Healer (8 page)

Delexi’s hand had just
reached for his own sword when his form began to waver.

“I can’t hold it!” he
shouted while the confused men stood back in surprise when fur sprouted down
the man’s face and back. The last of Chronicles’ energy given to the wolf was gone.
Now, as the men watched, the animal shook off the remains of dark armor and
snarled a wolf’s grin up at them.

“It’s him!”

“Magic-user!”

“Kill it!”

The men swung, but
Delexi was too fast. Bulky armor delayed their reactions to the wolf’s weave
between legs and out toward the main gate. He closed the distance in a single
sprint until one of the gatekeepers pulled a crossbow and fired a thick bolt.

It burrowed itself in
Delexi’s hindquarters and sent him rolling across the cobblestone. His body curled
upon itself in pain. There came another jolt as his roll ended in a slam
against the gate. Stunned, he lay a few moments to process what had happened.

Delexi!
Twilight spun his bird form toward the nearest guard,
shifting mid-flight to position himself between animal and human. “I don’t
think so!” He grabbed the man’s wrist holding the crossbow. With a twist, the
arm snapped. Even before the man could bellow in pain, Twilight pulled him
close and flipped his body in a slam. “
Who’s
next?” he
snarled, eyes aglow in fury.

While the guards were
held at bay, Katherine flew to Delexi’s side. After shifting back, she coaxed
the wolf to his feet. While Delexi needed no persuasion to the immediate
danger, his sluggish movements cost precious time.

“Three
of them?”

“Hey, it’s those kids
again!”

“Twilight!”
Katherine screamed as an angry guard charged the
young Healer.

“Jow’us!”
Nature responded to Twilight’s command in a
breath-taking quake of vines ripping below the men’s feet. The Healer’s anger
fueled its growth spurt. Even around the location, angry plants responded,
ensnaring anyone that moved. Nearby civilians fled in terror. Side buildings
shook with a few cracks appearing in the wood. A large gap in the earth began
to form, throwing men off balance and sucking them below when at last the vines
retreated.

Between trembling
earth and his own pain, Delexi managed to rise and limp outside the walls of
Lexington. Katherine stayed by his side, adding energy of her own to his
damaged body. Behind them, Twilight closed the gap just enough for those still
stuck in the dirt to get out.

“Next time, don’t mess
with
Lo-ans’rel
!” He then left the men squirming in the dirt like worms.

The scent of his
companions led him into the nearby woods where he found the wolf stretched on
his side while Katherine commenced her healing.

“We need do this
quickly,” she said. “They’ll be after us if we don’t move soon.”

“Wouldn’t worry too
much about the ‘moving’ part,” Twilight said. He watched Katherine gently pull
out the bolt.

Delexi whimpered, but
the young female smoothed a hand over the wound and called upon Nature.
Surrounding grass and leaves withered to aid in the healing process. When
Katherine moved her fingers aside, the wound had closed.

“You’ll probably be
sore for a bit,” she said.

Delexi slowly rolled
onto his belly. He did not reply, but merely licked her hand in thanks.

Katherine sighed. “His
human form is gone, unless
we
give him one.”

Twilight wrinkled his
nose in disagreement. “Isn’t that bending Nature’s law?”

Katherine swept some
of her strawberry hair back over one shoulder. “It is when you’re dealing with
Chronicles.”

“So
what now?”

“We continue as
planned. We find Shy…before Jangus does.”

CHAPTER
6

Twin carriages seemed to
hover, side by side, before two pegasi touched down on the landing deck outside
Luxor Castle. Wisdom was the first to step from the white and gold vessel, its
pallid appearance in sync with Luxor’s stone coloration. He nodded once to
Megas, who folded his wings in a fade and tended to the horses. As before, the
White Wing had taken lead, guiding the carriage in flight. His eagerness to
show off his skills impressed Glory into applauding his somersaults and barrel
rolls. She had sat next to the window, with the prince sitting across from her
grinning from ear to ear.

Accompanying them was
Ashpin, who had watched from the opposite window while land washed away into a
sky-blue backdrop. Occasionally, he would wave over to the second carriage
carrying four other guests.

“Remember this place?”
the prince asked Glory, who took his hand as she stepped from the carriage.

“Wow.” Ashpin stared
up at the enormous structure as he followed after. He glanced around the
vehicle’s side while the three clan leaders and doctor stepped from their
carriage to join them. They conversed animatedly about the trip in a flying
carriage. For most, it was their first. For the doctor, he looked forward to
seeing his son, Nicholas, who worked on the property.

Glory beamed. “How
could anyone
not
want to work in something this grand?”

“You’re what
makes
it grand,” Wisdom said softly in her ear. He admired
that warm glow coloring her cheeks. They had met at Luxor, years ago as
children. He still remembered her spoiled little
pout, that
whine of independence from her stepmother and stubborn attitude. Now and then
Glory’s bottom lip still protruded in a childish pout when something was not to
her liking.

