Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  Alyra nodded and headed toward the barn, now converted into a small hospital. Several beds lined the walls, and most were full. Lotari, also wearing a blood-splattered apron, stood inside a curtained area where two severely burned people lay on tall tables.

  “Marya said I could help.” She waited in the doorway, wringing her hands nervously. What good would she be here? Like with everything else in her life, she felt completely useless and stupid.

  “Maybe make bandages?” She offered, figuring that couldn’t be too hard.

  His focus remained on a frightened young girl who had an ugly gash running down her arm. Her left leg was covered with a wet cloth, and Alyra assumed she’d also suffered burns. The curly blonde child looked to be around ten summers. She bit down on her lip as he washed the blood from the wound.

  “Are you squeamish?” he asked.

  “Huh?”

  “I could use assistance right here, if you think you can stomach the blood. I don’t want you passing out on me while I clean and suture her arm.” He wiped a clean cloth across the girl’s sweaty face and said soothingly, “You are being so brave, precious.”

  Alyra didn’t know if she was squeamish or not, but said she wasn’t. Tears streaked down the girls cheeks. Alyra really did want to help.

  Lotari directed Alyra to hold her still while he closed the cut. The sight of deep gash made her stomach churn, but she grasped the girl’s hand, laying her arm across the child’s chest to keep her from jerking.

  Taking the damp cloth, she continued to gently stroke her red, sweaty face.

  “Do you live in Many Rivers?” Alyra kept her voice calm despite the bile rising in her throat when Lotari threaded the needle.

  She nodded, her blue eyes darting to where the centaur worked.

  “Look at me. What’s your name?”

  “Ah-Alyssa.” Her voice squeaked with fear.

  “That’s a beautiful name. Mine’s Alyra. Our names sound alike, don’t you think?”

  Alyssa’s eyes, still wide, eventually focused on her. Alyra held the rag in such a way to block the child’s view of her arm.

  “I just got to Many Rivers. Can you tell me about your town? I met Beave and he says his family runs the apple orchard.”

  “I know Beave. He put a worm in my lunch one day.” She gasped, closing her eyes for a moment as she bit down on her bottom lip.

  “Well, that wasn’t nice.” Alyra dared not look at what the centaur was doing.

  Alyssa slowly exhaled as she focused again on Alyra’s face. “My family owns a cattle farm. Wanna know what I put in his lunch bag to get him back?”

  Alyra suppressed a grin. Lotari snorted a laugh, but said nothing.

  “I think I’m afraid to ask. Does it have anything to do with those cows?”

  Her pink lips turned up in a mischievous grin as she nodded.

  “That’s it,” Lotari whipped out a roll of bandages. “I’m done. Told you I’d be quick.”

  Alyssa yawned, “And you was right, Lottie. Didn’t hurt much at all, either. But I’m getting sleepy.”

  “Good, you little imp. Go to sleep and when you wake up, I bet you’ll feel all better.”

  Alyra found a blanket to cover the child with. Lotari lifted her in his furry arms. His hooves clomped softly over the wood floor as he carried her to the next vacant bed and gently set her down on the feathered mattress.

  “Wow, you’re a real master at sewing, Lottie.” Alyra said, giggling when he threw a pillow at her.

  “Helped that Marya gave her something to ease the pain. I think the anticipation of being sewed up like one of her rag dolls frightened her more than the actual procedure. She was caught in the woods when they set the trees on fire. Luckily, she only has a minor burn on her leg, and the gash from falling while she ran for the meeting hall.”

  He went to a basin and washed his hands. “You have the knack.” Lotari smiled proudly as he removed his smock. “Perhaps there’s a healer hidden inside of you.”

  “What do you mean? I wouldn’t have known how to sew a cut.” She went to a table piled with linen and began tearing strips into bandages. “Besides, all I did was talk to her.”

  “Exactly, but you were able to soothe her. That’s the sign of a true healer. Marya or I can teach you how to heal physical injuries. That’s the easy part. Not many are truly gifted at helping soothe the fears on the inside.”

