The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice

by Melissa Collins

  There was still so much to be done. Gadiel remained unconscious while Callum’s strained movements were becoming more sluggish, requiring more effort to conceal the agony that showed so clearly through his eyes. If they were going to have any chance at getting out of their prison and back to the surface, they needed to find a way to get everyone tended well enough to help. Edric feared what Callum might ask of him next. He knew nothing about broken bones. Setting a fracture was far different from sewing a few sutures. It wasn’t a process he believed himself capable of doing without undergoing extensive lessons in medical practice and they had no time for that. Gadiel would be more suited to help if he would just wake up.

  Coming to lay on the ground at Edric’s other side, Callum stared absently up at the shadows stretched across the ceiling of the cave. In that moment he looked peaceful. The discomfort minimized by the ease of his muscles. Edric hated to see his friend suffer the way he did. He chided himself at his inability to help. If only he’d been ambitious enough in his desire to learn about field procedures. Then they wouldn’t be in this predicament. But now wasn’t the time to think about the things he should have done.

  “Are you feeling alright?” Callum’s voice was quiet, strained, barely audible to Edric’s ears.

  Edric wanted to laugh at the question. He ached everywhere, a knife-like pain shooting through his right side with every breath he took. It could be worse. “I’m better than you look,” he sighed. There were so many questions he wanted to ask. Things he wanted to know about Gadiel and how they ended up in the chasm. He wasn’t sure where to even begin. “How bad is Gadiel’s condition? I thought he would have regained consciousness by now.”

  “Moinie induced the slumber he is in. He was in far too much pain to leave him awake while we tended him.”

  “Then you know his injuries? Will he be alright?”

  “He will live, yes. My concern is getting him back to the surface and to Nahedu where he can properly recover. It is unlikely he will be of much help to us at this point.” Callum closed his eyes, inhaling deeply before continuing. “His left ankle is broken. His shoulder also appears dislocated and I suspect him to have a few broken ribs. He fell from a significant height. I worry about the injury he may have sustained to his head upon impact. He was in so much pain when we first reached him that he wasn’t able to vocalize much to answer our questions. The only external injury I found was a laceration to his right leg, but it is minimal and should heal fine without the need for sutures.”

  “What about you?” Edric frowned, lowering his gaze to stare at Callum’s right arm lying useless at his side. “Your arm is broken. How are you going to fight? We can manage if it becomes necessary to send Gadiel home to heal but the men cannot do without you. If you are unable to stay, we need to send word to your father so he can come –”

  “I am not leaving. My father is not to be made aware of my condition. This was a test, after all. My decision to remain with the military may be questionable but that doesn’t mean I want to be discharged with the reputation of being a failure.”

  “Have you considered the repercussions it could have on the safety of our men if you proceed this way? They need you to be in the best condition possible to lead them in battle…”

  “My condition is fine. It is only a broken arm.”

  “Only a broken arm? Callum, have you gone mad? That is a serious injury.”

  “An injury which will heal. I just need a little time to regain the strength in it.”

  Why did everyone have to be so inexorable? It was ridiculous to think of letting Callum continue in his condition. Throughout the years Edric had seen Callum fight enough to know that he favored his right arm in combat. With it broken, he would be vulnerable. How was Edric supposed to protect him if he was so willing to place himself at such risk? But he knew there was no sense in trying to talk him out of it. Callum would never budge on his decision. He was obstinate in his duty as Captain. There was nothing left to do at this point than to offer whatever assistance he could to make it easier on his friend. “What would you have me do, then?”

  Slowly Callum started to rise from his back, an agonized groan escaping him as Edric reached out, holding him down onto the ground. He didn’t care how stubborn Callum was. He wasn’t going to let him make things worse by moving when it wasn’t necessary. Surprised by Edric’s sudden behavior Callum blinked, staring up at him in confusion. “I have to check Gadiel,” he coughed, the action seeming to intensify his pain. “His wounds are more severe than mine. Priority requires him to be tended before I let anyone waste their time on me.”

