Finally, he addressed Mark, “You look pretty messed up here.” He drew his finger along the discolored portion of the man’s arm, “The way I see it you have two options, both will be extraordinarily painful. We can cut it open and see if it’s savable or we can take it off.”
Mark looked back, his face covered in sweat and his teeth already clenched in pain as his breathing labored through every word, “I won’t make it here with one arm. I can take the pain…please save it.”
“We still risk shock and death; you are in a lot of pain as it is. But if you are ready I am.” Ben addressed Kevin, “I need your hands, wash up.” Ben reached over and offered a wooden dowel for Mark to bite, “You will lose your tongue if you don’t have something to bear down on.”
The man bit heavily and groaned through the incision. Dark, dead blood oozed out, the smell hitting Ben’s nose was nauseating. Ben cleared out as much of the clotting as he could before he started untangling and clamping off the mess of tissue. Next he focused in on the shards of bone, setting what he could and removing several fragments. Mark writhed and screamed in pain as the square filled with onlookers.
Ben made quick work of the procedure never once looking up from his work. At one point, he stood to get better leverage in setting the largest bone and the only clean break in place. The moment it snapped in Mark clenched hard on the dowel as his entire body tightened in protest before collapsing into unconsciousness.
Ben looked up briefly at Kevin, “Well at least he isn’t feeling it anymore.” Kevin nodded as Ben went back to work catching only for a moment, Mâvis standing in the crowd looking over the procedure. Ben brushed off the curious king and finished his work, suturing the man quickly and washing off. He handed Kevin a sack of herbs, “This won’t do much for pain but it will keep him sleepy until he can heal a bit, Alcohol will thin the blood too much for now and he lost enough already. I removed a few pieces of bone. It should calcify over time though, he may even find it a bit stronger with calcification.”
As soon as Ben started cleaning up Mâvis ordered Reagan to remove the cart from the square and then he approached Ben, “Did I not do away with the racks?”
Ben laughed at the insinuation, “I thought he held up well. I would not have lasted as long as he did awake.”
“He is to pay you for your service, follow Reagan to his home and collect.” Mâvis turned to head back to the palace.
“But I did not ask for payment.”
The comment stopped Mâvis in his tracks, “He meant to kill you and you still helped him after. He owes you and you will collect.” Mâvis turned to Thomas now, “Follow them, I have work to do.”
A few minutes later Ben was knocking on a door Thomas brought him to. A human woman answered to Ben’s surprise, “Good day, ma’am. I’m the doctor that worked on your husband. May I come in?”
Reagan was just finishing up with moving Mark onto the lounge for the woman. She was in her mid-thirties and plump. Her hair pulled back in a bun much like the native women of the island and she looked exhausted. “Yes, of course.” Ben went in and Thomas shoved his way into the door as well.
He stood wringing his hands a bit, as he addressed the woman. “I mean to check on your husband over the next few days. However there is a small matter of payment for the services he received today.”
She scowled, “You’re the one who did this to him.”
“I was not. I warned him to leave several times, it was his choice to fight and he pulled a knife on me.” Ben just happened to peer up as he spoke to see a couple of children looking down at him from a loft window. They were scrawny and dirty. He immediately looked away feeling guilty for even being there to address this issue.
Kevin approached the two guards as they waited with their arms crossed, by the door. “I will settle his debt. Vidar took most of Mark’s profits this year. He has little to feed his family with for the winter. It’s fine anyway, with Mâvis as king none of us will last long here. We’re going to sell off what we have and take our chances in the other villages. Will a pair of lambs do?” He brought his attention to Ben now.
Ben nodded, “Of course. That’s more than generous.” Ben raised his voice a bit and checked with both the guards, as he wasn’t even sure if this was a fair price for the services. He cleared his throat, “Should even cover future checkups should it not?” Seeing Thomas nod in response was enough. Ben bid the people good evening and went back to the palace.
