“We’ll be back in a bit to check on you,” Clarence winks, leading the three Dofinikes from the room. Reid watches the mayans approach, with no obvious intent of leaving.
“Reid,” Sampson calls, motioning him to follow. “This needs to be done in private. You can return once they’ve completed the exam.”
Still hesitant, Reid finally offers a quick nod. Focused on me, his expression lightens. “I’ll be back soon.” He winks and leaves with Sampson.
“If you would please sit up…” Hillay approaches. I do as she says and she places her hands over the red gash in my calf. “You were treated with Millix saliva immediately after—this is good. It will have stopped the spread, keeping the toxin centered right here,” she motions to the red area. “We will have to do a scan and then remove the remaining poison. Just lie back for me and we can begin.”
I comply and they gather around me, their hands hovering above my leg. Suddenly, something sharp pinches into my leg and I tense.
“Are you in pain?” Hillay asks wearily. “This should not hurt.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yep,” I close my eyes. “Just ready to walk again.”
“We will have you moving in no time. I do not see you having any issues regaining regular mobility by tomorrow latest. You will still be a little sore, so no running or vigorous exercise right away. But give it a few days and you should be fine.”
They get to work and I close my eyes, tuning everything out. There’s a little more pinching and some uncomfortable pressure down by my calf, but I’m too focused on reviewing everything that’s happened since the toxin was released—rescuing the chancellor and battling the Gorgen which put me in this state. And now, we’re heading to Nerwolix. How has so much happened already?
Suddenly, Granny Ruth sneaks into my thoughts, her warm smile lighting me up. What would she say?
Proud of you, kiddo. Keep it up.
My eyes involuntarily moisten. I focus on her face, on her knowing smile and fight the urge to cry over what happened. Over losing her. Over knowing I’ll never see her again, not until I’m asleep.
I only see you in my dreams. Why?
But she stares back at me, in the inside of my lids, watching me.
“There we go, Fallon,” Hillay says and my eyes shoot open. “All done. Everything looks good and we have bottled the rest of the toxin here.”
“Bottled?”
Hillay produces a small vial of black goo. “It is a nasty substance. Glad it is all out of you.”
“Me too.”
“We have also checked your arm—it seems to be healing up nicely. You should rest now—give yourself and your leg time to recover and if you are up for it, try moving around a little later.”
“Do I need assistance?”
“It would help.”
“Thanks.”
“No more going after the Gorgen,” she scolds teasingly.
“Oh believe me, I’m done with that.”
“Good,” Hillay smiles, motioning the others to the door. “Well, good luck to you, Fallon. And thank you for all you and yours have done. The straight Dilly has helped tremendously.”
“Good.”
Hillay turns to leave but pauses. “I hear there may be a trip planned to Nerwolix—to the Zingfinold tribe.”
“Looks like it.”
She takes a hesitant step closer. “It is not my place to say, but if you accompany, please… take caution. The Zingfinold tribe is not to be trifled with. They are a lethal lot… and to be caught stealing…”
“The Fychu cannot allow Mybyncians to simply die,” I shake my head. “He’ll do everything he can to avoid defeat.”
“Well… if you do end up going, just remember this: As hostile as they are, they are a traditional and very well-mannered people. They may seem barbaric to you and I, but it is just their way. If you see them as a culture and not a threat, it might be the very thing to save your life.”
“Okay,” I smile. “Thanks.”
“Take care,” Hillay backs for the door. “If you have any issues with your leg, please have me sought out. I will come as quickly as I can.”
“Thanks again.”
They’re gone and for the first time in a long while, I’m alone. I almost forget what solitude feels like, or how the calming sound of silence rushes over me. It’s strange. I’m not sure what to do, so I examine my leg a little. It does feel better. I’m able to move it slightly, but not quite bend at that knee. It still aches a little so hopefully, it’ll be good to go by tonight or maybe tomorrow. No more depending on Reid to carry me around. Not that he hasn’t been great. But I need to be able to stand on my own, to take care of myself.
