The flight looked incredible. The eagle took Jaime above the mountain pass and began to circle tightly. Jaime tried not to hold on too tight as Alana had instructed. It felt wrong. All the sudden Jaime slipped. He tried to get his grip back. As he struggled, he pinched Alana badly. She paused. When she saw Jaime slip, she tried to straighten out so he could catch his balance.
From Sam’s perspective they stalled in midair, and the eagle rolled half-way in the sky. Next thing, Jaime was in free fall. Sam watched helplessly. What could he do other than to keep track of Jaime’s fall?
Across the large lake from where Sam stood, he saw Jaime land with a splash in the water. He ran into the water and swam as fast as he could to get to his friend. Focused on the speck in the distance, he swam full-out. Soon he saw Jaime swimming toward him. Phew. He must be okay, Sam thought as he kept swimming towards his friend.
When he arrived to where Jaime was, he asked, “Are you okay? That was quite a fall.”
Jaime stood in the shallow water, looked at Sam blankly, and said, “Yeah.” Then he passed out.
Sam caught his friend, then realized he had to get him out of the lake. He panicked. Sam closed his eyes to regroup. He yawned five times to clear his head. Then he picked up his limp friend in his arms. “We’ll get you back, Jaime. I promise.”
Carefully navigating the waters, Sam found a channel that wasn’t too deep and a log that was wide and short. It made a good raft. He lay Jaime on the log and moved him quickly and smoothly to the other end of the lake. Maybe the Messenger Trails would take him to the healing center. He couldn’t remember what Beacon had said except it was deep in the forest.
When he got to the familiar crystallized yellows and pinks that shimmered, he said aloud, “Can you take my friend to the healing rooms, please? This is an emergency. Please.”
With that, a trail of purple light opened. Sam stepped in, carrying Jaime in his arms. “We’re going to be okay, Jaime. I got you.”
Sam ran along the pathway made of purple light. Inside he walked on level ground. As suddenly as it appeared, the trail ended. Ahead of him was a wooden building with large windows. Ivy’s Healing Sanctuary of the Waterlands read the sign. Sam carried Jaime to the front door and knocked.
When the door opened, Ivy was there.
“I—he fell. From an eagle. Deep in the lake. I got him. We used the Messenger Trails Flanders showed.”
“Thank you so much. Poor thing. Looks like he’s in shock. Come in and we’ll take care of you both.”
“Something happened. The eagle he was riding stalled, and he fell off.”
“I’m Ivy. Your friends Tahendra and Kassara are here too. Come in. Sit down. Looks like you could use some rest and some dry clothes too.”
Kassara walked around the corner. She had also heard someone at the door. “Sam! Oh no! What happened?”
“Ivy says he’ll be okay. He fell off an eagle. It just happened. We took the Messenger Trails to get here fast.”
Ivy, Sam and Kassara took Jaime to a room, changed him into dry clothing and laid him on the bed. Ivy examined him and asked Kassara to go into the storehouse below and find appropriate herbs and stones that she thought exemplified Jaime at his best.
Kassara turned to Sam. “Are you okay Sam?” Kassara asked. “That must have been terrifying to see him fall like that. The beds are so comfortable here. The perfect place for a nap if you’re tired. Would you rather come with me?”
“Yeah.” Sam said. He changed quickly into the dry clothing Ivy handed him.
The two went into the basement storehouse and Kassara explained to Sam what she’d learned. Then she found some herbs that represented Jaime at his best. She collected those and thought about Sam. She found herbs and stones for him. Kassara showed Sam how they worked. He smiled when she gave him the stones and herbs, she’d selected for him. The two went upstairs to check on Jaime.
Chapter 20
The shaman lay his eyes upon her body, instantly recognizing the qualities of a Shaman Moon daughter. He touched her lightly with his hands and felt the warmth of her forearm. He touched her hair and examined its texture and sheen. Then he examined her hands, especially her fingers and palms. Something about her was so pure. She’d been protected from Kalendra’s moons after being blessed by them at birth. He knew her moon magic was just beginning to wake and would become exceptionally strong.