He found Lúta in their room washing up for dinner and they went to the great room together. Lúta sat with Genevieve and Beatrice as Ben took a seat at the same end of the table as Mâvis and Avarr. He ate his food quietly, listening to the conversation between the women and avoiding the king’s periodic glances.
Mâvis cleaned the meat off a rib bone and put it on his plate, chewing slowly as his attention was now fully on Ben. He put his fork down, feeling uneasy and addressed the king, “May I be of service, sir?”
“I do not have the patience to deal with humans, Abbott. After your demonstration in the square today, it is clear they have some sort of respect for you. I am thinking that if they seek me for task you may respond in my stead.” Mâvis reached for his ale feeling quite proud of his offer.
“Thank you, sir, that would be fantastic, except the humans are leaving.” The entire table went silent at the response.
Mâvis sat up cocking his head as if he wasn’t even sure he heard Ben correctly, “What did you say?”
Ben froze mid fork lift and returned it to his plate, “It appears your reputation with humans precedes you. They are in fear for their families and are selling their belongings. From what I take, they will seek passage to King William’s Island.”
Mâvis chuckled at the comments, “King William is less tolerant of humans than I am. I only wish to see his face when they arrive.” Mâvis and Avarr broke into a full laugh.
Hearing enough of the conversation Genevieve stood and rounded the table giving Mâvis a cold stare the entire length until she sat by Ben. She reached for his chin to draw his attention, “You are to invite them to the palace tomorrow. We will hold a dinner for them and my husband will be on hand to greet all of them. They do not have to leave and if there are any future issues that you cannot resolve I expect to be included in the discussions.”
Genevieve tossed one last glance to her husband and stormed off. Ben looked back to find both Avarr and Mâvis locked in icy glares at him. He let out a nervous laugh, “Ha, well it’s getting quite late I guess I should be heading to bed.”
“Stay, human, we have more to discuss.” Mâvis kept his eyes locked on Ben as he addressed Lúta and Beatrice, “Ladies, go join my wife.” Lúta responded by slamming her cutlery on the table and offering Mâvis a scornful glare as she left.
No sooner had they walked out the door than Mâvis returned to the conversation, “You are to train with my guards starting tomorrow.” Mâvis took a drag on his own drink as he eyed Ben’s reaction.
The man simply looked blankly into space for a moment as if confused, “You mean for combat?” Mâvis didn’t need to answer, “I’m not a warrior, sir. I have no desire to fight.” He felt his chest tighten at the thought of being forced to fight, “I took a vow to become who I am, Mâvis. It means something to me.”
This time is was Avarr that spoke, “Your wife is very beautiful, human. Do you love her?”
“Of course I love her. She is remarkable and intelligent.” Ben looked at both men before he made another go at the food on his plate.
Mâvis shoved the plate out of Ben’s reach to demonstrate how weak and intimidatable Ben was, “…she is also available; to any warrior that wishes to get rid of the nuisance on her arm.”
“There is no amount of training that could prepare me to take on one of these warriors. This is a joke.” Ben returned the glare out of frustration.
Mâvis growled out. “There is no joke, human, you train with my guard or you train with me. Those are your options…now
go.”
Avarr scoffed the moment Ben left, “I would have started his training tonight after that display.”
Mâvis thought hard on it for a moment then shook his head, “He had enough today, did you not see what he did in the square? To tell you the truth the guards are leery, I had trouble finding one willing to work him.”
The comment drew a laugh, “I saw it. I was tempted to put the creature out of his misery.”
Mâvis stood to leave, “As was I, brother. As was I.”
Chapter 28
Ben limped into the dinner party, sore from every angle and exhausted. He found Lúta in discussion with Mark’s wife, the woman he met the day before, as the kids played happily with Jocelyn. He made his way over for a kiss then fixed himself a plate before sitting by the fireplace, hoping to make quick work of his food and be done with this charade.
