The Healer's Legacy

by Sharon Skinner

The spacious entry hall was cool after the warmth of the crowded main room, and she pulled her wrap around her. Lisana was right about one thing. All the marriageable men at the wedding were pups, most of them far from any inheritance. Mayet frowned. It had been a foolish thought, the idea that she could sweep into one large social gathering and immediately find a worthy husband. She sighed. Milos was still her best chance to remarry, reclaim her rightful place and guarantee Tratine’s inheritance.

  Music and laughter swirled out of the main room as the door opened behind her. Mayet turned. The wolfish-looking man strode toward her, a hungry smile on his face. Mayet glanced around. The previous solace of the vacant hall had suddenly changed to a menacing emptiness and a cold chill fell over her.

  She took a step back as the man approached. Dark eyes glinted from the shadows of his face. She tried to step aside, but he swerved, cutting off her escape. He made a sweeping bow before her, but his eyes never left her face. “Lady K’Tem.” His voice was deep and raspy.

  Mayet was startled at hearing her widow’s name. She hated the sound of it, but of course, Lisana was certain to use it. Mayet knew it was the proper way to address her, but she’d been away from a proper hold for a long time. Perhaps this was some sort of cruel joke her cousin was playing. If this was the sort of man Lisana would send her way, Mayet might as well have stayed at Tem Hold. She draped herself in her lady’s air of composure. “I see my cousin has given you my name,” she said haughtily. “She has not, however, given me yours.”

  “My pardon, Lady.” His thin lips curved into a cold smile. “My name is Lago Surrat.”

  The name wasn’t familiar. Clearly, this man was not a holder, nor was he seeking a bride. “What is it you wish of me, sir?”

  “Lady K’Tem.” He took a step forward, closing the space between them, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I am a seeker of lost things, a finder of the wayward.”

  A cold prickle skittered along the back of Mayet’s neck. “I have no need of your services. If you will pardon me, I believe I shall return to the celebration.” She moved to go, but he blocked her way.

  “You may have no need of my services,” he rasped, “but I may still be able to be of assistance to you. Your lovely cousin tells me that you have an unwelcome guest at Tem Hold.”

  Mayet glared. It was just like Lisana to prattle every word uttered in confidence. “What do you mean?”

  “Your cousin, the Lady Sasson, mentioned that you have had a recent visitor. A woman.”

  “What is your interest in that?”

  “I am seeking an indentured servant who was parted from her master. A tall pale woman with flame-red hair. Her master will pay handsomely for her return. I would be willing to provide recompense for your help, if your guest is indeed the person I seek.” The man’s nose twitched as he spoke, which made him look more like a rodent than a wolf.

  Tall. Pale. Yes. The hunter’s hair, though dark, had shone with a red sheen when the sun struck it. What little she had of it. Mayet’s mind began to spin, calculating the possibilities. Had Milos made a bargain with a fugitive? The woman had been ragged when she’d arrived at Tem Hold. Mayet stroked her chin with a forefinger, contemplating the man before her. What might it be worth to this Lago to find the woman he was seeking? Having the wretched hunter removed from Tem Hold would certainly be an improvement, but it would in no way guarantee Mayet’s place as Lady Tem. There might be more to gain by working with this man.

  She rested one hand on the man’s arm. “Might we talk over a cup of wine?” she asked. Perhaps it was time for her to strike a bargain of her own.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Kira glanced over her shoulder. The gnawing sense of being watched made her muscles twitch. When she’d first decided to stay at Tem Hold, she had thought she’d be able to forget about Toril and his men for a moon or two. Now she couldn’t shake the tightness in her chest. Trad’s ears flicked as she squeezed in with her knees, urging him to a faster pace. The deeper into the forest they went, the nearer they drew to Vaith and Kelmir, the more at ease Kira became.

  The spaces between the trees grew narrower and Trad had to slow to a walk to navigate between them. Ahead, through the shadows, Kira could see where the glade opened up and late afternoon sunlight warmed the entryway of the abandoned cave that Vaith and Kelmir had found while searching for game. It was deep in the forest a fair distance south of the hold, but Kira was grateful they had found shelter from the weather before the coming winter.