I lay on the bed, drifting in and out for awhile until the coral door slides back.
“Reid?” I sit up.
“No…” Pratt laughs. “Just me. You awake?”
“Yeah, come in.”
Closing the door behind her, Pratt makes her way to the bed. “How’re you feeling?”
“Well I can move it,” I gesture to my leg.
“Have you tried standing?”
“Not yet,” I eye her, holding out my arm. “Would you mind?”
“Hell no! Come on,” she bends as I drape one arm around her shoulder and pull myself up.
I stumble at first, but finally find my balance as we make slow but persistent strides around the room. It’s not so bad. I’m mostly on my good leg, but the right isn’t screaming in pain either. It’s as if it’s still asleep, or in the process of waking up from a long, coma-induced nap. I’ll need to keep practicing if I’m to be on my own here soon.
“Thanks,” I try putting a little pressure on my leg. It’s really not too bad. By tomorrow, I might not need any assistance at all. After a few laps around the room, I nod towards the bed again, “Maybe a quick break?”
“Of course,” she leads me back and after I clumsily fall on it, she inhales with a hiss. “Sorry!”
“I’ll live. So… what’d I miss?”
Pratt’s face falls. “Um… not too much. Queen Ravan and Sampson have been going back and forth about Nerwolix.”
“Thought she said she’d leave it to Sampson’s judgment?”
“Yeah... then she followed him around, expressing her opinions again.”
“Jeez…” I rub down my leg.
“She’s really adamant about not going. Finding some other way for the toxin to be treated, blah, blah, blah.”
“Yeah?”
“Sampson got really upset. I’ve never seen him like that. He said they’d try the only other thing besides a trip to Nerwolix, but he doesn’t think it’ll do any good.”
“What?”
Pratt sighs, “Sampson, Clarence and Qippert are going to Harrizel later.”
Chapter Eighteen: Complications
“Oh…” I process the information, remembering the option of the plant known to treat all ailments and injuries. “For the Tregmint?”
Pratt nods. “Sampson kept saying it’d be useless because there would be Vermix everywhere. They’d have a better chance getting caught then finding it.”
“And what’d the queen say to that?”
“Just that it was his home once and he’d probably fare better with a familiar environment.”
“Wow... she really doesn’t want us going to Nerwolix,” I gently tug on the petals of Reid’s Callix around my waist. I bite my lip. “So what’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
“It’s afternoon.”
“Already?”
Pratt laughs. “Yeah… your exam ended a while ago, around mid-morning. They gave you something to knock you out. We’ve been coming to visit you but you’ve been asleep.”
“Oh.”
“And,” Pratt grins, “there is no plan. Just getting you to walk again. Oh, and trying to avoid Sampson and the queen. They both need to calm down.”
“What about Ariana?”
“S
he’s really hoping they find the Tregmint.”
“What about the others? What’re they doing?”
“They’re back in their room. Since everyone is feeling better, Chancellor Keller has everyone back to separate quarters.”
“So they’re all relaxing?”
“Except Reid and Tucker. They’ve been helping Sampson and Clarence.”
“With what?”
“You’re up!” Mae exclaims, standing in the doorway. “You’ve been out all day—how’re you feeling?”
“Fine. Ready for another lap around the room,” I look to Pratt. “That cool?”
“Absolutely!”
Mae rushes over and with their help, I’m able to hobble around the room twice before I need to sit again.
“Fallon,” Mae smiles, setting me on the bed, “this is great!”
“Well, it’s a start.”
“I’ll let Clarence know,” she heads for the door. “He wanted me to come check on you. We’re having an early dinner because of their trip to Harrizel later. I’ll let him know you’re awake and…” she laughs, “…halfway mobile. I’ll be right back.”
Mae jets out the next second, leaving Pratt and I alone. I lay back and she begins to pace the room. It’s not more than a few minutes before Mae returns with Clarence.
