Healer (9 page)

Wisdom remembered
Nicolas’ description of Luxor. While being
No’va’s
only floating castle,
it was the only building that took on a life of its own by expanding rooms as
necessary. And somewhere within, he knew several portals concealed sections of
Lord Gracie’s private studies, bedrooms, and more.

“I wonder if my
grandfather is here,” he thought aloud, prompting a quick shift of
conversation.

“Oh, that’s right!”
Glory remembered. “You said he stays here, doesn’t he? Maybe I’ll get to finally
meet a member of your family. You’ll be able to thank him for the outfit.
And such a handsome choice, too!”

At this, Wisdom felt
his own cheeks warm at her compliment. “Thank you.”

“Now if we could just
see what your brother was so late over, we could...” Her voice trailed off as
her gaze drifted past her fiancé in disbelief.

Concerned, Wisdom at
once turned to find
himself
mirroring the same look.

Shy strolled up to the
two and nodded.
“Brethusus,”
he greeted,
then
looked down upon his rich clothing: a dark green vest trimmed in black over a
high-collared shirt. The sleeves were long and airy, contrasting to his dark
pants and boots. To finish the look, a wide leather belt hugged his waist. “Is
it a bit much?”

“It’s perfect.” Wisdom
took note of his hair pulled back in a ponytail. “You’ve been studying human
fashion, I see.”

Shy just rolled his
eyes. “Don’t get me wrong; I still prefer our traditional style. But…this’ll do
for now.”

“It suites you,” Glory
said. She gestured toward several young women admiring Shy’s appearance. “And
apparently others think so, too.
Might even find someone
special tonight.”

Shy sighed, and Wisdom
caught a faint memory of Katherine passing through his thoughts.

“Seems
he already has.”

Glory’s eyes lit up.
“Really?
Do tell!”

“Vistom!”
Shy growled, but the conversation was cut short when
the surrounding crowd’s attention was directed toward the front of the room.
Amidst the growing attendees, Ashpin could be seen picking his way around
guests to get a good look at the approaching Grand Master.

Thomas Gracie was not
one to call handsome, nor had he seen days of good looks in the past. His round
face and body fit well with his deep voice as he greeted everyone in a pleasant
manner. Wisdom kept a smile hidden upon remembering his first encounter with
the Grand Master. Instead of appearing dressed to entertain, his garments had
reflected a mere gardener, complete with patches sewn at the knees and elbows.
Now, Lord Gracie reflected the master he had become over Luxor and its winged
inhabitants with a royal green and black velvet robe.

His announcement
ceased all other chat as he stood upon the top step to welcome his guests.
While speaking, his gaze drifted over each one, and Wisdom noticed that they
seemed to pause every so often when recognizing certain individuals. When that
gaze fell to the prince, they held each other in check. While Wisdom could
easily read thoughts, Lord Gracie had his Foreseers. The prince was certain one
was roaming not far from the open corridors when a multicolored feather
fluttered inside one of the doorways.

He recalled his first
encounter with a large marmalade Foreseer. The winged feline had a way of
pulling her wings around in order to reveal images of past, present, or future.
It was in this way Wisdom was able to keep tabs on Castle Mire when he was
still in slavery. It was also how Lord Gracie knew things
beforehand,
and always managed to impress others by keeping one step ahead.

I’ll be meeting
with you soon,
he heard a passing
thought.
 

It was only after the
speech was given, followed by a round of applause, that Lord Gracie descended
the steps to mingle with the crowd. Casually, Wisdom led Glory back to his
small band of clan members. While Ashpin anxiously tried to keep from
fidgeting, the prince could not help but say, “Be patient. He knows you’re
waiting.” Then, to Glory, asked, “Any sign of your parents?”

“No sign of my
stepmother.” Her sarcastic tone received a chuckle.

“And no sign of
Valor,” Shafari joined the group. “Nick, you’re looking quite your age these
days. Why haven’t you utilized this Healer’s abilities?”

Nickademis just
laughed, his long, gray whispers jiggling against his chest. “I doubt there’s a
cure for age.”

They shared
conversation until the merry voice of Lord Gracie caught up to them.