His gaze trailed over her
slim gown, a gift from the Schevolsky Family. A fine lace of soft green
followed her neckline in a V-shape and extended down to the waist. There, the
pattern dipped around her hips over white satin fabric. The slight
off-the-shoulder look was enough to reveal a taste of her creamy flesh. The
remembrance of its warmth against his own increased his acuteness to other
males in the area, and was swift to intervene when an approaching guard
welcomed them.

“Thank you,” he
answered before Glory could respond. He noticed Alexander giving Ashpin that
crooked smile of,
“See that?”

“I’m not that bad,”
Wisdom muttered, causing all smiles from his friends. Together, they entered
through an archway of double doors. Once inside, a spacious foyer seemed to
extend with the growing number of guests coming and going. From outside came
the low whinnies of more approaching pegasi. Before the doors completely shut,
Wisdom was sure he saw another White Wing guiding more carriages down to the
landing platform.

“I see why Megas loves
this place,” Glory said. “There’re so many opportunities to fly!”

“You have one of
those, don’t you?” Nemmerl swept his hand in the direction where Megas had
been. “Wasn’t he supposed to come with us?”

“Chanté?
He was supposed to come with Shy,” Glory said.
“Though he missed the carriage.”

“Trust me,” Wisdom
said.
“Shy’s coming.
From what I could gather, it
sounded like he wanted something
new
to wear for the occasion.”

Glory laughed. “Well
then, he’ll be
fashionably
late.” A slight toss shook her long locks
from around her face.

“He’ll be sorry if he
decides not to,” the prince said. “For someone trying to learn more about
humans, he needs to show up—”

On
time?
came
the thought from his brother. He must have let the others hear as well, for
they looked around as though expecting to see the albino Healer.

Wisdom just sighed.
Where
are you?

Outside
with Chanté.
You should see
this! White Wings showing off their plumage is a performance in itself!

Wisdom had to chuckle
at the mental image, and he shared the same with the group. There was Chanté, a
crest of feathers raised in full around his head. Wings spread to display a
glorious cream underside that matched his skin tone closer in to the shoulder
blades. He had drawn the attention of not only White Wings coming from leading
other carriages, but its guests. The spectacle of these graceful show-and-tells
between ‘
Ken
Wisdom had not seen, even when he had lived with his kind
right under their nesting grounds.

Don’t be long,
he cautioned to his brother when he noticed several
announcers starting to get everyone’s attention.
I think they’re about to
lead everyone in.

Soon enough, guests
began meandering down the main hallway with one of the servants leading the
way. Polished marble floors captured a semi-reflection of each guest dressed in
their finest attire. As Wisdom adjusted his own clothing, a midnight blue
overcoat and matching tunic, he took notice in the ones his friends wore. While
Nemmerl preferred a longer garment to Nickademis, both trimmed in gold and
black, Alexander donned a crimson outfit with gold lining and matching boots.
The Simpleton Mididus was a reminder of his forest dwelling with his fine, dark
green fabric and silver-patterned vest, though it did bring out his mottled
skin coloration.
For Ashpin, a rustic red-brown tunic over
dark pants and belt.

Of all the richness
combined, Glory stood out most. Hers was the fairest and drew many an admiring
gaze. Wisdom checked her expression, almost positive there would be a look of
disgust from all the stares. Finding none, he reassured her by slipping his
hand into hers, and they walked side by side while their group was received by
a servant to show them the way.

“Do you suppose my
parents will be here?”

“
All
the
better,” Wisdom said. “It will probably put your father at ease to
see how lovely you look.”

Glory blushed.
“My father, yes.
But not my stepmother.”

Wisdom leaned closer
to whisper, “Let me worry about her,” and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. A
few comments from his companions drew his attention to another mingling with
the party, one who stirred memories of his servant days at Luxor. “Nicolas!” he
called after the doctor released his son from a bear-hug.

The resemblance
between the two was remarkable. Nicolas had taken some gray to his hair, though
he kept his face clean-shaven, unlike his father. When his eyes shifted to the
prince, they lit up with memories of their own. Immediately, he bowed with
respect.

Wisdom grinned.
“You’re too flattering.” They clasped hands and exchanged a few words of
greeting, with an added introduction to his current company.

“Good to have you
back,” Nicolas said.

“It’s good to be back.
How’s Lord Gracie?”

Nicolas chuckled.
“His usual self.”
He dipped his head to Glory. “You have a
rare beauty here tonight.
The Elite Family?
I remember
you when...” As he recalled a moment when Glory had been little, Wisdom kept
his mind open to the thoughts of others: Mididus content with small-talk
between the other leaders, Glory enjoying the current attention, and Ashpin
taking in all the sights and sounds. A hint of his brother’s return tuned his
sight-reading to his whereabouts. Chanté was still outside, so Shy was heading
their way.