  Kelmir yawned and stretched, raising his back haunches high into the air with calm ease, as Kira rode into the sunlit space. Tall trees surrounded the rocky hillside and grew above the cave mouth, which led through a narrow tunnel and opened up into a space large enough for several people and animals. Kira had crawled inside when they’d first discovered it, and had swept out the debris left by the previous inhabitants. A low ledge jutted out on one side, providing a perch for Vaith, and she’d brought straw to cover the floor and provide a layer of bedding for Kelmir. Kira would have preferred to have her companions near her, but the cave would provide a warm shelter for them through the cold winter.

  She dismounted and left Trad to graze at the edge of the glade. Kelmir rubbed against her thigh and Vaith flew above her, circling and trilling. Neither of her companions seemed nervous or concerned. Kira dropped down onto the grass and the tension in her body dissipated, like a puff of cloud before a summer’s breeze.

  Scratching between Kelmir’s ears with one hand, she held out the other to Vaith, who flew down to land on her wrist. He snaked his head down and eyed the gauntlet Harl had given her, squeezing the new leather experimentally with his talons. Kira smiled. “Yes, little one, a lovely gift. It seems our young friend was quite impressed with you.”

  Vaith puffed out his chest. “Don’t let it go to your head,” Kira teased. “Young boys are easily impressed.”

  Vaith let out an insulted squawk and launched himself from her arm to land on an overhanging branch. He furled his wings and turned his back on her.

  “My apologies, oh prince of dragonets. I meant no disrespect,” she said with mock sincerity. “I don’t know what came over me. You are and have always been the most noble and impressive of wyverns.”

  Vaith stood still.

  Kira rolled her eyes. “Your scales glow in sunlight like priceless jewels.”

  He cocked his head.

  “Your talons are as sharp as fine-honed blades.”

  He peeped at her out of the corner of one eye.

  “You fly like the wind and your eyes are glowing moons.”

  Vaith leaped off the branch, soared down and paraded before her. Kelmir yawned and flopped over on his side, then stretched out his legs, nearly tripping Vaith with his paws. Kira laughed out loud.

  * * *

  It was nearly dark when Kira started back. Kelmir ranged ahead, leading the way through the gloaming forest, and Vaith rode on Kira’s shoulder, trilling quietly in her ear. They’d gone only a short distance when Kelmir stopped short, his tail twitching furiously. Vaith quit singing and Kira pulled Trad to a halt. The nervous prickling returned. What is it, Kel?

  Kelmir growled low in his throat and bounded off, rushing past Kira and heading back the way they had come. A flurry of crashing brush and breaking twigs exploded off to the right. Kira tried to connect with Kelmir, but the cat was too focused on his quarry for her to reach him.

  A scream erupted from the darkness, followed by a rush of sliding rocks and splashing water. Vaith launched himself overhead and fluttered out of sight. Kira closed her eyes and tried again to reach Kelmir.

  Kel?

  Her thoughts moved through a thick haze and finally found him, moving into his mind. He sat hunched over the edge of a ravine. Something whimpered in the darkness below.

  Kelmir crouched low, staring down into the thick shadows. His nostrils filled with the sharp tang of sweat and fear. Slowly, his eyes separated the shades of gray, and focused
on the silhouette of someone hunkered down at the bottom of the ravine. Friend or foe? Kelmir sensed only fear.

  Kira was fully alert to the possibility of danger, but a nagging thought plagued her. It had been little more than a half moon since she’d come to Tem Hold. Surely Toril’s men couldn’t have found her so soon, and it seemed unlikely a mercenary soldier would cower, mewling, in a dark ravine. Whoever Kelmir had chased into the ravine might need help. Heresta’s voice floated inside her head repeating the healer’s oath: Healer to the wounded and sick, harbor to those lost in the storm, helper to those in need, hearth to those alone.

  Reluctantly, she turned Trad in the direction of the sounds. They picked their way through the heavy brush and fallen branches until they came to the edge of the ravine. They rode along the rim until they reached the spot where Kelmir lay, muscles tensed, head hanging over the edge. He stared into the darkness, tail twitching back and forth. Vaith fluttered down and settled on the ground beside him.

