Instantly Callum’s back straightened, his eyes moving to her left arm where it dangled uselessly at her side. There was no visible fracture, her clothing intact, free of bloodstains which would indicate the wound to be severe. Sliding closer, his hands carefully ran over the joint at her shoulder with a definitive nod. “The joint has slipped out of place, similar to that which Gadiel suffered in Isavo. It requires only a moment to set, if you will allow me to do so.”
“I will allow you to do whatever is necessary. Just hurry.”
He gave no hesitation in answering her request, his skillful hands guiding her to lie on her back, cautious of her injured arm. Bending it at the elbow he positioned her hand across her stomach, suddenly distracted by something, his eyes locked on her fingers where they lay motionless over her naval. She was confused at first before it came to her what would have caught his attention, the memory of Edric’s ring there on her finger renewing the painful surge of emotions, new tears forming in her eyes as she gazed up at Callum’s dumbfounded expression. “That is Edric’s ring…”
“Callum, please,” she pleaded. There wasn’t time for this! “I will explain everything but now is not appropriate. The longer we wait, the less chance we have of saving him.”
Shaking his head Callum tore his eyes from the ring, focusing his attention back on her shoulder. He went to work, revealing incredible skill at tending what seemed to be nothing more than a superficial wound to him. When the final motion returned the joint to its proper placement, she didn’t give him a chance to say anything, her upper body already lifted from the ground to kneel over Edric’s unconscious form.
Her confidence trickled away when faced with the empty expression which had settled upon Edric’s features. He looked so calm. Peaceful in his death-like slumber. All at once she was reminded of the dangers of what she was about to do, afraid that transferring too much of her energy into him would create larger problems for his health. His body wasn’t accustomed to the essence of the Ovatai. While similar to that of the Vor’shai, it was without doubt more powerful. It was possible his body would naturally absorb the energy at a dangerous level, draining her and overpowering his senses, leaving them both dead. She would have to be careful. It wouldn’t help anyone if she let them both die.
A single burst would be sufficient for now. It was all she was willing to try without further examination of the injuries he suffered. The men wouldn’t be able to hold the weight of the Avaern long enough for her to do anything more drastic. Placing her palms flat against Edric’s chest she sent a wave of energy from her core into his, feeling the muscles of his body twitch from the sudden influx of her essence. Callum was at his side in an instant, checking his wrist for a pulse. Turning his gaze heavenward he uttered a cry of praise to his strange gods, a single tear having gotten free to roll down his cheek as he lowered his eyes to meet hers, making no effort to conceal the relief and happiness he felt in that moment. “He is alive,” he gasped. His fingers slid over Edric’s face, forcing the eyelids open to check his pupils before looking up to Neomi once again. “He seems to be comatose but I will take that over death. We need to get him somewhere so I can take better stock of his injuries. Are you able to help me carry him?”
“Yes, but we should hurry. We have already taken too much time.”
The arch of the Avaern’s wing didn’t allow enough room for them to stand, forcing them to keep low to the ground as they carefully dragged Edric across the snow toward the opening where the others continued to hold their position, though the height was significantly less than it had been when she first pulled herself under it to reach the men. She slid out first, leaning under to regain her hold over Edric’s ankles, guiding him further along. It was a tedious process, not wanting to chance moving him too much in fear of causing greater harm than he already suffered. By the time Callum managed to slip out from under the beast, Neomi’s arms were shaking from a combination of fatigue and anticipation, anxious to get Edric back to the safety of her home where his friends could tend to him appropriately.
Home. Suddenly she was reminded of her father, realizing that she had no idea where he was. Her last memory was watching the Avaern throw him like a ragdoll across the camp. Onuric was standing over them where she and Callum knelt at Edric’s side, her chin upturned to meet his eyes with a fearful gaze. “Onuric, where is our father?” she breathed. “Does anyone know where he has gone?”
“He is already being taken to the village. It seems the Prince managed to pull him behind the walls before throwing himself so foolishly at the beast.”
“He is alive, then? Is he hurt?”
“Alive, for now. We will know more in time. One of the Vor’shai has offered assistance in tending him. I should see the man to our home so he can determine the extent of his wounds.”
Gadiel’s face appeared at Onuric’s side. He offered his hand to Neomi to assist her to her feet, motioning her to go with her brother. “I will help the Captain from here,” he stated calmly, bending forward to help Callum support the weight of Edric’s body, positioning his lifeless form over their shoulders. “You two can lead the way. We will follow.”
She didn’t want to leave Edric’s side. It pained her to see him there in the arms of his friends, the angle of his neck unnatural, bobbing from side-to-side with every step they took. Gadiel and Callum wouldn’t let any further harm befall him but she couldn’t help the feeling of protectiveness which came over her, prepared to fight off anyone or anything that might threaten him. Following beside Onuric she moved forward, her eyes constantly redirected over her shoulder to check on his condition, making sure the men were still behind them.