“You up and moving, kid?”
“Somewhat,” I sit up.
“Glad to hear it. Come on,” he slides his arms under my knees and back, hoisting me up. “The rest are gathered in the Dining Hall.”
“She could probably make it,” Pratt follows.
“Yeah—but it’ll take a day. You’ll be walking by tomorrow,” Clarence grins down to me. “Enjoy the free transportation while you can.”
Clarence carries me into the Dining Hall where Sampson, Qippert and the Rogues are already sitting around the table, deep in conversation. The attendants move about, filling cups and replenishing bowls of Jiji but Mallup remains stationary, having wedged herself by Reid’s side.
Tossing locks of rose-colored hair behind her exposed shoulder, she presses her arms together while holding a rust jug. Reid is leaning back, shaking his head. But Mallup bites her lip with a flirty pout, still smiling down at him. She says something else and he shrugs. Giggling at this too, she leans forward, lowering the jug for him to smell.
“Just try it,” she says. “You may like it.”
“I told you it’s not for me,” he shakes his head. “But thanks.”
“Fallon,” Sampson smiles. “You’re awake.”
Reid’s eyes fly to mine, lighting up. Mallup follows his stare, glaring as Clarence sets me down in a chair across from him. With a terse scowl, she retreats, heading back to join the other attendants lined against the wall. She looks from Reid to me and trying not to smile at her disappointment, I focus on Sampson again.
“Pratt and Mae helped me with a few walks around the room.”
“It’ll take at least a full day before you can walk alone.”
“That’s what Hillay said.”
“And the Healers didn’t find anything else in your scans?”
“I guess not…”I think of the vial of black goo Hillay held up. “I saw the toxin.”
“Cool!” Pratt cries next to me. “What’d it look like?”
“Like tar.”
“Not so cool…” she mumbles.
“Will the queen and princesses be joining us?” Mae asks.
“No,” Clarence shakes his head, “not today. They have matters to attend to with the chancellor. Although,” he briefly glances at Tucker, “I do believe Princess Ariana may attempt a visit here shortly. No certainties on that, though.”
“And she’s still feeling better?” I ask. “The straight Dilly is keeping the infected strong?”
“I’d suspect they have another few days,” Sampson scratches his chin, “possibly a week, before they start to recede again.”
“When do you plan on going to Harrizel?” I ask. “Right after we eat?”
Clarence nods, “Better get it out of the way.”
“But you don’t expect it’ll be successful?”
“We’re doing it mostly to appease her majesty,” he rolls his eyes. “Otherwise the trip would be to Nerwolix.”
“And when’s that scheduled?” Tucker asks.
“Tomorrow,” Sampson says. “We’re hoping for late afternoon, early evening.”
“Strategy?” I ask.
“They’re a proud and unfriendly culture. We won’t get anywhere with discussions…” Clarence shifts in his seat, strumming his fingers on the table.
“We’re stealing it?” Mae gasps.
“We’re borrowing what they don’t realize they’ve lost…” he clears his throat, “…so to speak.”
“Please excuse my tardiness,” Princess Ariana enters the Dining Hall. “Have I missed anything of importance?”
She’s draped in a bright lavender gown that matches her hair. White and pink pearls decorate her up-do and down the center of her dress is a shell-infused bodice.
“Fallon’s somewhat mobile,” Pratt pulls her bowl of Jiji closer, “and they’re heading to Harrizel after dinner.”
“That is wonderful!” Ariana turns to me with a gaping smile. “Are you feeling much better?”
“My leg is a little sore, but I can almost walk on it.”
“Almost,” Clarence stresses. “Don’t push yourself.”
“The Healers do wonders,” Ariana sits and the attendants immediately set bowls of Jiji and Wormin in front of her. She reaches for some of the Wormin with her fingers, “And your scans went well?”
“As far as I know.”
“Excellent,” she beams, glancing around the table, “everyone, please continue eating.”