  Kira slid out of the saddle and took a few cautious steps, testing the ground with her foot. When she reached Kelmir’s side, she peered into the gulf, but in the twilight the deepening shadows seemed to dance and shift. Even through Kelmir’s keen eyes, she was unable to identify the motionless figure below.

  Aside from the trickling of the stream, there was only silence. “Hello?” Kira called out. No answer.

  Kira grew concerned. “Are you hurt?” she asked. There was a small movement, followed by the rattle and plash of gravel and dirt sliding into the water. The silence returned as Kira waited, frowning into the darkness. She thought of sending Vaith down to take a look, but it could be dangerous for him, or frightening for the person hiding in the dark. A forlorn sob rose from the shadows.

  Kneeling on the embankment, hands gripping the edge, Kira spoke in even tones. “Please, let us help you,” she said.

  A familiar voice whispered up from the shadows. “I’m afraid.” There was another sob, followed by low weeping. Kelmir stopped flicking his tail and bent his ears forward as he stared at the sound.

  Kira was thunderstruck. She had only heard the girl speak a few words and halp sentences, but she recognized the voice at once. “Milvari?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Are you hurt?”

  “I-I don’t think so.”

  “What are you doing out here?”

  “I-I followed you. To see if you would gather more herbs.” Her voice cracked with fear and sadness.

  Kira was sorry she had allowed Harl’s warnings of Mayet’s disapproval stop her from teaching Milvari about herb lore. She knew how it felt to have a door open and then close just as one began to step through it. “Oh, Milvari. You could have asked me.”

  “I didn’t—I didn’t know h-how. I’m s-sorry.”

  Kira ached for the poor girl. “Never mind. It’s all right. Let’s just get you out of there. Can you climb up?”

  “I-I’m not sure. Is it still there?”

  Kira was puzzled. “Is what still here?”

  “The-the giant cat. The one that chased me.”

  “Kelmir won’t hurt you. He’s one of my companions. And my friend.” She touched Kelmir on the shoulder and the big cat’s ears twitched.

  “But—“

  Kira stroked Kelmir’s head. “I promise you, Milvari. Kel won’t hurt you. He only chased you because you ran. He was merely trying to protect me.”

  Milvari was quiet.

  “Would you feel better if I sent him away?”

  There was no response.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Milvari huddled at the bottom of the ravine, shivering, her wet skirt weighing her down. Her face and arms burned from the branches that had lashed her as she ran, and her knees were scratched from the fall. She’d dropped her cloak as she scrambled between the trees and now she shivered in the cold night air. Should she ask the hunter to send the frightening animal away? Could she?

  She shrank back. She was such a fool. Her mother was right, she wasn’t good for anything. She had so wanted to be like the hunter! Strong. Brave.

  “All right, Kel. I guess you’ll have to go.” The hunter’s voice seemed filled with disappointment.

  “N-no. It’s all right.”

  “Are you certain?”

  “Yes.” Milvari tried to sound confident, but her voice came out a high-pitched squeak.

  “All right, Milvari. Try to climb up. Just go slowly.”

  She reached up, trying to find a handhold, but the rocks and gravel loosened, a shower of dirt tumbled down on her. She coughed.

  “Are you all right?” the hunter asked.

  Milvari spit dirt out of her mouth and then almost laughed. Her mother would be mortified. She grew braver at the thought of her unladylike plight. “I’m fine,” she called out. “Except I keep slipping back down. The rocks are all loose.”

  “Try moving farther along the ravine. The embankment might be more solid.”

  “But I can’t see.” Milvari’s budding courage wavered.

  “Try to feel your way. Stretch your arms out to the sides and use your fingers to guide you. It might help if you close your eyes.”

  Milvari squeezed her eyes shut. Reaching out with her left hand, she inched her way along the bank until her fingers touched firm ground. “I think I found a solid place,” she called.

  “Good,” the hunter said. “Keep talking so I can find the spot above you.”

  Keep talking? What should she say? Milvari had been told over and over by her mother not to speak unless spoken to. She’d already said more in the past few minutes than she had in months.