  “Let Moinie and I worry about Gadiel. You need to rest.”

  “Do you know how to set a dislocated shoulder?”

  “I… no.”

  “Then I will rest once Gadiel is tended.”

  Heaving a frustrated sigh Edric shook his head, his hand pressed against Callum’s chest, unwilling to let him go. He didn’t know how to do any of the things which needed to be done, but he was intent on doing what he could. What good was he to Callum on this mission if he didn’t at least try? “Teach me,” Edric stated firmly, grasping at his side as he rose to his feet. “Moinie can help bring Gadiel closer so you can observe what I do. He’s unconscious so I don’t have to worry about the amount of pain he suffers at my hand. For that reason, it should be easier to set the arm than it was to apply the sutures.”

  “Sutures have less chance for error, Edric. Joints are nothing to be trifled with. There are many things that can go wrong and lead to permanent damage.”

  “Then you better teach me right. You’re not going to be able to do it with one hand so you might as well admit there is no other choice than for me to figure it out.”

  He wasn’t going to give in. This was something he needed to do for himself as well as Gadiel and Callum. His presence in Ethrysta was useless if he didn’t find a way to be more like a soldier and less like the confused Prince that he was. He was descended from the bravest Vor’shai soldiers known in the recent history of their people. It would be a disgrace to his family if he didn’t start acting like it.

  At the sight of Edric moving toward Gadiel’s unconscious form, Moinie sprung into motion from where she sat at Neomi’s side, the light from her energy illuminating the path along the rocky ground. Through gritted teeth Edric bent forward to lift Gadiel’s legs, a pained grimace frozen on his features from the strain. A tiny voice in the back of his mind encouraged him to keep going. He couldn’t give in to the pain. There was too much riding on him. Your father wouldn’t let a few bumps and bruises stop him…

  Cautious of Gadiel’s possible injury to his ankle, Edric kept his grip high on the leg near the knee, gently setting him down a short distance from where Callum lay. He was impressed by Moinie’s eagerness to help, already retrieving the leftover shreds of fabric from Callum’s cloak, melting a small handful of snow over the fabric to moisten it. “Here,” she offered, holding the damp cloth out for Edric to take. “Clear the blood from his face so we can examine the wounds on his head. I will not be convinced to wake him until I know he does not suffer too severely.”

  “A concussion is a guarantee after a fall like that,” Callum chimed in, propping himself up on his left arm to watch Edric and Moinie, hesitant about leaving the work in their hands. “Putting him to sleep was probably not the best idea in the first place. I should have done more to stabilize him before he was moved.”

  “What exactly could you have done?” Moinie scoffed. “There was no time. Nothing you could do would heal a concussion and the Avaern left you all unconscious anyway.”

  Accepting the cloth from Moinie’s hands Edric knelt down, gently wiping the blood from Gadiel’s face. There was so much of it. He didn’t remember seeing it look as bad when he was searching for the needle, although the assistance of Moinie’s light made the condition of Gadiel’s body easier to see. Edric’s limbs ached simply to see the torn material of Gadiel’s uniform, scraped and fraye
d from the rocks, soaked through with blood in several areas where the worst of his injuries were sustained. It was the head which made him cringe the most. The rocks had been merciless, providing no cushion from the fall. His skin was swollen and bruised almost beyond recognition, hair matted against his face, cuts breaking the surface at various angles. With every swipe of the cloth Edric felt his pulse start to calm, reassured that the lacerations were minor, however, it said nothing of internal damage to the skull.

  Studying every detail of Gadiel’s head he let his fingers run over the damp strands of hair, feeling for any sign of noticeable trauma. He doubted himself qualified to diagnose anything specific about his condition, but he was knowledgeable enough about basic health and healing methods to recognize if something was out of place. To his relief there was nothing other than a few bumps caused by the swelling. “He is going to have one hell of a headache,” he mumbled, sitting back to glance at Callum nervously. “I don’t feel anything out of the ordinary beyond a couple small contusions. We should go ahead and get his shoulder set before he suffers any lasting damage.”