Once they reached the infirmary there would much to answer for, between Onuric and Callum, both of them no doubt filled with questions, none of which she felt prepared to deal with right now. “Onuric,” she said suddenly, turning to face him as they reached the streets of Nahedu. His presence would be a distraction to the Vor’shai. If she could convince him to stay away for a while, they would be able to concentrate on the wounded before he began hounding them all with his relentless interrogation. “Our people will require guidance now that the Avaern is dead. You should provide them with some encouragement in our father’s stead until we are able to announce word of his condition.”
Onuric’s brow furrowed, his jaw set, unhappy with what she suggested while unable to argue the logic. With their father in his current state of health, it was Onuric’s duty to begin leading their warriors in the restoration efforts. It would be a test of his ability to handle the role of Chief. She only prayed that their father would recover enough to make sure the title did not have to shift to her brother prematurely. They had lost enough brave warriors to the Avaern. She wasn’t ready to lose her father as well.
Drawing his shoulders back Onuric straightened his posture, the hardened expression returning to his face that she had become so accustomed to seeing him wear. Without a word he turned away, leaving her alone with Callum and Gadiel. She couldn’t help feeling a mild surprise at the lack of argument he gave in allowing her to remain, unsupervised in their company. Perhaps he is finally starting to see that the foreigners are not quite as evil as he wants to believe. It seemed too much to hope for. But it was a start. She couldn’t ask for much more than that. “Come,” she waved the two men forward, increasing the speed of their steps toward her home. There would be plenty of opportunities to dwell on her brother later once Edric and her father were safe.
The days were long and tiresome, cleaning up the mess left behind by the Avaern. Word was sent to the outer villages to announce their victory. Onuric hoped to begin rebuilding their numbers throughout central Ethrysta, the tribes having suffered significant losses during the final days of battle. Visiting warriors of the Hauthus and Velinost remained in Nahedu for several days to assist in the removal of the Avaern’s body. Men and women scavenged the corpse for items to use in weapons and charms, commemorating the war which had taken so many liv
es. Nothing was left to waste. They were not the kind of people to let a ready source of supplies go unused.
Responsibility kept Neomi from spending the time at Edric’s bedside that she desired. Onuric made repeated visits to their father’s chambers, advising her of his condition, while Edric’s health remained a mystery. Her brother said nothing of his recovery. At times she wondered if he even monitored it. Onuric had never shown an interest in the well-being of the foreigners. It would be unlike him to suddenly take notice and care of them now.
Heaving the final block of ice from the sled onto the half-built wall she paused, overhearing the voices of the Vor’shai soldiers standing a few feet away. They spoke in hushed tones, excited by something, their countenance lifted from the usual grimness which had become expected of them. A part of her dared to hope that word of Edric’s health might have reached their ears. She was desperate to know. Although she knew it was a conspicuous approach she stepped in closer to them, bowing her head forward, ears strained to make out what the men were saying. They were speaking of their homes. Families left behind in Tanispa. Her heart sank at the realization that they were under the impression they would be returning soon.
At the mention of a courier having been sent to the Queen, she couldn’t bring herself to listen any further. They couldn’t be leaving. It was so soon and Edric wasn’t up to the travel home. Would her brother have been ungrateful enough to force them out of the village? He had spoken of doing so. Somehow she’d convinced herself that after what Edric had done for them, Onuric might change his mind.
Lost in her thoughts she turned away from the men, setting her sights on the path to the village. She had to know. She didn’t care if Onuric scolded her for intruding on the Vor’shai, she needed to find out the truth. Trudging through the snow she made her way closer to her home, thinking in her head of all the things she wanted to say to Edric before he left. His ring remained on her finger. There was much for them to discuss now that the threat of the Avaern was gone. Even if he had to be taken to his people for the sake of his health, she was still prepared to run away with him if he asked her to. And if their departure was Onuric’s doing, she would feel no remorse in leaving her family behind.
Making her way through the twisting corridors of the home, she stopped outside the curtained door to the infirmary, suddenly nervous about what she would say. Their plans for marriage couldn’t be discussed in front of anyone. Edric’s family and friends weren’t supposed to be made aware of their intentions. It would make things more complicated. But it didn’t matter. Right now she required nothing more than answers.
She drew in a deep breath as she pulled the curtain aside, moving confidently into the room. Her arrival was immediately noticed by Callum where he sat at the side of the observation table. Edric lay there, unmoving, the condition of his body appearing no different than it had the day she first led the men to this place. Was it possible he still had yet to awaken? Her only solace was in the fact that Callum remained so vigilant at his side. If he was dead, they would have taken measures to care for the body. While his face was pale and drawn from lack of sleep, Callum showed no signs of distress the way he exhibited when Edric was believed lost. She had to hold onto the hope that life remained inside the body he watched over.
“Captain,” she said slowly, the confidence she possessed upon entering the room quickly dissipating as she tried to put her concerns into words. It pained her too much to think that they would leave so soon. Callum’s eyes lifted to meet hers from where he was leaned forward, elbows propped on his knees to support the weight of his head. He made no effort to speak, simply staring at her, waiting for her to continue. “I heard some of your men discussing a courier having been sent to your Queen. They appeared to think they would be returning home soon.”