  Alyra shook her head, thinking he talked silliness. She had so many fears inside of her own, how could she help others with theirs? She did feel good having helped the little girl. Maybe while her own injuries healed, she could learn a few things from them. Maybe then she’d actually start being useful for a change instead of always causing everyone more trouble.

  * * * *

  Alyra pounded her fist into the squishy dough, then formed small balls as Marya had shown her. In Racah, she’d seen Tarek’s mother form mounds of bread many times, but enjoyed the sensation of floured softness between her fingers. She wondered if his parents had found a way to escape. Without Crystal the dragon there to guard the border getting out of Racah had to be possible now.

  For the millionth time, she also wondered about Tarek. She slammed her fist into the dough, angry that she’d let herself fall so easily into thinking about him. He’d chosen to leave her. Again. She didn’t understand his actions. He wanted her to go back to Racah, but wouldn’t make her. Risked his life to help her get free, only to abandon her to trek this journey alone.

  “Sweetheart,” Marya broke her dark thoughts. “I said, knead, not beat it to a pulp.”

  Alyra noticed the dough had several fist sized indentions. “Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “Yes, I see that. Your heart weighs heavy. I can see it in your glowering eyes. Would you care to let some of those thoughts out so your mind doesn’t feel so cluttered? People say I’m a wonderful listener.”

  Shaking her head, Alyra plopped the bread dough onto the pan. “This is the first time I’ve been allowed to do anything normal. It feels good. You’ve been kind to me. I hope you don’t end up regretting it.”

  “Why would you think that, dear?”

  “Seems I bring trouble everywhere I go. Those Racan soldiers were after me, Marya. If I hadn’t stopped here … I don’t know.”

  “It would have been the same, either way. Racan soldiers have been causing trouble for a long time. It’s one of the risks people take settling this land.”

  “Have you ever been harmed by them?” She was especially worried about soldiers attacking Marya and destroying her beautiful little cottage and all the good work she did here for others. Never had she met anyone with such a generous heart.

  Telling her she could stay as long as she wanted, Marya had made her a bed up in the loft. She’d looked Alyra directly in the eyes when she said, “My home is your home, Alyra. Whatever I have is yours to use while you’re here.” Who did such things?

  Marya set the loaves on the counter to rise. White flour covered her hands and speckled her dark hair. Outside the large kitchen window, stars sparkled in the black sky.

  “No, dear, the king has given me a safe place here to do my work. As you may have noticed, the White Road runs in front of my house and the river flows behind. I’m un-plottable, and unreachable, except for those who know I’m here. No matter what kind of trickery they might use to search the land.” Her gaze leveled on Alyra. “Whenever you find a healer’s house, you have found a safe place to stay. Remember that.” She poured them both a cup of steamy herbal tea.

  Did that mean Darnel couldn’t use his Seeing Scope to find her? She let out a long breath. Dare she hope?

  “He really can’t see me on the path, Marya? Really?”

  She nodded. “Really. That’s why you’ve been told numerous times to stay on the white rocks. They will indeed keep you safe. Believe it or not.”

  “But the path didn’t stop Bezoar from getting across and burning down the town.” Alyra took a whiff of the tea
and felt a sense of calmness settle in her tight muscles. She wondered if this was some concoction to help her sleep. Tonight, Alyra would gladly welcome a good night’s rest. The warm liquid went down like a soothing balm.

  “Tomorrow, you’ll see for yourself the damage isn’t as bad as you think. We’ll be transporting the remaining patients back to town in the morning. Elder Wain has invited us to their celebration picnic.”

  What could they possibly have to celebrate?

  Marya cleared the table of bread ingredients. “I’ll need your help convincing our centaur friend to come along. He’s a little shy around towns, you may have noticed.”

  Alyra gathered the bowls and washed them in the sink. Peering out the window, she spotted Lotari resting beneath one of the trees. Moonlight illuminated him in a silvery halo as he played from his pipes. She remembered how he’d finally lulled her to sleep by playing a soothing tune the first night she’d met him. His music had a way of chasing away worries and he probably played now to lull his patents inside the barn to sleep.