Marty could also see the poison in her aura. He could tell she didn’t have resiliency because she’d never walked in the world of moons. The poison in her aura was like a drop of blue ink in a pool of clear water. He knew he could cleanse her of the poison. He also saw the charm Kelne performed on her memory all those years ago. He was unsure he could cleanse her aura without undoing Kelne’s work. He had great respect for the wizard and did not want to interfere.
Marty had a good feeling about Tahendra. Was she the One so many had waited for? Marty was breathless at the thought. Creating the world they wanted. A peaceful world that recognized the value of many human skills that people took time to develop. A place of respect where everyone shared their gifts. In his heart, Marty was certain she was the One who had gone missing and returned. She possessed pure moonlight, the truest magic of their world.
Ivy and Kassara entered the room and Marty looked up.
“Kassara, I need your help. Which of these items would help Tahendra most?”
Kassara came over and considered them, picking up each and examining it. “Definitely not that. I think that would harm her. What is it doing here?”
“Testing,” Marty said with a smile. “What else do you see?”
“Ohhh. This green stone. Is it jade? This would soothe her and calm the burn.”
Marty nodded and set the green stone aside.
“We were told to bring gemstones,” Kassara said, reminded by the jade stone. “I believe we need them for navigating the Crystalline Forest. Is that correct?”
“You’re using Messenger Trails. Doing it right, then. Who taught you about Messenger Trails, not that I need ask?” He smiled broadly and laughed a little. “I adore Kelne. First class all the way. Of course.”
Kassara nodded in agreement.
“Ivy, may I ask your opinion?” Marty said. “The poison is mostly in her aura now and I’ve been able to slow it down. A little is entering her body. She needs more sleep before I work on her. I don’t want to interfere with Kelne’s memory charm, and I might. Is he on his way? I’d love to tell him what I’ve learned. Also, I am certain the light touch of the Blue Montis left a sliver in her finger. We must make her more resilient.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon. I’ve treated her with two remedies,” Ivy said. “I have never seen a burn from the Blue Montis like this before. It’s perplexing. The infection is blunted though and that’s slowed it down. Each time Kassara comes up with another idea, I’ve approved. She has a sixth sense. She’s making a difference.”
Ivy looked to Marty and Kassara.
“I’d be Kassara’s patient. She’s doing an excellent job. And she’s only just begun,” Ivy said. “Thank goodness they have you,” Kassara nodded in acknowledgement of Ivy’s words.
Ivy turned to Marty. “She’s cautious and loves to study. She’ll be incredible ... It’s been busy here with this crew. Jaime fell from an eagle into the lake.
“Oh no,” Marty said.
“Sam arrived breathless—he carried Jaime through the Messenger Trail like a natural after his friend landed in the deepest part of the lake and swam to shore. They’re both asleep.”
“As you know,” Marty said, “full moon’s coming. Have they already trained to cross the Moonbridge? She must heal as quickly as possible,” Marty said.
“Beacon had them forgive and acknowledge significant trauma,” Ivy said, “He’s convinced once they release it, they’ll naturally step into their magic. That’s the training they’ve had so far. Not sure how far they’ve gotten otherwise.”
“Kassara has found part
of her magic, as you see,” Ivy explained. “They were instructed to process and recover from the Winds of Doom. Now they’re being asked to accept credit for their strengths, especially the nontraditional ones. Kelne and Beacon gave each of them a list of tasks. That’s how Jaime ended up in here,” Ivy smiled. “I guess Moonbridge training will happen after they navigate the Crystalline Forest.”
Kelne arrived at the healing room and raced inside to find Ivy. He was flustered.
“How is she? Is everything okay? Oh, Marty, I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for coming.”
Kelne gave Marty a hug. Then he went over to Ivy and hugged her also.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you two,” Kelne said. “The Blue Montis. Can you believe it? I thought Misty chose an alliance that might unite people around solving the earthquakes. I had no idea I had put her life in danger,” Kelne said. “Charles. Always ready to kill while claiming to be some sort of humanitarian. Ugh. How is she?”
Marty and Ivy looked at one another. Ivy gestured for Marty to go first.