  “Milvari?” Her name floated down to her, rousing her from her thoughts.

  “I’m here. But I-I don’t know what to say.”

  “Try telling me what you recall about the plants we found in the field. Do you remember?”

  “Oh yes!” She went over every plant and the properties associated with each. The shape of the leaves, the color of the flowers, the places where they grew. The words seemed to jump out of her.

  “Milvari,” the hunter interrupted from above, “you need to try climbing up now.”

  “I’m sorry,” Milvari’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. Had that been her rattling on like a child?

  “Don’t be. I’m very impressed. You seem to remember everything I taught you. Come along, now. Give it another try. I’ll be here to give you a hand at the top.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  They left Vaith and Kelmir at the edge of the forest. Milvari sat behind Kira, wrapped in Kira’s cloak and clinging to her as if she feared she would fall off Trad’s back. Kira reached down and patted the girl’s cold wet hands. “We’re nearly home,” she said to sooth Milvari’s fears.

  They drew near the hold. The heavy gate stood open to the night. Lanterns were lit and hung along the tops of the walls, causing strange shadows to bounce and weave. People rushed about in disorder. The hold looked like a roiling kettle about to boil over. Kira urged Trad on. Whatever was going on, Holder Tem would be relieved to have his niece safely back inside the walls of Tem Hold.

  They rode through the gate and Kira halted Trad in the main yard. Someone called Milvari’s name. A shadow loomed across the ground as the stable door slammed opened and light spilled out. Kira recognized the silhouette. Holder Tem strode forward to meet them. He folded his arms across his chest, an angry aura billowing around him.

  Kira tensed. Milvari’s grip tightened and she leaned out to look past Kira at the irate man standing before them.

  In the light from the lanterns, Kira saw the muscles in the holder’s jaw working before he spoke. His words scraped through clenched teeth. “It’s late to be out, Hunter.”

  She gripped the reins in her fist and steadied her nerves. She let every trace of emotion fall away from her face. Keeping her eyes on the muscular man, she reached back to help Milvari dismount. Still shivering, the girl clung to Kira’s arm as she slid off the horse’s back to s
tand before her uncle. She seemed small, huddled in Kira’s heavy cloak.

  Kira slipped out of the saddle to stand beside the young girl. Fear tingled its way along her skin. She put a hand on Trad’s shoulder to steady herself. The holder stared at her and she wanted to run, to escape. Memories of the way Toril had glared at her before the beatings returned, mixing with the pounding of her blood. Her breathing grew shallow. A part of her knew Milos Tem had never given her any reason to fear him, but neither had Toril. At first.

  “I am sorry if we worried you, Holder Tem.” Her mouth was dry and she hoped he wouldn’t hear the fear in her voice. Her fear had always enraged Toril, driving him to greater brutality. “I had intended to have your niece back before dark, but we had a small mishap.”

  Milvari glanced up at her, then looked down again. Kira hoped Milvari wouldn’t spoil the lie. It was only a small tale, after all, and might save the girl some trouble.

  “I can see that,” the holder snapped. “Milvari, go inside.”

  “But Uncle—” she began, looking directly at him.

  His eyes grew dark and his jaw tightened, and Milvari dropped her head.

  “Go, now.” His voice was low, but seemed to hold less anger. “I will speak to the hunter alone.”

  Milvari drew off the cloak and handed it to Kira. “Thank you,” she said. “I look forward to our lessons tomorrow.” She glanced at her uncle, lifted her chin, and set off toward the main building.

  As Milvari walked away, Kira steeled herself, waiting for the storm of the holder’s anger to unleash itself. But Milos stood mesmerized, staring toward the hall long after the girl had gone inside. When he turned back to Kira, his eyes shone in the lamplight. “I don’t know what has happened,” he said, his voice as quiet as a mountain lake at dawn. “I cannot condone that you have put my niece at risk, but I—” He glanced back toward the hall.

  The holder’s face seemed to change before her eyes. The worry and anger appeared to melt away, leaving a mingled expression of sorrow and joy. For a moment, her fear fell away. Then his face resolved into its usual stern countenance and the moment passed. Kira wondered if the change she had seen had only been her imagination.