Conflict

by Pedro Urvi

  Beside the bed, sitting on a low stool, Komir watched him. Gena, one of the Sister Healers of the Order of Tirsar, was tending to his own wounds with gentle hands. His body was healing fast under the talent and powers of the Healer. He could feel the effects of the Healing running through his system, repairing the damaged done. The pain gradually receded. But nothing could mitigate the horrible anxiety that gripped him at the sight of his friend on the brink of death.

  They had moved Lindaro as fast as possible to the Temple of Light in the hope of saving his life, despite knowing that the wound was lethal and that the kind man of faith had lost a great deal of blood. Abbot Dian had summoned the Healers of the Temple of Tirsar as soon as he realized how serious the wound was, hoping for the kind of miracle which was only within the reach of a Healer. The city surgeons had been able to do little for Lindaro, nor had the priests’ prayers to the all-powerful Light been fruitful. As a personal favor to the Abbot, remembering the fondness which had bonded them for years, Sorundi, the Mother Healer of the order, had come to the Temple of Light in Ocorum as soon as she heard, and was now attending to Lindaro personally. Luckily the peninsula where the Healers had their base was just a short distance away from the port city.

  Komir did not take his eyes off her, hoping for her to perform a miracle. He could perceive the bluish energy penetrating his friend’s fragile body wherever the Mother Healer placed her magical hands. She had already been at work for some time, and this worried Komir. It was not the first time he had seen that type of knife-stab in the stomach. All the warriors in his tribe knew that once the stomach was pierced or deeply cut, death was slow and painful. The image of Uline came to his mind. A year before, pirates from the northwest seas had landed on the territory of the Arabaios, a minor tribe of the Norriel. Answering the sister tribe’s request for help, Auburu, matriarch and leader of the Bikia, sent her warriors to repel the pirate incursion. Komir had fought beside Hartz and Uline. The three were companions of Udag, the same age. The pirates, bloodthirsty and ferocious, fought with the certainty of past victories in their vicious eyes and the lust for plunder and rape in their hearts.

  Unfortunately for the invaders, the Norriel were not as easy a prey as those other tribes the pirates had attacked without mercy. At sundown on the second day of fighting, most of the pirates were dead, lit by the intense light of the flames given out by their burning ships. They called for retreat with strident horns, and a few ships escaped out to sea without looking back.

  Komir remembered with sharp clarity the moan which made him turn round to find Uline lying on the ground among several dead attackers. When he crouched to help him, he realized the seriousness of his friend’s wound. He had been savagely stabbed in the belly, and his death was inevitable. Uline, holding his stomach with both hands as he tried to stop the bleeding, looked up at him with enormous begging eyes. Komir would never forget that look, a look which searched for hope in the midst of abysmal fear. Komir checked his wound, and once he had confirmed the inevitable end he shook his head at his friend. The look on Uline’s face grew cold and hope fled his heart, to be replaced by the cold horror of imminent death.

  An hour later, surrounded by his comrades in arms, who honored him by forming the Circle of Life and Death, Uline died a sweet death. Master Warrior Gudin had given him the coup de grace to end his agony, whispering words of affection and praise. His comrades gave him a last farewell, singing the Song of the Brave. Komir would never forget that day… that begging look. Unfortunately, his friend Lindaro was now in the same terrible situation.

  “Will he come out of this?” Komir asked, unable to wait any longer. One of the Healer Sisters helping Sorundi turned from her place by the bed and put her finger to her lips, motioning him to be quiet.

  Gena whispered in his ear, “Silence, Norriel, the Mother Healer needs to concentrate in order to do the healing. It’s very important not to distract her or break the intensity of her power.”

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered back, downcast, “I didn’t intend to disturb her… I just wanted to know whether he has any chance… “

  “In cases like this little can be done, not even the best of our Healers can manage a cure. I’m sorry to be so harsh, but honesty is one of the rules of our order.”

  Komir felt a pang of dismay he could not hide.