“They are correct,” Callum nodded, carefully sitting up on the stool to give an air of strength despite the exhaustion so evident on his features. “By now the courier has likely reached the palace and a carriage should be on its way to meet us at one of the trading outposts in southern Ethrysta. Your brother agreed it would be in Edric’s best interest to return home. Away from the harsh climate here which prevents his recovery.”
“So this is my brother’s doing?”
“His logic is sound, Neomi. The worst of Edric’s injury comes from the expulsion of his energy and you know the limitations our people have here. His best chance at ever waking from this state is to be taken back to a place where his body can naturally replenish itself.”
She didn’t want to accept it. There were ways to get around the depleted energy. She’d done it before. It had to be enough to heal him again. “I can help,” she argued, moving closer to Edric’s side. “If his lack of energy is all that hinders him then it is a simple fix. I can replenish him the way I did on our way to Isavo.”
“His body is beyond the point that he was then. Your energy is too strong. To fill him with your essence while his body lacks so much strength could have repercussions on both of you. It is more likely that it would kill you both.”
“The transference cannot be that dangerous.”
“Transference is always dangerous. That’s why we must take such care when utilizing it,” Callum sighed. “I wish you could help him but this is not like a normal wound. In small doses it might be possible to rejuvenate him. What you have to understand is that energy cannot be transferred in small doses once the body has reached a certain point. It would latch onto your essence and cling to it until the body could sustain itself and by then you would have nothing left to support you. There is only enough energy between the two of you to preserve a single life. I cannot allow you to make that kind of sacrifice.”
It was always about sacrifice. Her life had always been about the greater good of her people and her family. Now there was something she truly desired and she was repaid for her loyalty and service by having it taken from her. She’d never been the kind of person to dwell on what was fair, but this seemed downright cruel. So what had she done to deserve it? Did the gods punish her? She could think of no crime which would merit this torture. “You think he will recover once he has left here?” she asked quietly. If she was going to lose him, she needed to know he would at least be alright. His survival meant more to her than anything. In time she could find a way back to him. This would be nothing more than a minor setback.
Callum watched her, attentive to her every motion as she took Edric’s cold hand in hers. She knew the concern he carried. He worried that she would go against his wishes and attempt to transfer her essence into Edric. She couldn’t deny the thought had crossed her mind but if there was any chance that doing so would injure him worse, she wasn’t willing to risk it.
“That depends on what you mean by recover,” he replied calmly, never taking his eyes from her. “I suspect that physically he will regain his strength over time. There are other matters, however, which I fear may leave a permanent scar.”
“Has he suffered significant enough wounds to create such a scar?”
“I believe he may have.” Leaning forward Callum extended his arm, tapping a slender index finger over Neomi’s left hand. She followed his gaze, the sight of the gemstones in Edric’s ring deepening the pain she already felt. It was so beautiful there in the dim light of the lamps, each diamond sparkling brilliantly from the crest, reminding her of the silver flecks within his eyes, the way they almost seemed to dance when he looked upon her. Curious, Callum cocked his head to one side, peering at her, his question obvious before he spoke the words out loud. “You have not explained how his ring came to be on your finger. Perhaps now would be the time for you to enlighten me.”
Filled with grief she let her body sink to the floor beside the table, staring up at Callum through the tears which quickly began to form at the corners of her eyes. Why did it pain her so much to speak of it? The question raced through her mind though she already knew the answer. It was unlikely the promise they made to each other the night he
presented the ring would ever come to fruition. This ring was the only thing she would have to remember him by once their soldiers took him away. “I…” she started, coughing to clear her throat from the lump that was beginning to form there. At her unusual emotional state Callum’s curious expression shifted to one of confusion, sliding away from the stool to kneel on the floor in front of her.
“It’s alright,” he whispered, lightly resting his hand on her shoulder in attempts to console her. He looked somewhat awkward. Unsure of how to offer comfort when she’d never before shown herself to require such compassion from others. “I have my own suspicions as to its purpose, if that makes it any easier to speak on. I merely was hoping for confirmation.”
There was something about Callum which made him easy to talk to. Of all the other men, she believed he was the most similar to herself. Forced to put on a brave face for everyone while inside his heart was breaking. Edric had spoken of Callum’s love for his wife back home in Tanispa. If the feelings he kept hidden were anything like those which she carried for Edric, he wouldn’t hold it against her to weep at the thought of losing him. “The ring was given to me not long before Edric discovered the weapon in the cave,” she said quietly, pausing to regain her composure, her hand rising to wipe the tears from her eyes. “I confronted him about the suspicion that he intended to sacrifice himself and he confirmed the fears you and I shared. It was never his intent to return from that mission. But he gave me his promise that if the gods saw fit to see us through this alive, he would make me his wife. I accepted his offer but now I see it was in vain. The gods have other plans for us and we are merely slaves to their will.”
A sympathetic smile crossed Callum’s lips, his hand gently patting hers before rising to his feet. “I once thought the same thing. While I know very little about the deities your people worship, I have come to know a great deal about ours, and they have a strange way of working things out in the end.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 95