We all move quietly, reaching for our bowls of Jiji. A few moments of silence pass before Ariana speaks again. “Reid…Tucker—I heard you have had a busy day today.”
“Yes,” the Rogue Leader answers, quickly finishing his bite.
“The attendants report you assisted the Fychu on the surface with preparations for today’s trip to Harrizel?”
“Weapons cleaning,” Reid says. “That was mostly it.”
“And you have both helped the chancellor keep order while food was distributed… is that correct?”
“We also helped,” Jace chimes in with a low mumble. “Anyone mention that?”
“Flirting is not helping,” Reid smirks.
Ariana chuckles. “Yes, I have heard many things about you, Jace. You are very popular among the mayans.”
“Oh yeah?” he perks up, a devilish grin crossing his lips. “Which ones?”
“What about me?” Werzo asks.
“Um…” the princess blushes.
“She’s not here for gossip,” Reid says. “And yes, all the Rogues helped distribute the food. Everyone gets credit.”
“Well,” she beams again, reaching for some more Jiji, “I have only heard amazing things about all of you.”
“We’re lucky to have them,” Sampson agrees.
“I do wish my mother and sisters would have been able to make this meal, but there are still several issues that needed their attention. Fychu,” Ariana sighs, “please tell me if there is anything we can do to better assist you in your travels to Harrizel.”
“For right now, I think we have everything we need.”
“And you are traveling right after this?”
He nods, “There’s no ‘good’ time to go. But if it doesn’t work out, I’d like some time to recoup before we try again tomorrow for Nerwolix.”
Ariana nods.
We get through dinner pretty quickly, and in almost complete silence. Ariana is the first to finish and quickly, everyone else is right behind her.
“Well,” the princess grins, “thank you for having me dine with you. I must be leaving now—I have some matters to attend to with my mother and the chancellor. Fychu, Clarence, Qippert,” she looks between them, “please be careful.
You have done so much for us already. There is really no way we can repay any of this. I…” she gulps, a tinge of sadness crossing her lovely features. “I am truly grateful. Please let me know if you need anything.” She rises and after a slight bow, leaves the Dining Hall.
“Well,” Sampson claps his hands, glancing around at all of us. “I guess it’s about that time.”
“When do you expect to return?” I ask.
“I’d like to get in and out. That, of course, may not be the case. I’m optimistic we’ll return in a couple hours.”
“And if you’re not back by then?”
“Then we’ll return when we’re able. Alright,” he smiles to Clarence and Qippert, “Ready?”
“Yes, Fychu,” Qippert nods and rises to a stand. Clarence is quick to follow and then Sampson gets to his feet as well, all three peering around the table for a long minute.
“Behave yourselves,” Sampson looks to each of us. “We’ll return shortly. Please continue to reassure the queen for tomorrow. I’m depending on all of you.”
“Good luck,” Pratt smiles.
“Thank you,” Clarence heads for the door with Qippert and Sampson on his tail. “We’ll see you in a bit.”
“So…” Jace strums his fingers once they’re gone. “What now?”
“Would anyone like more Hunnis?” Mallup walks around the table, already filling bowls. She pauses next to Reid but looks at me with a vindictive smile. “I am sorry, but you cannot have any. It will counter the treatment.”
“Did you hear me say I wanted any?”
A sudden, palpable intensity fills the air.
“I just wanted you to know you could not,” Mallup sneers, leaning closely to Reid as she fills his cup. She rubs up and down his arm, biting her lip in the same suggestive pout, “let me know if there is anything else you would like from me.”
Blood boils through my body at the sight of her touching him. Again. I’ve given her enough chances and excuses but she obviously isn’t getting it. Reid tried to make it clear for her, but I guess it’s up to me now.
“I’m not sure,” I burn her with a heated glare, “but I believe you’ve been educated when it comes to him. So, what I can’t decide, is if you’re deliberately disrespectful or just plain stupid.”
Plague of Mybyncia Page 26
