“Before you say anything,” he began, “you should know that King Ganix is due to arrive within the next two days. We are hoping he can find a way to save Ethan.”
“That’s not why I’m here,” she said. “I know you are trying. And I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult. I just need to face the truth. He’s gone. Even if we do find a way of getting into Shinzan’s palace without being detected, it’s been a week. He’s probably dead by now.”
Keira stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Do not lose hope. He may still live.”
“And if he does?” she asked. “Do you think I’d send people to their deaths in order to save him?”
“No,” Keira replied. “I think you would go yourself. But I also think Ethan would not want that.”
“He would come for me,” she stated.
“I know he would. But he would not throw his life away in the attempt. Wait until Ganix arrives. He is wise, and perhaps he can see what we cannot. Will you wait until then?”
Kat lowered her head. “I’ll wait.”
Halvar, deciding it was time for a change of subject, said: “I hear you have been healing the wounded with great success.”
Kat nodded. “I’m doing my best. I just wish I was as good at it as Lylinora.”
“From what I've been told, you have saved many lives.”
Kat shrugged. “Your healers did most of the work. All I’ve managed to do is to cure a few infections and mend some broken bones.”
“Whatever the case, I am grateful.”
Kat forced a smile. “It’s the least I can do. Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll go to my room for a while. I’m tired.”
Without waiting for a response, she left the room.
“I certainly hope King Ganix can help find a solution,” Keira remarked.
“As do I,” agreed Halvar. “Having a mage fighting at our side is a tremendous advantage. It would be a serious blow if we were to lose her.”
* * * * *
Earlier, Kat had considered taking a horse, of which there were now a large number in Elyfoss, to go see about Maytra.
The last time she had been with the dragon she had looked to be healing very well, though a little surprisingly, she had yet to take even a short flight. Getting Maytra back in the skies again as quickly as possible was vital to their hopes, and Kat felt duty bound to do everything she could to make that happen. However, right now, she was thoroughly exhausted from treating so many of the elf and dwarf wounded. It would be much better for her to get some rest first. She would make certain that Maytra was her first visit in the morning.
By the time she reached her room, it was all she could do to remain on her feet. A plate of fruit and a bottle of water left for her on the nightstand went untouched. After a hot shower, she crawled into bed. But even now, with the storm of emotions from those she had been healing refusing to fade, sleep proved elusive for a while.
Lylinora had warned her about the perils of healing magic - of how the healer might often find herself sharing the pain of those she tended. And not just their physical pain, but the emotional trauma as well. At first this had come as an almost welcome respite from the aching in her heart brought on by Ethan's capture. But soon it became overwhelming.
It was when she was healing a young elf woman who was suffering from a deep gash to the leg that she was made fully aware of the consequences of her actions.
The elf was named Diria; a name Kat knew she would remember for the rest of her life. The wound had already been treated, but Kat thought she might speed up the process. Diria was a healer herself, and her skills were sorely needed. But the moment Kat placed her hands on the wound and began using the little healing magic she understood, she almost screamed out in despair.
“Are you all right?” Diria had asked.
Kat had seen directly into the elf’s heart. She had lost her husband when the dragon attacked. She had watched helplessly as he was roasted alive only a few yards away, and narrowly escaped death herself. Had the dragon turned left rather than right, the next blast would have taken her as well. In that bleak moment of Kat's intervention, she was wishing it had. Though it did not show in her expression or voice, the woman was utterly consumed by sadness.
“I am so sorry for your loss,” was all Kat could say.
She had completed the healing and moved on without another word. But after that devastating experience, she took infinitely greater care. Lylinora had taught her how to throw up mental defenses against this very thing, in the process explaining that some people were far more open with their emotions than others. With many, she would feel only a vague imprint of who they were and what they were feeling. But with those who were less inhibited, there was always the possibility of making a connection deep inside their hearts. Particularly if they were suffering.
Just before finally dropping off, she imagined Ethan was lying beside her, smiling that innocent boyish smile she loved so dearly. She knew she would most likely be killed if she attempted to save him, and had come to accept the harsh fact that he must almost certainly be dead by now. Shinzan was unlikely to have spared him for this long. Yet in spite of all this, she knew that if she did not attempt a rescue, she would be unable to live with herself. He would come for her if their positions were reversed. Of that there was no doubt.
The following morning she found a tray of porridge and juice had been left just outside her door. She wasn’t hungry, but forced the meal down anyway, well aware that she needed to keep her strength up if she were to be of further use to anyone. Once done, she left the manor and set off to check on Maytra.
The ride from the city gate to the mountain exit didn’t take her long. From there on, the road leading down was empty for the most part. Kat could not help thinking how much easier this route was than the days they had spent winding through the secret tunnels that took them to the northern end of Gol’ Shupa.
She tied her horse near to where the healing pavilion was still accommodating the few remaining wounded who could not yet be moved, then continued on foot down to the field where Maytra was lying. The people she passed on the way all bowed respectfully, including the healers. This was a quite drastic change. Where at first they had looked on her with a sense of trepidation that bordered on outright distrust, they now afforded her the same respect as any other healer. More so, in fact.