A slight tug to the
sleeve prompted a new thought – Ashpin’s concern for his father. “Do you really
think Lord Gracie will know where he is?”

“Relax,” Wisdom
soothed. “Even if he doesn’t know offhand, he’ll at least give us the curtesy
to find out. He has lots of resources. I’m sure you’ll get an answer, one way
or another.”

“It’s just...so busy!”
Ashpin noted the hustling servants, guests pouring in, with no sign of their
host as they were directed into a large ballroom. “Will he even have time to
speak with us?”

“Trust me, Ashpin. Lord
Gracie’s one of the few individuals that manages his time
very
well.”

As the group settled
into their new surroundings, the smell of food peaked their interest along some
back tables. The main floor was accessible by descending a few steps, as the
room’s entrance was shared on either side by a grand staircase leading to a
second floor balcony. A small alcove off to the side had been arranged for
servants accompanying their masters, with the same treats as offered to the
wealthy. Dark tablecloths presented a pleasant contrast to the colorful
arrangements on each and drew many a curious gaze.

One of the tables
contained the main course. Upon further inspection, the prince took in the
menu’s
finest: turkey, stuffed hog with an apple in its
mouth, rabbit, venison, and quail. Everything had been garnished to perfection,
though it was the vegetables that held his fancy: steamed potatoes, peeled and
sliced, surrounded by steamed broccoli, with carrots and onions all mixed
together. There was cauliflower and several cabbages, zucchini, squash with a
mix of lettuces, turnips, and spinach. Further down the table was bread, along
with several jams and crackers. Then there were the desserts, all waiting in
cake-sized servings. Already, individuals were making use of their time before
the crowds hit to sample a few items.

“How will I know Lord
Gracie is here?”

“Hmmm?”
Wisdom’s concentration snapped to the boy. “Oh,
you’ll know! Lord Gracie has a knack for drawing the most attention.”

The boy grinned.

 
“I’m sure he’ll be awhile to let all the
guests arrive. Least, that’s what he did last time. Why don’t you take some
time to look around? Who knows? Might get lucky and see your father here.” That
piqued the boy’s attention. While he immediately began scanning the room,
Wisdom offered Glory a drink.

While the rest of the
group mingled with other guests, the two walked arm and arm over to one of the
tables where a sweet smelling punch was being served. The red color swirled in
a glass dish while he ladled some into a cup and handed it to her. Thinly
sliced pieces of fruit floating within the bowl gave it a slight citrus flavor
when they took a sip.

“This is better than
before,” he said.

“How
so?”

“That I’m not bound to
this place, and you don’t have to run home.”

Glory laughed. “I
remember that! Every time we met in this room, I was always called away.”

A tap to the shoulder
turned their attention to a familiar figure decked in crimson. A gold band kept
his wavy gray and brown hair in place while matching rings adorned his fingers.

“I
do
hope to
have first dance this evening.” Shafari, headmaster to the once infamous slave
compound of Castle Mire, greeted them with a slight nod. His usual crimson and
gold appearance was a memory in itself, as it brought instant flashbacks to
when Wisdom had been in slavery.

“Can magic-users
dance?” Wisdom teased.

Shafari smirked.
“You’d be surprised. How’re things now that you’re Prince? No trouble from the
ports, I take it.”

Wisdom shook his head.
“Not that I’m aware of.”

Glory, however,
frowned at the comment. “You don’t think Valor would show tonight, do you?”

Shafari rubbed his
curling goatee in thought.
“Quite possible.
But he
should know better than start anything, especially here.” He flashed a crooked
smile. “Besides, I’d hate to think of the panic two magic-users might cause if
such happened.”

“So your curses
returned,” Wisdom guessed.

“Pah! Wishful thinking
on my part,” Shafari muttered.
“No, my lad.
The fire
ordeal sealed away what was left of any magic I once had – something even
Jenario would be quite glad of now. You know, he was once quite jealous of me.”

“Of
you?
Can’t
imagine why.”
He grinned when Glory elbowed his side.

“Well, I hope you two
have resolved any differences. And I sincerely hope Valor
doesn’t
show,
because he’ll be dealing with
my
curses if he even thinks about
confronting me again.”

“Sounds
formidable!”
Shafari inclined his
head and backed away. “But I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

That look of swift
anger in Glory’s eye, with the slight protrusion of her bottom lip, and Wisdom
knew she was about start a fit.

“I think you can
forget about that dance,” he said to the departing headmaster, receiving a
cheeky grin. Then to Glory said, “He didn’t mean anything by it.”

“I’m not worried about
him
!”
Glory whispered harshly
as they turned away from the drink section and headed across the room for the
outside balcony. The doors had been propped open to allow a breath of fresh air
into the ballroom. Though the space was constantly being filled, the room never
felt overcrowded.