  She understood his reservations. How would the townspeople feel about her bringing those soldiers down on them? No matter what Marya said, she knew their hardship was all her fault. And she had no doubt that anywhere else she dared to run to would be in danger of the same.

  Once the dishes were washed, Alyra climbed up to her sleeping area and soon fell into a dreamless sleep.

  Bright and early the next morning, Marya filled several baskets with her breads, jars of herbal medicines, and what vegetables they’d picked from her garden the day before. Lotari set Alyssa in the back of the wagon beside two other burn patients who’d also been trapped in the forest fire.

  “Honey,” Marya called to Lotari after he had the girl settled. “Can you help us with these? I have no idea how I’ll manage all this stuff on my own today.”

  His brows crinkled as if perplexed as he gathered the baskets and set them beneath the bench seat. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of help when you get there.”

  “Well, I sure would appreciate your help, all the same, dear. You’re such a jewel to me. Won’t you reconsider coming along?”

  Alyra leaned on her cane, watching her centaur friend squirm uncomfortably as Marya poured the syrup on his ego. Even though the townspeople had been gracious and appreciative of his assistance, he remained wary of actually entering the township. Wyndham forbade the clan from visiting the settlements. And though the injured accepted his healing aid in their dire need, that didn’t mean the rest of the group would welcome him in the same manner.

  Lotari began to shake his head, when Alyssa sat up and said with a huff. “This hurts my arm. And my leg. Lottie, can I please, please ride on you and not in this bumpy ol’ wagon?” She clasped her hands under her chin, her cherub cheeks red from the morning heat. “Please?”

  Alyra knew Lotari was a goner.

  His shoulders sagged as he moved closer to the rail so Alyra could help the child climb onto his back. “You human women are going to be the end of me, I swear it.”

  Biting back a laugh, Alyra took a seat beside Marya who smiled with satisfaction as she flicked the horse’s reins.

  * * * *

  Many Rivers bustled with activity as they pulled the cart into town. Lotari assured Alyra the enemy had moved on. Once the Logorian warriors had arrived, they’d scattered the remaining enemy soldiers, including the Baykok captain, who’d called for a retreat the moment they appeared.

  People surrounded the wagon unloading Marya’s supplies and helping the patients she’d brought along find a comfortable place at one of the many tables. Alyra limped after the healer. Lotari stayed at Alyra’s side, his hand on her arm offering her support, and she wondered if for his own comfort. He looked as nervous as she felt.

  Alyssa’s parents came to retrieve their daughter who was reluctant to leave her new friend. The father shook Lotari’s hand and the mother pulled his face down so she could plant a kiss on each cheek as she thanked him over and over for taking care of their Alyssa.

  He blushed. “My pleasure. She’s a brave young lady.”

  As they left, Alyra grinned up at him. “Looks like you’re a hit, Lottie.”

  He pointed a warning finger at her but laughed instead of scolding her. The thick muscles in his arms relaxed. Marya took hold of his hand and pulled him over to one of the tables.

  “Marya,” he protested, “I helped you get everyone here. Now I really should go before Wyndham loses the last of his patience with me.”

  “After you’ve had something to eat. Wait just a bit longer, dear. Then if you still want to leave, you can go and I’ll not say a word.”

  Alyra stared at the healer wonderingly. Why did she want Lotari to stay? Obviously from the satisfied smirk on her thin, angular face, something was up.

  While waiting to fill the basket Marya had brought for them, Alyra realized hardly any of the buildings were damaged. Some were smudged with smoke. The leather shop and livery were burnt. And the surrounding woods were charred and still smoldered. Come next year, she doubted anyone would be able to tell the land had been touched by fire.

  Lotari stared down her with an I-told-you-so expression on his bearded face.

  Once everyone was served, Mayor Tember, a gray-haired, distinguished looking gentleman stood on a platform in the center of the gathering. He raised his hands to quiet the crowd.

  “First, let us take a moment to offer our gratefulness for minimal damage and victory over our assailants.” His flowing voice, reminded Alyra of General Marcel.