The number of dwarves and elves guarding Maytra had now swelled to nearly fifteen-hundred, though they all kept a fair distance so as not to disturb the dragon. She was resting on her side, the bloody remains of a lamb scattered about. Kat shuddered at the thought of what it must be like to see Maytra devouring a meal. She approached cautiously. The dragon had knocked her down twice during their previous sessions; once throwing her ten feet before landing flat on her back.
Maytra looked over and blew out a welcoming breath of hot air.
“Feeling better I see,” remarked Kat. Even with everything that had happened, seeing Maytra always managed to lift her spirits a bit. “Are you ready to fly yet?”
“I want to see her fly,” called a child’s voice from behind.
Kat turned to find Asta and Maile beaming at her. This was the first time she had seen either of them since her return to the mountain.
“Grandmother was right,” said Maile. “You’re older. Is that why you haven’t come to see us?”
Kat knelt down and spread her arms wide. Without any need for further invitation, both girls instantly ran forward to embrace her tightly. “I’m sorry,” Kat said. “I should have come before now. It's just that things have been so…”
Seeing the children brought a wave of emotion over her that caused a lump to form in her throat and tears to her eyes.
“Grandmother told us that you’ve been on Earth,” Asta said. “Is that really true?”
Kat released the girls and wiped her eyes. “Yes. It’s true. I was there for five years.”
The girls looked at one another with confused expressions.
“But it’s only been a little while,” Maile pointed out.
Kat smiled warmly. “I’ll tell you all about it later. But right now I need to see to Maytra.”
“You promise?” asked Asta.
Kat nodded. “I promise.”
“When?” pressed Maile. “I heard grandmother say she thinks you’ll leave soon. But you can’t, not now that you've promised. You'll have to spend some time with us.”
Kat's eyes shifted up toward the pavilion. There was Lady Thora looking on with a satisfied smile. She had planned this. But Kat could not find it within her to be angry.
“I’ll come later today,” she told the girls. “Then I’ll tell you everything.” She gave them each another hug before shooing them away. “Get going now. I have work to do. And the sooner I’m finished, the sooner I can come.”
This was enough to hurry them along. Kat watched them all the way until they were safely back with Lady Thora, who looked at her with an appreciative nod.
“Now,” Kat said, turning her attention back to Maytra. “Let's see how you are doing today.”
Up until now, the dragon's long serpentine tongue had been licking the lamb's blood from the scales on her right leg. But she became completely still as Kat placed both hands on her back.
After only a short time, Kat realized that she could no longer feel a single wound. There was not the slightest trace of any damage whatsoever. She took a step back and scrutinized Maytra quizzically. “There’s nothing wrong with you, is there?” she said, knowing there could be no reply.
In response, Maytra snorted and then slowly rose to her feet. After looking directly into Kat's eyes for a moment or two, she let out a mighty roar. An instant later she was soaring skyward, the great gush of wind from her wings almost sending Kat tumbling over. Within seconds, she had disappeared beyond the treetops. Whispers of awe and wonder from those watching carried over the field like a communal prayer.
Kat felt a hand touch her shoulder. It was a dwarf youth. He was standing alongside an elderly elf woman. “You healed her,” he said.
“I…I’m not sure what I did,” she admitted.
“I am,” insisted the dwarf. “You restored our hope.”
Kat glanced up at the pavilion. Maile and Asta were jumping up and down, clapping their hands and giggling with delight at having seen the dragon take flight. Before Kat could leave, the crowd closed in on her, each one of them seeking to express their deep appreciation and admiration.
She tried to be gracious, smiling and telling them that she had only been able to help because Maytra was strong, and in all likelihood she would have healed on her own in time. This was obviously not true, and the people knew it. Most of them had seen for themselves the grievous wounds inflicted upon the dragon from quite close up. And those who had not actually witnessed Kat's initial exhausting efforts to heal her, had nonetheless been told about it in great detail.
It took her more than an hour before she was able to make it beyond the crowd and back to her waiting horse. But even when she reached the city, cheers continued to erupt from nearly everyone she passed. Word had already spread throughout Elyfoss, and though she hadn't sought such recognition, Kat was being celebrated as a great healer and a savior of the war.
She decided not to return to the king’s manor, and instead made her way directly to the home of Lady Thora. Asta greeted her at the door as if she was still the same thirteen year-old Kat she had known before – completely uncaring of the now quite significant age difference. That she was Kat was all that mattered to her.
“Grandmother is out running errands,” she said, tugging at her arm for her to follow inside. “Come and play with us until she gets back.”
Kat allowed herself to be led upstairs to the girls’ bedroom. Maile was sitting on the floor playing with a doll. Beside her was an elf girl of roughly the same age with long red hair.
Maile jumped up and ran into Kat’s arms. “I knew you’d come. Asta said you wouldn’t. But I knew you would.”
