Chapter 17 #2
Pain blossomed through me like poisoned blades as I caught the finality in that word. "How long?" I rasped.
Physician Morlo's expression softened with pity. "Without significant intervention? Perhaps six months. Maybe less. It’s accelerated significantly in these past weeks. Given the issues with Shadow magic within our kingdom, I’m concerned that her condition will continue to worsen."
My shadows coiled tighter around me as if they could shield me from this truth. First Father, then Briar, now Elara. In some respects, even Silus. Perhaps I was doomed to lose everyone I cared about.
The kingdom’s magic had to be stabilized and strengthened, but the uncertain countdown unnerved me. “Whatever it takes, please see to it that Elara receives it. Is there anything in another kingdom that might help to heal her?”
“No one has offered any additional insight into her ailment. I haven’t stopped inquiring, and I will not give up.
” His shoulders sagged before he straightened them.
“Despite all this, she is far stronger than most give her credit for. She may yet pull through, but this loss…well, she will require additional care.”
“And you’re certain there is nothing we haven’t tried that can be done?”
“Nothing within the bounds of what is permissible.” He cocked his head and studied me. Concern flashed in his expression. “Are you considering draining the life of someone else to heal her?”
My wings bristled in response, and a tightness shot through my body. “No. Not at all.” I shook my head as if to dislodge the thought. Even if I had thought of it, Elara would never forgive me, and such magic could not be forced upon another even if it could be taken forcefully from someone.
I dragged a hand over my mouth and closed my eyes, darkness sweeping over me.
Through the dull thudding in my own head, I saw my sister’s face.
“As a child, I used to believe in the reciprocity of magic. If something was taken, something would be given. It made sense. But there is nothing that is the healing equivalent of draining one’s lifeblood, is there? ”
“I still believe that.” Morlo clasped his hands together.
“Those who committed the first abomination of draining lifeblood and magic did so centuries ago. A few of the original council members among the Aureline, Sylvan, and Ignis still live and may know more about it. I don’t think Vyraetos is old enough to have been around then.
At least, he would not have been on the Shadow Council.
” He sighed and twisted his ring. “I always thought that true healers would come from the Aurelines because their role is to provide balance, and Fate has blessed them most often with new skills to counter the harmful. It’s happened several times for them and only once or twice for most of the other lines.
“The Aureline ability to infuse locations with time warps came after Terran sorcerers succeeded in collapsing ley lines to horrifying effect, disrupting magic within the soil and water. The Aureline Fae built restorative gardens that nourished the soil, changing time’s passing in places to allow for more rapid growth and slowing it in others to stop damage. ”
“Now they use those time warping sigils and spells in their prisons,” I muttered.
He inclined his head. “Sadly, all gifts can be corrupted. Redemption and transformation are far trickier. The Aurelines have changed as much as any of us. Sometimes even Fate seems crueler than she once was.” He held up a hand as if to cut off that thought.
“Regardless, do not despair. All of us within the healing practices are constantly seeking and learning, and sorcerers, hexwrights, and scholars never cease their attempts to uncover new methods and solve our problems and struggles. Maybe a new treatment will develop in time. If there is anything that can be done for your sister within the bounds of what is permissible, I will do it. And on that note, when Briar returns, I would like to treat her as well.”
I lifted an eyebrow. It shouldn’t surprise me how fast the rumors spread, but I hadn’t expected him to transition to Briar so abruptly.
“She is imprisoned in Firellan’s Spine until the time of her execution in the formal court.
” Though I trusted Morlo a great deal, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him of my plan.
I hadn’t wanted to tell even Rhielle what scraps I had.
The more people who knew, the more likely an enemy would discover the truth.
But Morlo knew me quite well. An explanation might not be necessary.
His murky brown eyes held mine fast, and he stepped closer. “They have tortured her?”
“Yes. Colm Ainle is the chief interrogator, but I have negotiated with him to stop and bring her here until her execution. He will be coming as well, to assist in overseeing the matter.”
Morlo’s face darkened, and the warmth in his eyes dimmed as he twisted his ring faster. “I see. I am quite familiar with Colm and his methods. I assume he personally oversaw her interrogation?”
I nodded, grimness tightening my muscles at the memory. “He will not do anything further to her as he understands I want her in full health, mental and physical, for my coronation and wedding. The execution of the king’s assassin and everyone involved will take place afterward.”
“Then, when she is brought here, I would appreciate being permitted to offer supplemental treatment to ensure that all is as you desire. After all, I have served your family for centuries. There would be some satisfaction in ensuring that…justice is fully meted out. She healed swiftly while in the tournament, but certain remedies may be offered to better prepare her for judgment day.”
“Whatever you can do.” Mentally, I ran through the risks of involving Morlo and how likely it was that Colm would be suspicious.
It wouldn’t be hard to determine that Morlo was the family physician, but Morlo could honestly state under any binding vow that I had not said anything about rescuing Briar.
I gripped his hand. “My father always trusted you, and I know he would be grateful for how you have continued to serve our family.”
“It was my privilege and honor to serve him, as it is my privilege and honor to serve you.” He bowed his head.
“Though this is a time of sadness, you will make a fine leader. I saw your grandfather coronated and your father as well. Having the opportunity to see you coronated and wed will be among the great honors of my life.”
I smiled grimly. “It will be a day to remember, especially for myself. I should take leave to get the samples requested.”
“Yes, and I need to get back to tending the injured. I will get a hair sample from Rhielle and check on Elara.”
I left the Healing Hall and continued toward the Guest Hall. I had to get a piece of Kaylen’s hair and pretend to be…interested. My stomach twisted with a painful spike of nausea, adding to the discomfort of the vested magic that engulfed me.
The sound of my boots against the polished stone floor echoed in the corridor. Every step in Kaylen’s direction felt like a betrayal of Briar, but I had to play this game to save her.
The ornate doors of the Guest Hall loomed before me, carved with the ancient symbols of hospitality and protection.
My shadows rippled around me, more agitated by the moment.
As I crossed the threshold into the hall, I noted the guards in polished black armor, standing at attention at regular intervals.
Lanterns hung over every third door and below the gold and black stained-glass windows, casting the entire space in a soft golden glow.
“It’s him . He’s here,” a soft alto voice whispered behind a door to my left. "Hush now."
“Quickly, quickly,” a trembling soprano responded.
Another sharper feminine voice growled, "Oh, the gall! I can't believe him. Let's get him now !"