  “Are you certain you are comfortable doing this?”

  “I’m not comfortable with it at all, but that matters little. Tell me what to do first and I will get myself ready.”

  Callum bit down on his lip in thoughtful contemplation. “Is he lying flat? Make sure there is nothing under his shoulder which may hinder your progress.”

  Slipping her fingers under Gadiel’s left shoulder Moinie shook her head. She looked intrigued by what they were about to do. Anxious. “The arm is as flat as we are going to get it on the surface we have to work with.”

  “I suppose that’s the most we can ask for.” Struggling against the pain Callum sat up straighter, leaning forward to get a better view of Gadiel’s upper body. “Arrange the arm so it is perpendicular to the rest of his body. The fact that he is unconscious will make this easier, given that his muscles are more relaxed in this state than they would be if he was awake. Then again, if he was awake, I would probably urge him to perform the procedure himself.”

  “Well, he isn’t awake. I will consider that a good thing for him and I both.” Doing as he was directed Edric made sure Gadiel’s arm was straight, waiting diffidently for further guidance. He wanted this to be over and done with. The sooner Callum explained what he was doing, the sooner they could have the arm set and determine whether or not he could be woken.

  At Edric’s obvious anticipation Callum nodded in understanding, bringing his left arm up to demonstrate as he spoke. “Be extremely careful when you move him. I want you to start by bending his elbow to about ninety degrees. Keep the upper portion of his arm as stationary as you can.”

  He didn’t like the thought of moving Gadiel’s arm. Doubt rushed over Edric even as he began to lift the limp hand from the ground, mimicking the motion Callum made with his own arm. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. Horrible images flashed through his mind of feeling the arm snap under his grip, rendering his friend ruined for the rest of his life. He didn’t want that on his shoulders. Even if Gadiel forgave him the blunder, he would never forgive himself. Just stay calm. Move slow. Callum won’t let you make any mistakes.

  The sound of Callum’s voice pulled him from the chaotic mess that was Edric’s thoughts, forcing him to direct his focus on what he was doing. “You are going to rotate the arm from there. Try to keep his bicep still. Support the shoulder with one hand and turn it inward, toward his chest, like this,” he explained, moving his arm across his chest in an “L” shape. “Keep it steady. If you need Moinie to help hold it, please ask.”

  “Callum, I have it. Stop worrying so much and just tell me what to do next.”

  Unfazed by Edric’s pointed remark, he continued his demonstration, letting his left arm turn outward away from his body. “This is the most important part. Very slowly I want you to rotate the arm in the other direction, same as you did before.” Scooting closer Callum reached toward Gadiel’s injured arm, carefully folding the fingers into a fist, indicating for Edric to hold the wrist. “Support here and at the shoulder. It should be clear when the joint aligns. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to repeat the steps again until it works.”

  Edric braced himself for the worst. This was it. He wasn’t sure what to expect at the moment the bone settled into place. Silently he prayed his first attempt would be successful. The last thing he wanted was to go through it again and risk causing more damage. He shuddered to feel a slight shift under the pressure of his hand at Gadiel’s shoulder, sickened at the sensation. Reflexively he flinched, releasing his hand from the joint, Callum’s left arm shooting forward, paused under Gadiel’s arm in case Edric lost his hold on the wrist, drawing in a sharp breath of air. Realizing his error Edric quickly replaced his hand. It had worked but it wouldn’t do them any good if he jostled the injured arm too soon.

  “Did it work?” Moinie leaned forward, peering down at Edric’s hand pressed firmly against Gadiel’s shoulder, his breathing heavy. He had done it. Finally he felt as if he was doing something right for his people instead of dragging them down.

