What?’

  ‘Who do you think applied the herb poultice?’ She batted her eyes at him. ‘Come now, let’s be off.’

  They made their way slowly down the hall, making several turns along the way, finally coming to a door. She opened it for them, and a pleasant floral scent rode in on the morning air.

  ‘This is the ground floor?’

  ‘Yes, it’s easier to get patients in and out.’ She guided him into the sunlight. ‘These are the gardens.’

  They were like nothing he’d ever seen. A gravel path led away from the door. Dark gray stones on one side and a knee-high planter on the other bordered it. The path wandered its way among a glorious jumble of plants. He saw blossoms of every shape and color, greens of every hue, full trees swaying in the light breeze. Everywhere he looked, it was something new. He heard the babble of a brook and stopped at the entrance of the path.

  ‘Are you well?’ Jolie asked.

  ‘Yes. The gardens, they are just so beautiful.’

  She smiled. ‘They are, aren’t they? The makers designed them to bring contentment. That’s why we came this way.’ She caught his eye. ‘I hope you find your time here beneficial.’

  ‘I am happy just to be out of the room, but this...is...’

  ‘Good, let’s be off.’

  Their walk followed the meandering path, passing several small ponds and fountains. At the edge of the gardens, there was a field of plants cultivated for food. They turned left as they reached it, skirting the edge, and entered the stable yard. Women of various ages kept the area, but it appeared the younger ones did the less desirable jobs. He supposed it was a way to start them off in the Cloister, and burn off youthful energy. He leaned on her arm as they walked in companionable silence.

  As they passed the last barn, he saw the practice field. An archery range was active, with women shooting at hay bales from different distances. ‘I see you train in archery. That was never my strong suit,’ Coleman mentioned.

  ‘We’re known for it. Ah good, it looks like you’ll see an example.’

  He wondered at that because he could plainly see the women training. She led him around a large willow tree. A few dozen strides away, three women readied their bows. This range didn’t face the hay bales used by the others.

  ‘Of course you know Sari.’ She nodded at the attractive blonde.

  ‘Yes, we’ve had several long talks.’

  ‘About what?’

  ‘Various things, mainly about how we were trained and what my duties are with the Warriors of the Oaks. I enjoy spending time with her.’

  ‘Well...good.’

  ‘Do I detect a bit of rivalry?’ He gave her a sideways grin.

  ‘Not at all. We’ve been inseparable friends since childhood and I’m glad the two of you have connected.’ She nodded. ‘When we found you, Coleen and Khari were there.’ She indicated a redhead of middle years and a younger brunette. They walked forward, and the women turned at their approach.

  ‘The dead has risen.’ Sari smiled. ‘Nice outfit.’

  He looked down to make sure his gown hadn’t blown up. ‘Yes, though maybe not for long; Jolie is going to walk me to death.’

  ‘Men.’ Jolie smiled. ‘Lazy, every last one of them. Here, let’s give you a rest.’ She indicated a small bench near the women and helped him sit.

  Coleen nodded. ‘It is good to see you out. We wondered about the results of our rescue.’

  Sari spoke to Jolie, ‘We were about to train some distance shooting; care to join us?’

  Jolie turned to him. ‘Do you feel well enough? It would be nice to get in some practice.’

  ‘Certainly. If I start feeling weak, I’ll just sprawl out on the bench, like a lazy man.’ He winked at her.

  ‘Great, I’ll get my gear and be right back.’ She darted off around the tree.

  Sari came and sat on the bench next to him. ‘We’re helping Khari develop her bow work. If you have any questions, please ask.’

  ‘I wouldn’t want to interrupt.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that.’ She patted his knee and smiled. ‘This is an informal setting, and she’s the only student. You might ask something she hadn’t thought of.’

  ‘In that case, I’ll be sure to do so.’ He smiled back at her. With another pat, she stood, as Jolie returned.

  Jolie strung her bow and leaned her quiver into a row of stands while the other women chatted. Coleman looked for the target they would shoot at, but couldn’t find it. ‘Pardon me, ladies. I do have a question after all.’

  ‘Yes?’ Sari asked.

  ‘What are you shooting at?’

  They smile
d and Coleen stepped to one side. ‘Sorry, I was in your line of sight.’

  He looked, but only saw a long open area with tall trees on either side. A small flag hung limp on a wooden pole over two hundred paces away, but nothing else. He shrugged, still baffled. ‘All I see is the wind flag.’

  Jolie said, ‘That is the target.’

  Coleman shook his head. ‘So...closest to the flag?’

  Jolie appeared amused at his confusion. ‘Of course not...’

  He smiled in satisfaction as he leaned back. ‘I knew it.’

  ‘...we aim for the pole.’

  His smile faded. ‘You can’t be serious.’

  ‘Watch and see then, good Sire.’ She grinned and sauntered to the quiver. In one smooth motion Jolie pulled an arrow, nocked it and paused momentarily before releasing the shaft. It traveled in a long arc and landed with a thud, buried in the wood below the flag.

  ‘Ah, I missed.’

  ‘Missed? That’s perhaps the best shot I’ve ever seen. Right into the pole! How did you miss?’

  ‘I was aiming to pin the flag to it,’ she said with an impish grin.

  The four women giggled good-naturedly at his expression. ‘Didn’t I tell you we’re known for our archery?’

  ‘Amazing. Simply amazing.’ He leaned forward, unable to believe what he had seen.

  Sari set her hand on his shoulder. ‘Prepare to be amazed a bit more.’

  Over the next hour, the women shot shaft after shaft into the pole. Khari missed the most, but even she hit four of ten, with the rest missing by inches or glancing off the pole. The three other women adjusted her form minutely and spoke of her breathing and imagery. Coleman watched them, Jolie in particular, as they practiced. Her muscles were firm and well formed, but still feminine, and he could see how she used her entire body to pull the bow. She smiled and laughed, glowing with life, and glistened with a light sheen of sweat. Every aspect of her displayed another facet of her beauty.