  “I’m sorry if my words cause you pain,” Gena whispered, “but I must tell you the truth as it is. I can only tell you he’s in the best possible hands. Sorundi, the Mother of our order, is a gifted and experienced healer. If anybody can do anything for your friend it’s her. Be patient and trust, perhaps today a good man may not die.”

  “I hope it’s so, or I’ll never forgive myself,” Komir said, feeling absolutely miserable.

  Gena put her hand on Komir’s shoulder meaning to comfort him, but at that moment nothing could ease the worry he felt in his soul.

  “Where are your two other friends in need of care?”

  “They’re waiting outside, in the outer courtyard. You can’t miss them, a giant warrior and a redheaded girl in white armor.”

  “I’ll go to them, I’m done with you. A little rest and the wounds will heal well. Avoid exertion for about a week, rest and recover. You’ve got two bruised ribs, and the sword wound on your shoulder will be sore for quite a while yet.”

  “How rude of me,” Komir said. “I haven’t even thanked you for your wonderful healing, it’s unpardonable. Thank you very much.” He tried to bow, but he had to hold his side because of the pain.

  “You don’t need to thank me, warrior, it’s my duty, my calling. I’m going to see to your comrades. Be strong, and if you have faith, pray for him.”

  “Thank you again,” Komir whispered as Gena left the room. For the first time in his life he wished he had faith, like the Rogdonians. But the Norriel only believed in natural, tangible things: the Sun, the Moon and the Earth.

  He waited expectantly and hopefully, watching the magic of the Healers in action, something he knew nothing about and which impressed him greatly. Never before had he heard about these women who devoted their lives to helping others. What they were capable of doing with their magic was amazing. At first he had doubted the truth of their power, as there were so many charlatans who took advantage of people’s need to believe, but when he experienced it in his own body all doubts had been dispelled. Those Healers had impressed him with both their skill and their goodness, which was something the world stood in great need of.

  Another thing had changed inside him as well: his loathing for magic, for the occult. Since he had been very young, following the beliefs and superstitions of the Norriel, he had feared and hated magic, even more so taking into account the incident at the river in his youth. But as he saw what went on here and learned about the benevolence of the Healers, he was no longer sure what he believed. If magic could do such good to people and be used to heal, then perhaps his own inner power, his own magic, which he loathed, was not something to be hated after all. This made him think, and he sank into an inner debate of contradictory reasoning.

  Finally, after several long hours, Sorundi got up from the bed with unmistakable signs of great fatigue and weakness. With Abbot Dian supporting her she sat down in a chair, completely drained.

  “Will he live?” Komir asked, unable to stay quiet.

  Sorundi looked up. “The Light has blessed this humble servant of hers. I think I’ve managed to save him. It’s something I’m rarely allowed to do in cases as serious as this. He’s undoubtedly protected by the Light.”

  “Then Brother Lindaro is going to live?” Abbot Dian asked hopefully.

  The old Healer nodded. “Yes, he’ll live,” she said. “He’ll live. He’ll need a long time of rest and care, but I think we can get him to win through. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go and rest.”

  “Blessed be the Light which protects the innocent and defends her servants! It’s a miracle!” the Abbot said gratefully. “Thank you so much, Mother H
ealer. I don’t know how I’m ever going to be able to compensate you for this miracle!”

  “It won’t be necessary, Dian. Our friendship of half a century is payment enough. And now, if you’ll forgive me, I’ll leave before I faint.”

  Komir waited for the Healers to take Sorundi to another room, then went up to Lindaro. He looked down at the ashen face of the restless, lively priest and smiled.

  “You’re going to be all right, Lindaro. It’s a miracle on the part of the Healer Sisters. You’ve no idea what fears you’ve made me go through. When you recover I’m going to give you the biggest hug you’ve ever had. You’re brave, my friend. Keep fighting, don’t give up, live!”

  He left the room with a lighter heart after the good news. From the moment of the fateful wound he had feared the worst, in fact had been convinced there was no possible solution, and had been preparing himself for the death of the scholarly man of faith. During the last few weeks a sincere fondness had developed between them, forged by the powerful events they had lived through together. He scratched his head thoughtfully. These Healers worked true miracles, and he could never thank them enough.