“The
proud prince!”
He greeted Wisdom.
“And the Lady Elite, lovely as always.”
He bowed to Glory.
“And welcome, welcome all of you to Luxor! Now here’s a face I haven’t seen in
a while.”

“Thomas Gracie.”
Nickademis stepped up to his friend to exchange warm greetings.

“How have you been, my
old friend?” Lord Gracie asked.

As the two continued
their conversation, Wisdom glanced between his companions. A smile slid across
his face when he realized his clan was in the presence of the first three
humans to enter
No’va
.

“Now if only Jenario
was here, the First Four would be complete.”

Shafari’s expression
soured. “He wouldn’t come even if his home was flooded with letters. In any
case,” he glared at Lord Grace, “I hope you
didn’t
bother sending one.”

Lord Gracie shook his
head. “I only attempted to reach his son.”

“Probably one in the
same,” Nickademis said.

“Abraham is
not
like his father,” Wisdom said sharply.

“In any case,” Lord Gracie
turned his attention to Ashpin, whose expression twisted in puzzlement as he
tried to comprehend the current conversation. There came a chuckle. “No use
trying, lad!
Matters beyond our control.
Now then, I
believe I owe you an answer, don’t I? You’re looking for your father.”

Mind-reader?
Mididus asked in thought, but Wisdom only held a
finger to his lips for secrecy.

“Do you know where I
can find him?” Ashpin’s face lit up with hope.

An eyebrow raised in
that all-knowing way. For an instant the Grand Master’s gaze locked with the
prince’s, and Wisdom knew his answer would hold back more than it would give.

“Your father was a
successful hunter and fur trader,” he said. “Some of the furs you see in this
building were purchased directly from him. But that was years ago. I’m afraid
the Agecroft name is carried only with you now.”

Disappointment crushed
all excitement. A dull haze seemed to drift over his eyes as they stared,
unfocused, into the crowd of unknown faces. Still, Ashpin managed to dip his
head in silent thanks.

Lord Gracie patted him
gently on the shoulder. “I’m sorry I couldn’t provide a better answer for you.”

“I didn’t really know
much about him other than my mother’s stories,” Ashpin said softly. “Guess I
just wanted to know why he left.”

“So if he’s the only
one carrying that name, then...” Shy glanced to Shafari, who tugged on his
goatee.

“Then it means he’s an
orphan,” Shafari finished.” I’m sure the guards of Lexington will love a new
thief on the streets.
Unless someone takes him in.”

“I already have,”
Wisdom said. “I can provide what he needs for the time being.”

“Another
responsibility?”
Shafari raised an
eyebrow.

Ashpin looked up at
the prince, who returned his questioning stare with a grin.

“I don’t see it as
another responsibility.” Wisdom nodded to Glory. “Ashpin’s made it on his own
long before finding the clan.”

“Perhaps he could be
an apprentice,” Glory suggested. “Father used to have one.”

“An
apprentice?”
Excitement soon
returned.
“Under you?”

“Yes, I’m quite
curious on that one as well.” Shy crossed his arms. Though his ears were
disguised to resemble a human’s, Wisdom could tell they were laid back in
annoyance.
What do you teach a human?

“There is plenty to
teach,” Wisdom returned, a slight edge to his tone. “Look at Nickademis. Half
of what he knows about using herbal medicines was learned from Healers.”

Ashpin glanced between
the two brothers. “Can you teach me to heal?”

“Are you serious?” Shy
breathed.

“Well, maybe not
magic-wise.” Wisdom ignored a grumble from his brother. “But there are things
you can learn that would help in the process.”

A wave of music
started in the background. As violins ripened the mood of surrounding guests,
people began moving toward the melody. Couples joined together in dance,
swaying and sliding across a prepared dance floor in the next room.

“I’d still like that
first dance, my dear.” Shafari offered his hand to Glory.

“You should enjoy this
evening.” Lord Gracie drew the two brothers’ attention. “She’ll be fine. In the
meantime, there’s something I want to show you two.”

“Us?”
Shy indicated to himself and his brother.

“Don’t worry.” The
Grand Master began making his way through the crowd. “We’ll be back before the
next dance begins.”

Wisdom caught Glory’s questioning
gaze, but he nodded for her to join Shafari while Ashpin and the rest mingled
with their current company.

