Chapter Two #2
I stayed silent for a few more seconds, simply watching the two men.
The first, the one with the charming smile, seemed utterly at ease.
If he felt my eyes upon him, he didn’t show it.
The second, however, when my gaze turned to him, seemed to stiffen, almost imperceptibly.
Yet I caught the tensing of his shoulders, the way his cloak shifted and lay still.
Letting out a small breath, I narrowed my eyes.
There was something predatory about him.
Was it because I couldn’t see his face? Something about the unknown of him?
No that wasn’t quite it.
It was in the way he moved, or I suppose the lack of movement. So still, as if he were searching, hunting for something.
If I was meant to be the intended prey, he’d have a rather nasty surprise.
“Have you found what you’re looking for?” My voice came out calm, steady. Maybe a tinge annoyed.
The charming man turned, golden eyes once more catching mine. His skin seemed to glisten beneath the Sun Goddess powered lamps of the shop and as he walked closer, I finally saw them.
Little golden tattoos sprawled across his neck, peeking up from beneath the collar of his fine shirt.
I recognized them immediately as all Solerian soldiers gained them at the end of their trials; how many one received was entirely based upon their skill and strength.
They were markings that called for the blessings of the Sun Goddess.
Patterns that elicited luck in battle, wisdom, bravery, anything a soldier might need to lead Soli’s people to victory.
To have ones that travelled to his neck, meant his chest, back, and torso must also be riddled with them.
I didn’t know of anyone who had so many.
Nor did I know of any soldiers with such finely made clothing.
Fingers drumming upon the counter, my head dipped to the quiet man when he wasn’t quick to respond. “We don’t have many customers that come with hired mercenaries.”
A laugh startled my attention back to the first man who glanced over to his crony as he said, “I promise you he’s no mercenary, we mean you and your shop no harm.
” His easy nature seemed to have the opposite effect he was wishing for, as the unease became nearly suffocating.
My shadows were a whirling mass of rage beneath my skin, begging to be released.
“My name is Kai, I was hoping to find a healing potion. Something intended to ease the effects of The Fever, is that an area you’re familiar with? ”
Head tilting, I clutched the counter for support, shoving down the shadows that stormed through my brain. Trying to decipher the hissing song they sung, voices and words all overlapping at once.
“Are you alright?”
And just like that they stopped.
My eyes shot to the companion, still leaning against the wall, but his face was now turned my way. The light caught a glint of white beneath that hood. Was he Luanthian? His voice was smooth, deep, and wicked as one of the Nine Demon Princes of Hell.
My shadows stirred once more, curiosity quivering through them rather than the rage they felt at the golden eyed one.
Who is this?
Who is he?
What is he?
They hissed, slithering through my veins. They wanted out, wanted to explore the shadows that the man hid within, yet I shoved them down and down and down.
“I—yes, I’m fine,” I responded–flustered was an understatement as I ran my hands over my dress, smoothing it, and turned my focus back to the one named Kai. “The Fever is incurable.”
The rebuttal broached no argument, far too many desperate people came seeking some magical treatment, but there was none.
We could ease the suffering, but never truly cure it.
The sickness had swept through Tavari just a century ago, before The Celestial War had begun, and now refused to leave the Tavarrian people alone.
Many claimed it to be the catalyst that set the war into motion, the Solerians blaming the sickness on the Luanthians.
A punishment for their dark magic. I, although knowing the rumors to be ridiculous, couldn’t blame anybody for their fear of the widespread virus.
To watch friends, neighbors, loved ones succumb to the febrile shakes and night terrors of The Fever, to helplessly watch as they died—it would send anyone into madness.
Every Potion Master and Master Healer within the last century had been searching for a cure, for something to help the ill, but none had yet been found.
“Not asking for a cure,” he said as he gave a shake of his head, that same easy smile upon his face. “Just if you know of some potions that may ease an afflicted person's suffering.”
Walking slowly, I pulled out the same two potions I had for Fenrir. The amber colored fever-reducing potion, and the dark blue sleeping draught.
Holding up the first I explained, “this one is made of fenlock root that has been brewed with Goddess flower for nearly five days, then fermented for three months. It will help reduce and regulate temperature spikes within the body, alleviating muscle cramping in the process.” Carefully I wrapped it within the cloth before then picking up the sleeping draught.
“This one is made of nightstar leaves boiled in firemead to aid in the afflicted persons rest and sleep. The Fever can cause horrid night terrors, and we’ve learned this is one of the few potions that keeps them at bay.
I suggest not giving it too early or too late, but close to when the person would routinely sleep. ”
Glancing down at the parcels I pushed across the counter to him, he nodded his head, picking them up carefully before handing me the coin for them. “Much thanks…Syra? That was your name, right? That is the name the man from before called you.”
Dipping my chin into a sharp nod, his next question had my very blood freezing within my body. “Do you often help Luanthians? Those within the Old Quarter? Many Master Healers dare not even enter that section of the city.”
My fear, however, was quickly won over by my disdain.
“Those who are Goddess blessed with magic have nothing to fear in the Old Quarter. I believe that it’s a duty to help those who others have easily overlooked.
The Old Quarter is home to both Solerian converts and those born Solerian–I treat whoever needs help. ”
“You’re Goddess-blessed then?” His eyes sparked at that and my patience effectively snapped.
Why was he asking so many questions?
The Fever worked in mysterious ways, but it was well known that those with Goddess-blessed magic were, in some way, immune.
Only those without the blessing had ever caught The Fever, a sick twist of fate.
It was why Merle and I tended to worry so much about Bran, who had no magic of his own, especially in the close quarters of the barracks.
To lose Bran, to suffer such another close loss, would be like losing my own heart.
It had been tricky in the beginning, explaining to people how I was immune to The Fever as we couldn’t outright show them my abilities.
However, it didn’t take long for Merle and I to realize that a little burst of shadow out of my palm looked awfully like a small plume of smoke.
There were many citizens who were blessed with weak magic, especially those who worked within scullery or the army.
Those who could only call forth the tiniest ray of light or merely make a pebble shift a few centimeters, so for myself it was a small casting of “smoke” that kept probing questions or suspicious glances away.
Yet here was a man who was asking far too many questions for my comfort. A man who needed to leave and take his watchdog with him.
“If that’s all you were needing, sir,” I gestured to the books laid out upon the counter, “I’m a bit busy, so good day.”
“I—”
“I said good day to you!”
He held up his hands in a placating gesture, that charming smile still planted on his face, before he spun on his heel. He passed his companion, his hand reaching out to squeeze the other's shoulder and when they both ducked out the door, my breath came out in a whoosh.
Glancing down, I rearranged and smoothed out the pages of my books, my brow furrowing as I tried to recenter—to focus back upon my studying.
It was then, out of the corner of my eye, that I saw the little folded piece of paper laying upon the countertop. Snatching it up, my eyes read over it, confusion melting into disbelief.
If you find any more information about The Fever or any other remedies to help the symptoms, you can find me in the Solerian army barracks upon the castle grounds.
Ask for Kai.
Thanks xx