  He went out to the courtyard and saw Gena using her gift on the wounds of his giant friend. Hartz, feeling the beneficial effects of the healing on his flesh, was looking at her with absolute incredulity. A few moments later this turned into gratitude and joy. The big man lifted Gena off her feet in one of his bear-hugs. The Healer, blushing at the giant’s excitement, did not know what to do to make him put her back down and let her finish the cure.

  Komir could not believe his good fortune: Lindaro, given time, would recover, and Hartz too was well. They had been very close to perishing, but they had come out victorious ‒ and what was even more important, they were alive. Thanks to the amazing courage of the man of faith and Hartz’s immense fortitude, they had come out alive from Guzmik’s palace. He could not find words to thank them both for what they had done, but he would find some way of letting them know. As for Hartz in particular, nobody could wish for a better friend, good and loyal to the core. And now he owed him his life, so that he would have to find a way of paying back his debt. The big Norriel deserved it.

  Kayti appeared from behind one of the arched columns of the courtyard, carrying an earthenware pitcher of water and some clean cloths which she gave Gena to help with the washing of the wounds. At once Komir’s joy was engulfed by rage. Instinctively he reached for the sword he wore on his left side. He waited patiently until Gena finished healing his friend, while anger steadily blackened his heart. He could not help himself, so that every instant his rage grew against that woman who had lied to them, and on whose account they had almost died. He clenched his jaw, and images of the past crossed his mind. They were images filled with pain and suffering of the death of his parents that fateful night. The white warrior had lied to them. She knew a lot more than she had told them, and she would pay for that betrayal. Komir tightened his grip on the pommel of his sword, Kayti had better answer him honestly and clearly, or her life would be forfeited. He would finish her off there and then without hesitation.

  Gena finished healing Hartz, and passed by Komir on her way to the room where Lindaro was resting. Hartz had not noticed his friend was there. As soon as he saw him he asked:

  “How’s Lindaro? Tell me they managed to save him, please…” Worry cast a shadow over his usually jovial manner.

  “It’s hard to believe, but they did manage to save him. I don’t really understand how, but their Healing magic is truly impressive. He’s going to live.”

  “Are you serious? He’s in the clear?” asked the big Norriel.

  “I’m absolutely serious. They healed a deadly wound. It’s truly unbelievable.”

  “That’s wonderful news!” Kayti cried.

  When he heard her gentle voice and saw her, all Komir’s concentrated anger exploded. In a single breath he leapt down to the courtyard. With his sword drawn, he came to stand two paces from the redhead.

  “Listen to me carefully, Kayti, if you want to stay alive,” Komir said in a cold, threatening voice. “I’m going to ask you some questions, and if I’m not satisfied with the answers I feel you owe us all, I swear I’ll kill you right here and now.”

  Kayti took a step back in the face of this threat. She too drew her sword and stood ready.

  “Who’s that Guzmik, and what did he have to do with you?” he asked, ignoring her weapon.

  “You’d better calm down, Komir. I don’t want this to go any further, but I won’t allow you to threaten me. Neither you nor anyone else,” she replied defensively.

  “Answer my question! I’ve reached the limit of my patience!” he cried, and raised his sword threateningly towards her.

  “Calm down, Komir!” Hartz pleaded, getting to his feet. “Don’t do anything rash. Control yourself! Let’s talk calmly, for goodness’ sake. Be reasonable, this isn’t the way of Igrali! Don’t dishonor the wise Moon Goddess by doing anything crazy.”

  Rage blinded him, he took no notice of his friend’s plea. “I’ll ask you for the last time, Kayti. Who’s Guzmik, and what has he got to do with you?” he repeated.

  At the imminent possibility of attack, Kayti fell into a defensive position with her legs slightly flexed.

  “As you yourself realized, Guzmik was a powerful sorcerer, a mage with his own retinue of disciples and armed men. A ruthless and evil being, who richly deserved the end that fate and Hartz’s hand meted out to him.”

  “How did you know him? What’s the nature of your relationship? Why was he looking for you?” Komir was not satisfied with the young woman’s answers.