  Like rumbling thunder, voices joined in giving thanks. Many thanking King Shaydon, though Alyra didn’t understand what the King had to do with what happened here. He lived far, far away in Aloblase. Yet, hadn’t Issah said that the King hears the request of his beloved children? But how?

  Even Marya blew kisses into the air, her eyes closed as she muttered thanks for protection and prosperity of the land as it heals itself.

  Alyra shook her head, wondering if she’d ever understand these strange people.

  The mayor waited for the voices to die down, before he turned toward Marya and held high his glass of cider. “Healer Marya, we owe much to your services once again. Many lives were spared at your skillful hands.

  Marya bowed to him.

  “We are also grateful for the care given by the centaur, Lotari. Please, sir, we hope you’ll accept a token of our appreciation.” He motioned toward the crowd. “Elder Wain, would you do the honors?”

  The dwarf hurried forward carrying a leather quiver full of slender white feathered arrows along with a beautifully crafted bow made from white wood.

  Lotari blinked, his shaggy brows wrinkled in bewilderment. Slowly, he began to shake his head, taking a step back.

  Marya grabbed his arm. “Do not discredit their appreciation, sugar. Go, be gracious and accept their gift.”

  He looked at Alyra who nodded, even giving his flank a gentle shove to get him moving.

  Head ducked, he clomped toward the platform. Elder Wain waited at the edge, quiver in hand. He lifted the strap over Lotari’s head and set it across his shoulders. The centaur tenderly ran his fingers over the supple leather.

  Holding up the bow, Wain said in a loud voice for all to hear, “This was crafted from a limb of the white tree. When they fall, we gather them and our craftsmen create tools and weapons of extraordinary quality. This bow will shoot with the finest precision, sure to meet any mark.”

  Lotari’s mouth hung open as he took the bow. “I … I don’t know what to say. This is more than….” He swallowed, then gave Elder Wain and Mayor Tember a low bow, his hand placed over his heart. “I’m honored to receive such a fine gift. I thank you.”

  Cheers went up from the crowd. People gathered around Lotari, shaking his hand, patting his back. and thanking him over and over for helping their people.

  When Mayor Tember called everyone to order again, Lotari made his way back to Alyra and Marya, the bow clut
ched to his chest. His brown eyes glistened with unshed tears. He tried several times to speak, but couldn’t form the words.

  Marya patted his shoulder. “You can go now. If you want. Or stay and enjoy the celebration. Your choice.” She shrugged and turned toward the mayor.

  Lotari shook his head, causing Alyra to laugh. She felt happy for her friend, glad he’d found acceptance and appreciation here. He deserved it.

  “We will not be hindered!” Mayor Tember was saying.

  Elder Wain’s dark eyes scanned his fellow townsmen. “You know, the Meeting Hall is much too cluttered and noisy. I say we expand! Build a new market area that can be opened up on nice days and yet be closed in during the winter. Then we have more space to teach the children.”

  Another one of the leaders nodded agreement. “Absolutely! Then there will also be more room for people to seek safety if necessary.”

  From the crowd, someone yelled, “And we’ll rebuild those buildings that burned. We’ll fortify them with the white stones like all the others. Then if this happens again, we’ll stand even stronger!”

  “That’s right,” roared the dwarf in a mighty voice, shaking his fist in the air. “’Tis rightfully the King’s land, and we will reclaim it!”

  “Or die trying,” several cheered.

  The assembly broke up as men gathered together discussing how to rebuild and add to the grand meeting hall. They waved Lotari over for his input and soon he was talking animatedly about possibilities for growth.

  “You’re good for him.” Marya nudged her arm.

  “How does any of this have anything to do with me?” Alyra helped her gather the leftover food. Marya distributed most of it to the families at their table.

  Afternoon sun peeked through the leafy trees, dappling the grass with yellow light. Marya sat beneath a sprawling oak and stretched her bare feet over the tickling blades. “You’re acceptance of him has lured him from his woods. If not for you, he never would have stayed so long helping me. Matter of fact, he’s never stayed before to help me with human patients. Only creatures.”