52. Kiera
FIFTY-TWO
KIERA
“ I have fresh herbs ready to be dried for the apothecary stores. Where would you like them?” Drystan asked, ducking into the healing tent.
“This is a surprise.” I smiled, wiping my hands on my apron and taking the basket brimming with herbs tied into bundles small enough to allow them to dry quickly and evenly.
“I like to help where I can.”
I shook my head. “I see now why Jaxus was so shocked by how things are run in the Twelve Kingdoms. Healers don’t have any outside help and are expected to do all of this work and treat an entire city of ills at the same time. Here everyone pitches in. It’s quite eye opening.”
“My brother always seems to see things that others don’t. It’s his special skill.”
“He does. He has a brilliant mind,” I said, unable to contain the feelings I had for Jaxus. “He saw me, even when I was unable to really see him. I have so many regrets over how I pushed him away at first, thinking that I could never be with a typical flyer. There is nothing typical about Jaxus. I will never underestimate him again. Nothing he does is without all due consideration, and every action is for the good of the whole. I judged him against other flyers I knew and misjudged him terribly.”
Drystan looked regretful and hung his head. “I owe you an apology, Kiera.”
I frowned. “Why so?”
“I fear I may have done the same to you.”
“Misjudged me?"
He nodded guiltily. “I was blaming you for Jaxus’ out-of-character behavior of late.”
I chuckled.
Drystan glanced over his shoulder.
“It’s safe to speak here, we have the wards in place,” I said.
“I knew he was going to try and distract the council by arguing for them to help the Twelve Kingdoms, but I never expected him to act so—not Jaxus-like. I thought it was your influence, but he has set me straight, and I wanted to apologize.”
“I appreciate that Drystan, but there is no need. The purpose of the behavior was to draw attention and shock, so you have reacted correctly. You should know it has been hard for him. Painful in fact. He loves his home and the last thing he wants is to be remembered this way, but it has served a purpose.”
“He told me you offered to stay.”
“I would. For his happiness, I would turn my back on everything that we left behind and all that still awaits us. But he would never be content knowing we could make a difference in this war and we never even tried. That’s not who he is.”
“No,” he offered me a small smile. “It’s not. "
“Are you sure you wish to be a part of this? Maybe if you stayed, things would be easier for your parents?”
Drystan shook his head. “I may not be as altruistic as my brother, but I don’t sit by when I can help those who need it. I believe in him. In both of you. You can count on me. My biggest concern is how my parents will be treated after we leave.”
I nodded. “It has crossed my mind too. Do you think they will suffer for our actions?”
“I hope not. Jaxus is talking about leaving them a message for after we’ve gone. Perhaps we should make them understand that their best course of action is to denounce us. If they show they are ashamed, then they should be left alone to live quietly.”
“I pray they do.”
“Is there anyone else you will regret leaving behind?” I asked, trying to not so subtly find out if he was leaving behind anyone special.
Drystan smirked. “No one. I’m hoping you might have some friends on the outside you’ll introduce me to.”
I laughed. “How do you feel about healers? Because I’ll be honest with you, I don’t get out much. I actually live in the healer’s wing at the palace.”
“Goddess, Kiera, that will never do! Jaxus lives there with you?”
“No, he has a room in the barracks with the flyers.”
He furrowed his brow in confusion.
“When we left the capital, our relationship had not progressed to the point of cohabitation. We’ve had—let’s just say, a somewhat intense few weeks!”
“I’ll say,” he laughed. “Well, I’m happy for you both, but take my advice and find yourself a new place to live. Everyone needs some distance from their work.”
"Tell me you’re not a healer without telling me you’re not a healer,” I giggled.
“Someone is heading this way,” he said, nonchalant, picking up the basket. “Point me to where to hang these for you,” he said for the newcomer’s benefit.
“You don’t have to do that.”
"It would be my pleasure to assist my new sister.” And although it was for whoever might be listening, my heart warmed at the little bond I’d formed with someone so important to Jaxus.
I was finally done for the day and so ready to go home. On top of all the side missions for Faolan, I’d worked full clinic hours, showing my willingness to integrate by immersing myself as a healer. They’d kept a close eye on me for the first week I’d been here, but as days passed, they became less and less interested. The healers had accepted me, we trusted our own. We wouldn’t be doing this work if we weren’t passionate about it. There was a trust between even healers who’d never met, and it was no different here.
Now I came and went as I pleased. I worked alongside the other healers as an equal. Emrys beamed each time he passed. He’d been my champion with the healers here and I’d become a trusted source.
I carried guilt, knowing they’d feel I’d betrayed them all, but it was unavoidable.
“Kiera, I have those ingredients for you,” Emrys called. I collected my things, ready to leave, and headed for the store where he’d been checking inventory all afternoon.
Emrys pulled me into the store and closed the door behind us.
The small storage room overflowed with odds and ends and about an inch of dust .
I held my finger under my nose, trying not to sneeze. “What ingredients?”
“I thought you might find a use for these,” he said, handing me a healer’s satchel.
It was heavy in my hands, and I frowned in question.
“Take a look,” he said with enthusiasm.
I opened the satchel, and inside was packed with pouches of dried herbs, seed packets, and vials of a greenish oil. I looked back at Emrys.
“Lepid,” he confirmed. “I didn’t know which form you would need for the cure, so I gave you all we have. Except for the plant itself. Thats a little big to transport!”
I lifted the vial of oil and held it up to inspect. It was vibrant and viscous.
“That is an essence I made myself. I sometimes find the dried leaves are not as potent as I need, so I developed a fast-acting, easily absorbed concentrate. You never know when these little experiments will be invaluable. Goddess willing, it will help you on your quest.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, Emrys.”
“Find a way to help your friend and then win the coming war. I’ll be right there watching you shine.”
I embraced him.
“You are the perfect match for my friend. I thank the Goddess he followed his heart and ventured away from here to find you.”
“Emrys, don’t make me cry.” I’m going to turn heads walking home all puffy-eyed.
“Get some rest when you get home, Kiera. I will see you later.” He patted my shoulder and held the door open for me.