  The cave fell silent, the only sound that of everyone’s uneven breathing, lost in the depths of their own thoughts over what had just occurred, Moinie’s question falling on deaf ears. Edric swelled with pride although he knew it was foolish. It was a minor task out of so many that still needed to be done. Callum’s arm remained broken and in need of tending. No amount of confidence brought on by his success at setting Gadiel’s shoulder would ever make him feel capable of setting a fracture in the arm of the man they were counting on to lead their people to victory. Bones were better left to those who had the proper training and experience.

  He jumped at the touch of a hand on his back, startled to discover Callum had turned away from Gadiel, his eyes staring into the distance toward the blackened center of the cave. “You did well, Edric,” he stated calmly, quiet, his tone sincere while distracted by something which continued to burden his thoughts. “I think it best you take it easy for now. Prolonged activity will exacerbate the injuries you have sustained. You should lie down for while.”

  “I feel as if there is more I should be doing. Rest can come later…”

  “No, Edric. You need to rest now. When Gadiel regains consciousness we may need you to assist further but I can tell by the way you move that you suffer. I suspect your ribs are either bruised or broken. From experience I can say that an injury of that nature can be intolerable if you don’t care for it properly.”

  “But your arm –”

  “Don’t worry so much about my damnable arm,” Callum inhaled, catching his temper with a dejected shake of his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound angry with you. The pain is starting to get to me. I almost wish the Avaern would return and let me sleep again.”

  Surprised by Callum’s admission of pain Edric turned to face him, concern creasing his forehead. It wasn’t like Callum to let his discomfort be known. “That isn’t true,” he frowned. “I believe the pain is affecting your mood, but I know you well enough to know that you don’t want to sleep. If it wasn’t for Gadiel’s wounds, I’m convinced you would have us all digging through the rocks to get out of here.”

  “You’re probably right,” Callum chuckled, the sound broken by a fit of coughs, his body doubled forward in pain. Lifting his left hand to his lips, he choked on the fluid inside his mouth. Loud wheezes hindered his breath, tiny speckles of color appearing on his palm from the hacking cough which racked his chest, the sight of the spots sending Edric into a panic. Blood. He was coughing up blood.

  “Callum!” he exclaimed, reaching to his friend, frenzied, uncaring about his own pain. This couldn’t be happening. Callum hid his discomfort too well. Had it been more obvious Edric might have been able to get him the help he needed before it reached this point. Not that he knew anything about tending internal injuries. Without the assistance of the Vor’shai magic, he was useless. All their tr
aining in basic healing relied on it. Circulation of the energy. Balance within the body. The tools he needed to save Callum had been stripped from him upon entering this wretched country.

  A pair of hands at his arms pulled him away, a soft voice coaxing him to remain calm. Everything would be alright. How could they possibly say that? Nothing would be alright until Callum received the help he needed. Spinning around, he thought to chide the person speaking, blinking to find himself face-to-face with Neomi’s gentle features. Why was she keeping him away from Callum? He had to get to his friend. He didn’t know what he would do, but he would think of a plan. He just needed time.

  To his dismay Neomi wasn’t the only person standing between him and Callum. Moinie positioned herself as a barrier, arms wrapped around Callum’s midsection to hold him up, careful not to grab onto his injured arm. “Keep the Prince back!” Moinie shouted, the light from her energy flickering under the strain she exerted to guide Callum down onto the ground.

  “I’m not going to stay away.” Pulling from Neomi’s grip he rushed forward again, confusion building at Moinie’s strange behavior. Why would she want to prevent him from getting close? The Ovatai knew little about the physiology behind the Vor’shai body. She wasn’t familiar enough to perform the drastic measures necessary to stabilize Callum. And what exactly do you intend to do? The question haunted him; as if his conscience laughed at him for thinking he was more qualified than Moinie. There was nothing he could do. Although he hated to admit it, he knew it was true.