  “Calm down, Komir, threats won’t get you anywhere. I’m sure Kayti will answer all your questions without needing to be threatened. Lower your sword, please,” Hartz begged. His hands were raised in a pacifying gesture.

  “I’ll lower it when I’m satisfied with the answers I want. Lindaro nearly lost his life, in fact we all nearly died because we trusted her. She hasn’t told us everything she knows, and her secrets nearly cost us our lives!”

  “My order, knew this dangerous foreigner had arrived in Tremia. His suspicious movements, and the kind of covert searches he was making into our Brotherhood, worried our hierarchy. We discovered that this individual had been compiling information about our affairs for two years. My superiors were unable to identify this Sorcerer’s ultimate aim, but they did find out what he was after: a particular person. Someone in the Brotherhood …”

  Komir did not let her finish. “You!”

  “Yes. My superiors informed me that the sorcerer’s investigations into the Brotherhood, and all the inquiries his agents were making, were aimed at finding out who I was.”

  “But why? What are you worth, to make such a powerful sorcerer look for you and try to kill you? Could you be a King’s daughter? Or is it revenge of some sort? Had you harmed this sorcerer in any way?”

  “This is where I have no answers for you, Komir… I’d like to be able to give them to you, honestly, but I don’t know. I have no idea of the sorcerer’s motivation, or why he wanted me dead, or why he’d been looking for me for so long. We’ve never been able to find out why. The Brotherhood protected me from him while it tried to find out the reason. Before they could find anything out, Guzmik’s men, masses of them, attacked the fortress of our Order in the Lost Mountains. It was something that surprised us completely. The daring of it was unthinkable, and they almost finished us off. Guzmik had a small army at his disposal! They suffered many losses in the first wave, but they continued the attack undaunted. Men dressed in violet assaulted the walls for two days on end, attacking day and night in surprise raids, short but intense. The garrison, three hundred devoted soldiers of the Brotherhood, fought them off, but the fact that they outnumbered us four to one, plus the magic from their various sorcerers, nearly tilted the battle in their favor. Because of this, at the most critical moment and fearing the fortress might fall into enemy hands, Jon
as, Captain General of the Brotherhood and Commander of the fortress, thought of a plan to let a small group escape in the dead of night. That’s how I got away, and that’s how six months later, when we were near the port city of Ocorum, our paths crossed.”

  “That means the same ones who attacked the fortress hunted you down with no rest for more than six months?” Hartz asked, his jaw dropping.

  “That’s right. We believed we’d covered our tracks well and that salvation was at our fingertips, then they caught up with us. And if it hadn’t been for you I’d be dead now.”

  “And the decoy?” Komir asked.

  “That was Jonas’ idea. He thought if the enemy caught us they’d go for the leader of the group, which would give me a small chance to escape. And it worked.”

  “But you still haven’t told me why. Why you? What makes you so special that Guzmik, a powerful foreign sorcerer, would want you dead at all costs, even attacking a well-garrisoned fortress? It doesn’t make sense!”

  “I don’t have the answer. I don’t know the reason. I can only tell you it’s nothing I might have done. My whole life has been dedicated to the Brotherhood. I’ve lived for and by the Order. I don’t know this sorcerer, or what led him to hunt me down. You must believe me, Komir, I’m telling you the truth. I’d like to give you the answer you want, but I don’t have it.”

  Komir thought for a moment, trying to quench his rage. Kayti was hiding something, she knew more than she was telling. He turned on her again.

  “What are you hiding? What part of the story are you keeping back? What is it you don’t want to share? I’m warning you for the last time. You tell me the whole truth, or else you’ll pay with your life.”

  “I’m not hiding anything! I’ve told you everything I know. I don’t know why Guzmik was looking for me. I have no answer for that.”

  “Then you’d better start commending yourself to your gods because today you’re going to join them. With a sudden move Komir attacked, launching a well-aimed thrust at Kayti’s shoulder. Surprised by the swift attack, she could not completely block the Norriel sword, which penetrated the layers of steel protecting her shoulder, piercing her armor and meeting flesh.