“I never said that,” her sister protested. “I only said that you might not be able to come today.” She looked up at Kat. “But I really did believe you’d keep your promise.”
Kat smiled down at her. “It’s all right. I know you did.” She looked over at the elf child, who was now standing. “And who is your friend?”
“This is Virlaya,” replied Maile. “Her and her mother are staying with us. Her father will be coming soon.”
Kat nodded. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kat.”
“I know,” she said timidly. “Everyone knows who you are. Is it true what they’re saying? Did you really save the dragon?”
“Of course she did,” Asta chipped in, before Kat could respond. “We saw it fly away right after she touched it.”
Virlaya’s eyes widened. “Then you must be a truly great healer.”
Kat smiled. “Not really. My friend Lylinora is much better at healing than I am.”
This didn’t seem to matter in the least to the elf child. She bowed awkwardly. “Thank you. Dragons are very special. My mother has told me many stories about them.”
“Speaking of stories,” said Maile. “You promised to tell us about your time on Earth.”
Kat sat on the bed and related what had happened to her – albeit in a version she felt appropriate for children. The girls stopped her repeatedly to ask questions, causing it to take more than an hour before reaching the end. After that, they played several games of hide and seek. Kat found herself genuinely having fun. It was a welcome distraction, and the mirth of the children made her forget her troubles for a time.
When Lady Thora arrived home, she insisted that Kat stay for dinner. “Virlaya’s mother won’t be back until tomorrow,” she explained. “As you know, Asta and Maile are already a handful. And if you add a quite lively elf child into the mix, it can be a bit much at times for an old woman like me.”
Not being particularly eager to return to the manor just yet anyway, Kat quickly agreed – later on consenting to stay the night.
After the girls had gone to bed, Thora invited her to the study for a drink. Though they had spoken briefly since Kat's return, and seen each other often when in the council chambers, this would be their first private talk in some considerable time. In fact - as far as Kat was concerned - in many years. Even so, she would never forget how Lady Thora had watched over her and shown an almost parental interest in her well-being when she was still a child.
“You have most surely been through a lot,” Thora said, handing Kat a glass of sweet smelling wine. “But as I know my grandchildren will have forced you to tell the story already, I’ll not trouble you quite yet with my curiosity.”
Kat tried to hide her relief. She was happy to see Asta and Maile again, but they could be absolutely exhausting. “It's not really that interesting anyway,” she said. “I got myself stuck on Earth for five years. Then Markus came and brought me back to Lumnia.”
“I’m sure there’s a little more to it than that,” said Thora, smiling. “But as I said, I’ll not trouble you with a retelling. But I would like to know what you intend to do next.”
Kat shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
Her obvious lie did not fool the dwarf woman for an instant. “My dear. I have been watching you for days. And I have spoken with both King Halvar and that remarkable elf woman, Keira. I am well aware that you intend to try and rescue Ethan; even though you know in your heart it is a hopeless mission.”
“And I suppose you are going to try and talk me out of it,” Kat responded. For a moment she felt irritation rising. But one look into Thora’s kindly eyes quickly had it draining away.
The old woman regarded her closely. “No. It would not do me any good to attempt that. But in truth, I am not worried. I firmly believe that fate has a plan for you. Your part is not done just yet.”
Kat drained her glass and poured herself another. “Then you understand why I have to go?”
Thora leaned over to pat her on the knee. “I am just saying that I have faith. That is all.”
As she finished speaking, a booming knock on the front door sounded, making them both start.
“Should I answer it?” Kat asked.
“Would you please, my dear?” replied Thora. “My legs and feet are aching so.”
Kat stood up, pausing to kiss Lady Thora’s cheek before heading to the door. There was something comforting about the woman that never failed to ease the burden on her heart. It made her think of her own mother.
Another knock echoed through the main foyer, this one more urgent.
“Wait a damn minute,” Kat grumbled. “I'm coming.”
Still muttering, she swung open the door.
For a moment she thought she was hallucinating. Her legs went instantly weak, and she was forced to clutch at the door frame in order to steady herself. Standing there as large as life and smiling broadly at her was Ethan. She swayed backwards, but he caught her in his arms and pulled her close.
“I thought you were dead,” she whispered, tears of sheer joy bursting forth.
“Me? Never,” he laughed. “You don't get rid of me that easily.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Every muscle Ethan possessed was crying out with pain. Whatever Martok had been doing, he had obviously pushed his body to the very edge of its physical limits. In spite of this, he could feel nothing but gratitude to his ancestor. Holding Kat in his arms at this moment was more than he could ever have dreamed of only a week prior. His death had been a foregone conclusion. But Martok had changed his fate.
Kat kissed him with such passion and love that his head began to swim. Yet his weakened body would not allow for the response he felt in his heart.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” she gasped when their lips finally parted. “How did you escape?”
“It was Martok. He saved me.”
“Then he saved me too,” she said, kissing him urgently. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”
Ethan cupped her face in his hands. “That goes for both of us.”
Dragonvein - Book Three Page 29