Not more than a minute after he sat down Kevin joined him with a couple humans he had not met before. They had plates and mugs with vodka and ale but with the table being used as a buffet, they all found themselves holding their plates on their laps. Kevin looked around nervously, “I have never been in here before, any of you?”
The group shook their heads and they all stared at Ben, “I suppose I had dinner in here last night. Does it matter?”
Kevin took a swig off his mug and put it on the floor next to his seat, “When Vidar was king the only humans that saw this room were brought in here for questioning. They almost never came out alive. Wouldn’t be surprised if this whole place is haunted.”
The entire group including Ben sat up and scanned the room, he shot Kevin a stern glare, “Well thank you for that comforting thought, I shall be sure to keep a crucifix on hand.”
A balding, heavyset man leaned forward and shook Ben’s hand, “I’m Charles and this is Rob, we were both fishermen in our former lives. Now, these creatures won’t even let us near boats without escort. They are in constant fear we will flee to our old world. Kevin says you were a surgeon, I saw the work you did on Mark. That was something huh?”
“I suppose.” Ben made quick work of his plate, wanting to leave the group before these discussions could take a dangerous turn.
Charles replied, “Listen we are under order to attend this little soirée. Do you know how long we have to stay? None of us are exactly comfortable with this whole get up, especially with our kids being here and all.”
Ben tossed a short look over towards the direction the kids were playing in only to accidently make eye contact with Mâvis. The king’s curiosity now peaked, he nudged Avarr and they crossed the room. “Hello, Abbott, how was your training?” Ben’s eye roll earned a toothy grin from Mâvis.
Avarr pulled over a couple of chairs so they could sit and chat. Mâvis took immediate note of the averted gazes. It was Ben that took note of the mounting tension and meant to break it, “You know what I miss?” The other men looked at him curiously, “Fizz.”
Kevin leaned in and whispered to Rob, “He’s British I think he means soda.”
Ben grinned, “Yes, you westerners call it soda or cola do you not? Would be nice to wash down this wolf meat.” He let off a chuckle.
Rob leaned back reminiscing before bringing his attention back to the group, “I miss Chinese food. What I wouldn’t do for a general Tso’s chicken about now.”
That drew a grunt from all the humans. Kevin chimed in, “I’d kill for a fudge brownie.”
Charles broke out laughing. “You would have to because I would be fighting you for it.”
Ben lowered his plate, “No offense gentlemen, but I have had my first official day of combat training. Which means I would be eating it over your carcasses. Frosted with peanut butter no doubt.”
Rob laughed, “Why are you torturing us, man? Know what I really miss…movies. What I wouldn’t give to snuggle up with my wife and watch a good movie. Tell you the truth even the radio would be nice? Just some tunes, man.”
Ben smirked as if he was holding onto a little secret. He looked around the small group to be sure they were all listening then he started singing, “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone…” He paused to see all their faces perk up, “It’s not warm when she’s away.”
The lot of them started a rhythm of clapping as Kevin started humming in baritone. Ben closed his eyes and continued. “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone and this house just ain’t no home anytime she goes away.”
Rob chimed in with, “I know, I know, I know.” As Ben closed the verse with, “You outa leave that young thing alone, but ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone.”
Mâvis chuckled out, “What was that?”
Ben turned to look over his shoulder at all the women that had suddenly gathered around, “That is how humans attract a mate.” All of the other humans burst out laughing and cut it short when Mâvis and Avarr scowled.
“Seriously, where did you learn to sing like that?” Charles asked.
Ben replied, “I’m British, we are masters of two things: blues and oral hygiene.” The pun at his own expense drew some more laughs from the group.
Having enjoyed the conversation somewhat Mâvis decided it was time to address the issues plaguing him, “So, I expect your lot no longer feels threatened by my presence?” He scanned the faces of the men for any concern and they all dropped their heads to their food. “I see.” Mâvis narrowed his eyes on the group.