“I do hope you enjoy
the Waltz.” Shafari led Glory by the arm into the dance area where several
others causally twirled past.

“It was my mother’s
favorite kind.” Her gaze still followed her fiancé through the crowd until
losing sight of him. “My stepmother doesn’t particularly care for it, though.”

Shafari guided her
into a slow spin before pulling her close. With her hand resting on his left
side, and his to her back, they began a causal side step, forward, then back.
The move was repeated while joining a slow circle of couples. Occasionally, he
would lean her back in a simple dip that deepened those already rosy cheeks.
She laughed giddily and enjoyed a twirl that ruffled the edges of her
gown.
 

“You dance well,” she
said.

“And you keep up with
me,” Shafari teased. “How did you find such a fortunate young man?”

“More
like
he
found me!”

There came a tap to
Shafari’s shoulder, and he turned to offer Glory to the next interested suitor.
He hesitated a moment before stepping to the side. “I’ll be close by if you
need me,” he whispered.

“My Lady,” a
blond-haired male addressed as he led her into the next dance. They made quite
a pair, with Glory’s fair looks complementing her partner’s dashing burnished
and gold-trimmed outfit. His curly locks had been pulled back in a small
ponytail with just enough
wave
left around the
forehead to avoid a slicked appearance.

Glory kept an eye open
for a way out as she looked him over with vacant expression.

“Valor.”

CHAPTER
7

“I’m pleased you
decided to join us this evening, Master Lorcán.”

The use of their father’s
surname made both brothers uneasy. After a brief period of silence, Shy
answered, “I appreciate your hospitality, but
Shy
will do.”

Wisdom eyed his
brother a moment before turning his attention back to Lord Gracie, who led the
two down the back corridor. The warm glow of light flowing between walls
yielded to several hanging tapestries. These colorful fabrics adorned plain
surfaces every few feet, and kept the brightness to a bearable minimum.

“As
you wish.”
Lord Gracie’s smile
never dimmed. “It
was
one of your own that helped make this place
possible.”

Wisdom caught that
glance of uncertainty from his brother, whose thoughts remained closed when
nothing stood out from sight-reading. “Did Chronicles ever mention anything to
you or others about
his
father?” “Providence?” Shy guessed. “We all
presumed he had passed.”

“Huh.” The prince
chortled. “He’s…here.”

“Wha—” Shy’s hushed
response held back a throaty growl. When he spoke next, his tone reflected a
slight gurgle of annoyance. “Pah! He’s been telling everyone that for years!
Such ignorance! Too preoccupied to even bother...” He met his brother’s gaze.
“Well, you know how he is.”

Wisdom nodded. “I
know. Everything gets blamed on...” He caught himself,
then
checked Lord Gracie’s reaction.

“On
humans?”
A grin.
“I don’t doubt it after what your family’s been through.”

“And I suppose your
history is just as clean?” Shy’s tensed look relaxed, and even offered a
crooked smile. “My brother informed me you were one of the first humans in
No’va
.”

Lord Gracie held a
door open for them to enter at the end of the corridor. “I was, along with our
current problem
mage.
” A hint of sarcasm slipped in his tone. After
letting the brothers go first, he followed behind and shut the door.

“We are well aware of
both
,”
Wisdom corrected. “Jenario should have never touched a unicorn! That in itself
has caused so much destruction.
First for Nature, then for
us.”
He looked around the small room they had entered. Most of the
furniture had been covered with white sheets, possibly extras pulled from the
main ballroom. Having lived at the castle before, he was fairly certain the
room contained a passage to a private location, for there were no other
entrances besides the one they just used.

“Definitely us,” Shy
muttered, and Wisdom knew what he meant. The encounter with the dark unicorn
had temporarily removed itself from his memory, leaving Shy at the mercy of a
father believing his son was incompetent.

While Lord Gracie
checked a key ring at his belt, Shy let his attention span around the room,
then back to the door.

“I hope this isn’t
your office, or did we take a wrong turn?”

“This?” Lord Gracie’s
key clinked against the door lock before turning once.
“Just
a little detour.”
He started to pull the door open.

“But we just came from—”
Shy stopped when a different view opened before them.