“The Blue Montis is definitely in her aura and in her skin. I can remove it and am prepared to work on her. Ivy and Kassara, here”—he gestured to them— “have taken wonderful care of her. I’m certain we have another healer in our midst. She’s quite skilled,” he said, complimenting Kassara. “I was explaining to Ivy that I can clear the Blue Montis from her bloodstream also but I’m afraid that I might interfere with your memory charm. I wasn’t sure how you felt about that at this point, Kelne. Is there something I should know?”
“Well, so far the memory charm has saved her from being recognized,” Kelne said. “Other than the detail of not knowing what the Blue Montis looked like. I would give it up if it stood in the way of her health. I’d like to keep the charm, if possible. See what you can do. I need to decide when she’ll be ready for me to return her memories.”
“Would you like to be here while I work on her?” Marty offered. “If the charm is broken, you could reapply something. I’m not positive I will break through it and I don’t want to cause any harm. Blue Montis poison, it seeps in everywhere. Kassara has been finding ways to soothe the burn by going through the underground stores with Ivy. She’s a natural, and it’s helped quite a lot. One of the items she recommended was this. I think she’s on to something.”
Marty pulled out a jar of light pink and yellow salts. “When I put this on her forehead, she relaxed and stopped fighting. She breathes more easily. I have never used it for such a purpose, but I think it has potential for her long term. Certainly, it will help her heal after the procedure.”
Kelne went over to Tahendra and knelt by her bed. He took her hand in his, then placed it on his cheek. “I am so sorry. I wish I had seen this coming. You are strong and perfect just as you are. You have the strength to handle this and so much more. Marty and Ivy will heal you now. You will come back to us with twice your strength and magic. I can feel it in my bones. My dear sweet grandniece, please forgive me and come back.”
Kelne then leaned down over Tahendra and gave her a huge hug, allowing his tears to stream down his face and onto Tahendra’s hair as she slept. She was unaware of his presence. After a few moments Kelne stood up again and walked over to the three.
“I will stay, of course. I trust each one of you to take the best care of her. It is so hard when you’re dealing with family,” he said as he wiped his eye on his white robe.
“You said grandniece? Is that what I heard?” Kassara asked.
“Yes, Kasara,” Kelne said. “It’s true. I had to take her to your world when she was six. She wasn’t safe here. An entire generation of her family was almost completely wiped out. It was a terrible time. One by one they were detained, and we never saw them again. She was the greatest warrior among them at only six years old. I took her away and her family went into hiding. It’s not right … One more thing, Kassara.” She looked to Kelne. “Thank you.” Kassara nodded.
Kassara and Ivy left the room together. Marty and Kelne observed Tahendra as she slept on the bed.
As he concentrated deeply, Marty once again saw the poison in Tahendra’s aura. Extracting it without spreading it farther into her system was a careful procedure. This felt prescient. The daughter of the Shaman Moon in her full splendor. Tahendra was ready to release the Blue Montis and be whole again. He felt as if she was giving him instructions. That was always the best way for Marty’s healing procedure to begin. The patient ready to regain their strength.
Into the aura he plunged, his flat, clear crystal suctioning the blue poison that floated there. Skillfully he removed the poison without disturbing her aura. In deep concentration, Marty removed the bulk of the poison, then deposited it into a small vile. He sat down, relaxed, and closed his eyes, visibly exhausted. After a few moments of pause, Marty turned to Kelne.
“That was the easy part. Her aura is clear. I must now get that sliver that’s in her thumb. That is where the danger to her bloodstream lays.”
Kelne watched with rapt attention. “Is she...” he began.
“Yes. She is already better. I can feel her state change. Let’s invite Kassara back in. I’d like to have her experience her friend and see if she notices a difference. I need to regain my strength before I can do next part of this procedure. She has a lot of energy, as if she’s on a mission.”
Kelne went to the door and opened it. “Kassara, may we have a word?”
Kassara came into the room.
“Take Tah’s hand,” Kelne said. “I want to know what you notice. No pressure, I’m simply curious.”
Kassara sat in the chair next to Tahendra’s bed and gently picked up her hand.