Seeing where this was going Ben addressed the men, “You should maintain eye contact.” He checked Mâvis to see if his patience was holding up, before he repeated himself, “You should maintain eye contact and speak your mind. He will take it as insult or deceit if you do not, he takes your mannerisms to be your thoughts. You will get more respect if you are open about your concerns.”
Kevin scowled back, “I saw what happened to Mark. Plus, it’s not the first time, he killed a man last year for back talking to a king from the western island. I don’t want respect, the first chance I get I’m out of here.”
Ben took to his feet as quickly as Mâvis did, meeting his stance, ready to take on whatever the king would dish out, “They’re just protecting their families, Mâvis. Surely, that is something you can relate to; they fear you.” He held the king’s gaze, “You asked me to handle them, didn’t you?”
The king was impressed with the display, that Ben would risk himself so quickly for his principles, while these cowards could not even speak their own mind, “Very well, but I expect full report of any dissension. I will not put the entire village at risk over some treasonous inferiors.” Mâvis sent one last glare across the group to see who would dare answer his challenge. He shoved his chair back and left Ben with a promising finale stare.
Avarr addressed Kevin, “Mâvis is the only king that will have no interest in your crops.” His eyes fell to the rest of the group, “He cares nothing for profit and he will not leave us vulnerable to attack from Ormr or anyone else.”
“Ormr’s warriors are relentless, they are going to come for payment regardless of who is leader.” Kevin looked almost desperate as he replied.
Ben cut back in, “The only advantage Ormr has is over your mind. His warriors are no better than any in this village. He wins his demands by finding and extorting the weakest link. Which is usually the king. If it is Ormr you truly fear this is the only place you are safe. As for Mâvis, his respect is not easily earned. But honestly, he burned the racks. He is already a better leader than Vidar ever was.”
Charles stood to speak as he gestured towards the other side of the room, “Why don’t you go over there and tell that to Mark’s wife.”
Ben thought on his words for a moment, “Mark asked for what he got and had Mâvis not handed his ass to him I would have. Now like it or not Mâvis is your king and not the first you have served. You know the rules here better than I and although you may voice your concerns his expectations are to be met without hesitation or you will see no help from me.”
Ben gave the lot of them one last look before l
eaving the room. Lúta saw what transpired and gathered her skirts to follow, stopping him in the hall. “Are you alright?” She looked him over for what was going on in his head. He answered with a kiss, pulling her to him softly at first and then finding himself so hungry for her that he had her up against the wall devouring her tongue as his hands cupped her face. He had taken her completely by surprise.
When he opened his eyes, hers were still closed. She met his gaze and found a lost man standing there, “I love you, Lúta. I swear I have never loved a woman the way I have loved you. Because I have never wanted to run from someplace so bad as I have this world, yet nothing, and I swear it nothing, would keep me from you.”
She simply answered with another more tender kiss and put a claw over his mouth before he could say another word. She looked around cautiously before answering, to be sure no one heard the risky declaration he had just made, “Shhh, we will figure this out, but never speak like that under his roof. Should he ever find out he would kill you, Ben.” She took his hand and led him to their chambers to make love.
Chapter 29
A couple weeks passed and Ben was exhausted from his training. Some days it lasted from dawn until dusk. This time he drew a crowd as his tension mounted over the frustration and aggravation.
Reagan threw into him hard, drawing a brutal retaliation that had the entire crowd cheering until Reagan threw Ben out from under his feet. Ben just laid there, fatigued. Reagan moseyed over and poked him with the butt of the spear. “Come on human, you can finish the day.”
“No, I’m done. Leave me be or finish me I don’t care at his point.” He closed his eyes brushing off another rib stick from the butt of the spear.
Reagan hauled him up by his arm and shoved the spear back into his hands, “I do not have patience for your disobedience, you will finish the day.” The crowd booed at the action and now Mâvis and Avarr were leaning on the fence watching the show. Reagan pummeled Ben a few times, again drawing another fierce retaliation that ended with Ben on his back.
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