Lord Gracie’s smile
widened at his expression.
“After you.”

Wisdom immediately
recognized the Grand Master’s chamber. Bookshelves lined the room. Seated
windows overlooked a courtyard below, illuminated by outside torchlight as dusk
settled. In the center of the room sat a crescent-shaped desk, its polished
Redwood surface neatly arranged with several stacked papers, quills and ink
bottle ready for its master.

“I remember getting
lost in this place,” Wisdom said. “I ended up here after finding one of your
portals.” He ran a hand over the high-backed chair sitting behind the desk. “I
sat here wondering what to do next until Nicolas could find me.”

“I arranged most of
the portals to bring
confused
guests here.” Lord Gracie winked.
“Makes it easier to find them.”

“
You
arranged
the portals?” Shy stared in disbelief. “And yet you have no magic.”

“Well, Nicolas is a
magic-user,” his brother said.
“At least partially.
He
may not be the strongest, but it might be enough for some of the place’s
needs.”

A nod from the Grand
Master, who made way for a winged feline that hopped up on the desk. Its tuxedo
coloration reflected over the smooth surface, though it was the multicolored
wings that fascinated the brothers as they partially opened. On its hind legs
it reared to stretch a forearm out for Lord Gracie’s hand, and was obliged with
a head-rub.

“What in
No’va
..?”
Shy stared at the cat, which eventually settled on the desk with tail wrapped
around the feet.

“A Foreseer,” Lord
Gracie said. There was pride in his voice, like a father showing off an
accomplished child. “With the ability to predict past, present and future, I
see all within this place and
never
have to leave or rely on any other
source.”

“But I’ve never—”

“Your family wouldn’t
know of these,” Lord Gracie interrupted Shy in a stern tone. “They’re only
found here, kept safe from those who’d misuse them.” He paused to watch the cat
hunker down in a lazy ball of fluff, its feet tucked underneath. Yellow eyes
gazed up at the three men, slowly closing with the sounds of purring rumbling
beneath its thick fur. “It was only through a Foreseer that I began to see
Jenario’s path.”

“And you didn’t try to
show him?” Shy’s eyes narrowed.
“Seems to me this would have
been an obvious answer to our problems!”

“Showing would have
revealed another
tool
for that blasted beast! Besides, by the time I
discovered his folly, ‘twas already too late.”

“But surely—”

“Everything we’ve tried
had a counter. Apparently, foreseeing what
is
wasn’t enough to prevent
it.” He paused to let the Healers take in his words. “But there may be another
way, and that’s what I wanted to show you.”

The two brothers
exchanged looks before following the Grand Master toward the back of the room.
A separate section to the side contained built-in bookshelves, filled to the
point where some collections had started their own pile on the floor. It was on
one of these shelves that Lord Gracie pulled a hidden lever. As the brothers
watched, the entire bookcase slid aside to allow access to a small chamber.

Wisdom stepped inside
first, his gaze drawn to a lone object within the room’s center. Its oval shape
reflected his immediate appearance, held in place by a finely-crafted wooden
structure. Two curving beams encircled the central glass piece, with adjustable
segments that allowed for rotation either up or down. Finally, he turned to
Lord Gracie.

“A
mirror?”
He raised a pallid
eyebrow in question. When he did not receive an immediate response, he stepped
closer to inspect it. The fine craftsmanship of the wood intrigued his interest
to who might have carved it until his gaze flicked to his own appearance
staring back him. “And I suppose you have something to do with this,” he spoke
softly.

A
wink,
and the prince inclined his head to what his inner unicorn might reveal. To his
surprise, the mirror’s structure began to waver. Like a veil being lifted, a
single wave of energy pulsed over its form before vanishing. No longer did the
mirror’s form remain, but a wavering oval surface that hovered slightly above
ground.

“What in
No’va
...?”
he heard Shy sputter before turning to Lord Gracie.

“This is not like the
others I’ve seen here,” Wisdom said.

“What is it?” Shy
stepped beside his brother.

“A
portal.
But why
here?
Why keep it secret?”

“It’s been dormant for
years.” Lord Gracie joined them. “When I first came to this land, it was this
particular portal that gave us access. After that, it just shut down.”

“You were trapped
here?”