“Oh definitely. Something has shifted. Not so heavy. She’s lighter, happier, I think. I don’t know what she’s dreaming about now, but I think spring came out. The pinks and yellows from that jar I brought in earlier. That’s how she feels. A bit more of that.”
“Thank you, Kassara. I truly am grateful you are here,” Marty said. “I’m not finished with her procedure. I was only able to do the first half before I needed to regroup. This is difficult poison to clear. It must be done in phases, both for her benefit and for mine. I’ve moved the poison from the aura above the surface of her skin. That’s where most of it was. It’s an energy field of sorts. My next job is to find the stone sliver and remove that. Did she tell you about the incident?”
Kassara described what happened.
Marty and Kelne nodded. “Thank you, Kassara,” Marty said.
“Is there anything else I can do?” Kassara asked. “I want to help.”
“Believe me, you are, Kassara,” Marty said.
Kassara left to talk to Ivy.
Marty turned the lights off, allowing only the light from the window beneath the lake’s surface to enter this unusual healing space. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, yawning deliberately three times to completely clear his head. Then he meditated on the task at hand. He picked up Tahendra’s right hand and examined it thoroughly. Once again, he could feel the poison was ready to release.
Kelne was in awe of Marty’s work. His memory charm held through Marty’s procedure. He stayed and watched the master shaman do his work. He wasn’t going anywhere while his dear Tah was sick.
An hour and a half passed as Marty continued his work, carefully finding any place where the Blue Montis may have entered her bloodstream. When he was satisfied, he turned to Kelne one more time. Marty relaxed and said, “She’s okay now. I will check one more time later. That was challenging.”
The two men sat together in Tahendra’s room. Marty was nearly spent from the procedure. He slept briefly in his chair.
Tahendra stirred on the bed, then opened her eyes. “Where...” she asked.
Marty awoke when he heard her voice.
“The healing center. Do you remember coming here?” Kelne asked.
“Uncle Kris. He rode the horse for me. I must have fallen asleep. I remember the Kinizar Waterfa
ll on the way. It felt so good. I will always remember it. I met Ivy and talked to her,” Tah said. “Is Kassara still here?”
“Would you like me to bring her to you?” Marty asked. He was already at the door. “Kassara, you have a friend who would like a word.”
Kassara came into the room.
“Thank goodness you’re awake. How do you feel?” Kassara came and sat on Tahendra’s bed.
“I think I’m okay. I don’t know.”
“You are going to be well soon,” Kassara said. “Marty and Ivy were brilliant.”
Tahendra continued to feel better and was able to sit up. Her strength came back quickly once the Blue Montis poison was out of her system.
Sam came into the room. “You’re awake. Feeling better?” She nodded.
“How about you Sam,” Kassara said, “Flanders delivered your packs from the campsite. Jaime has his already. I like Flanders. So proper and polite. He arrived, said he enjoyed the two of you and was sad to hear Jaime had fallen.” Sam Smiled, took his pack, and set it by the wall.
Turning to Marty, he said, “Hello, I’m Sam. I’m part of Tah’s crew.”
“Hi, Sam. I’m Marty. I was just hearing about events that led up to Tahendra landing in here. Thank goodness for Ivy. She’s the best healer in Kalendra, so skilled.”
As the days passed, Kassara studied to increase her healing skills before they were back on their trek. That was the first task on her list.
A full day’s rest after the poison was removed, Tahendra worked on her healing assignment. She was to feel, to the fullest strength possible, any loneliness, fear, or discomfort that she’d discovered in the Winds of Doom. She dove deeply into the meditation, spread eagle on her large bed.
Tahendra embraced her emotions. “Can’t I stay with Papa? Was I so bad I had to go away?” She listened to any words and stories that came up. Her raw feelings screamed for acknowledgment. She gave them her attention. They felt witnessed. She hadn’t meant to be bad. As she listened to her thoughts she wondered if she’d been sent away. She had fought these feelings of regret her entire life as if she’d done something fundamentally wrong. She listened with her whole body, present and absorbed. The pain felt acknowledged, then released. She felt better despite no clear memories.
Magic Invitation: Kalendra Chronicles Book One Page 9