Lord Gracie chuckled.
“Compared to what we had before, this was a blessing! But those who did
not follow...never
could, as we could not open it back up.”
A sigh.
“Nevertheless, the Foreseers predicted its next use
during something called
a
Purification
?” At
this, he glanced to Wisdom for clarification.

“
Purifications
are supposed to happen once a millennium. Now because of Jenario, balance calls
for it to happen well before that time.” He stepped away from the portal, and
as he did the illusion returned to a mirror. “Did your Foreseers show anything
else?”

“The message was quite
clear about a unicorn needing it. Perhaps the one you carry
is
that
unicorn. The mirror did, after all, react to your presence.”

Wisdom looked down at
his wrist, kept covered by a thin cloth that matched whatever outfit he wore.
Slowly, he unwove it to check the scar. Its circular form had already begun to
fill in to a half crescent, reflecting the phases of the moon.

“If that’s so, she’ll
be needing
it soon.”

*****

It was hard to avoid
Valor’s penetrating stare while dancing. Glory kept her head slightly turned,
letting her attention span to the other dancers on the floor. Every now and
then her eyes flicked back to his face.
Has he even blinked?
The slight
smell of fish wafted from his clothing.
Typical!
The music was beginning
to pick up, but her feet felt sluggish. Her mood was not helping. Neither was
Valor’s presence.

“You know it’s
impolite to stare,” she said coldly.

A
thin smile.
“Hard
to resist with you.”
He led her in a spin,
then
pulled her close. “Can I at least glimpse that delightful smile of yours?”

Glory just rolled her
eyes and threw him a narrowed look. “Fancy you’ve been plotting all types of
ways to win me back.” The tempo was slowing again, much to her relief, and they
drifted between others in an aimless circle. It was between two couples that
she thought she saw Shafari still watching. She sighed. “How’s my father?”

“Oh, he’s enjoying the
extra bedroom space,” was his sarcastic reply. “What a thing to ask! How do you
think he is? He’s been
besides
himself with worry and
wants you home.”

“You’re just saying
that. We’ve been sending letters, unless you’ve detained them...again!”

“You don’t seem to get
it.” Valor’s grip tightened and he jerked her in a dip. Her gasp of surprise
spurred the next statement of, “How would you feel if someone you cared about
just disappeared without any indication as to why?” He let her up, seeing how
her expression contorted in discomfort. “Glory, I’m not making this up to satisfy
my feelings for you. Your father hasn’t been the same since. Does that mean
nothing to you?”

“Of course it does!”
She pulled free of his grasp. Ignoring the curious looks of those nearby, Glory
tried to remain composed. Hands clenched at her sides in swift anger. She
wanted Shafari, but pride kept her from looking for him.
He better still
be
watching!
“Maybe I overstepped some boundaries by
leaving. Fine! I’ll accept that. But this is
my
life! I’ve chosen who I
wish to be with.”

“Glory, this—”

“We’re done here!” She
abruptly turned, although she felt his hand try to catch her.

The move had been
hasty, for
a couple directly behind were
in the middle
of a low dip. She bumped into the woman, who slipped from her partner’s grasp,
as Glory was standing on the woman’s trailing gown. A loud rip mimicked the
scream she wanted to let out, and when she tried to pull back, the woman’s sash
tripped her foot.

A strong pair of arms
caught her. Mortified, she was afraid to turn, afraid to see that smirk on Valor’s
face that read,
“Why do you have to act so childish?”

“My
apologies to you both.”
There was
a kinder tone in his voice as he helped her up.

Confused, Glory noted
an emerald ring on the right hand holding her arm. Recalling no such jewelry on
Valor, she turned at once to see who supported her.

“Not to worry about
the dress,” he continued to the other couple. “I believe you’ll find it fixed
for now.” His eyes caught her curious stare, and he grinned. “Shafari thought
it best to...step in for a bit.”

“So you spirited Valor
away like you did the rip in her dress?” Glory’s guess received a chuckle.

“Quite.” He gestured
toward a veranda on the far side of the room. “Care for some fresh air?” They
started toward the main entrance where guests mostly lingered. Here and there
she spotted a few clan members immersed in their own conversations. “I hope my
grandson has been treating you well.”