“Sisters, we have a priority to take care of,” the sister announces, pushing her way to the entrance.
“Where would you like her?” Valedent asks.
“We’ll take her from here,” the sister says. Four women come over with a long board, as Valedent places Erryn on it.
“How will you know it’s working?” Drotonic asks.
“When she wakes up, of course. Now, excuse us,” she says, pushing them out of the temple.
An hour goes by. Drotonic paces the street, and Valedent bounces his leg while lounging against the wall. Then the door finally opens.
“Well, did it work?” Drotonic asks as they make their way into the temple. Erryn lies in the water in white cloths, holding her arms and torso up as her head rests on a pillow.
“Her breathing has improved, but her body seems to remain in a comatose state. Though, her complexion is slowly returning. We won’t know anything for sure till she awakens.” The sister frowns.
“Thank you,” Valedent says and he starts to leave.
Drotonic moves her hair from her face and brushes her cheek.
“I swear, when you awaken, I won’t let you fight alone ever again. I vow to protect you better,” Drotonic whispers. He thanks the sisters for their aid and chases down Valedent.
“Why aren’t you with your precious summoner?” Valedent asks, contempt in his voice.
“Look, I don’t trust a thing about you, but for what you did for her, thank you.” Drotonic holds out his hand. Valedent pauses and then shakes Drotonic’s hand with a nod.
“I have to go debrief my connections on Pinya’s current situation,” Valedent says.
Connections? With whom or what could he be in touch? Drotonic wonders as he remembers Erryn claiming Valedent had ways to find her sister.
“Hey, if you ever manage to find her sister, make sure you tell her, for Erryn. At least, in the worst case, she can know Erryn fought trying to get to her,” Drotonic says and heads back to Erryn.
“Will do, Drotonic. Will do,” Valedent sighs.
Garden Spring : Valedent
43
It’d been three days, and Erryn was yet to awaken. Valedent was in Roland’s basement turning on the machine per his new orders.
“Morning, Jet,” Valedent says.
“I suppose it still is. Status report,” Jet says in a depressing, cold tone as bags darken under her eyes.
“Pinya has received all recently sent resources for rebuilding the town. There have been no signs of Vladimir since the attack,” Valedent says.
“And?” Jet asks. She bites the corner of her lip and has her arms crossed.
“You should really get some rest,” Valedent suggests.
“You have only yourself to blame for that. It was your job to make sure she was safe, but now she clings to life by a thread. She balances between this world and the next, rooted there by lying in a pool. You’ll remain forbidden from leaving Pinya until she awakens. If I learn you sneak away before then, I’ll personally hunt you down,” Jet yells, closing the connection.
You think you’re the only one hurt by this? Be thankful you don’t have to witness it firsthand, you selfish bitch. Valedent grips his crane tight, turning his knuckles white and goes up the stairs.
Valedent leaves the basement and stops in the doorway to the room where Jax took his last breath as Wark tries to get the stains out of the floor.
“Hey man, you alright? You look pissed,” he asks.
Valedent only shakes his head and turns to leave the house into the streets. The fight had seemed to change the mindset of the higher-class individuals of downtown as he witnesses them helping others in the community.
Valedent passes the temple, trying not to replay carrying Erryn to the temple as he works his way to the harbor. As sunlight skims across the water from the early morning sun, shipments are being off loaded. Some of the dockmasters are still busy salvaging the ships that were still afloat, which they have managed to move to one of the docking areas, netting it off. Other teams were diving the wrecks.
“Hey, Valedent. How’s it going?” Mirk walks over with a board clamped with papers.
“It’s going, I suppose. How are the resources? Are they enough?” Valedent asks.
“It’s all good. If Jet hadn’t insisted on sending them over, I don’t think we would be this far in restoring buildings and the wall,” he says.
“Hey, don’t forget. It’s Gears now. So, hush on that name, alright,” Valedent reminds him. I should probably make a point to tell Connie and Denay, he thinks.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t know if I should ask, but have you talked to her already?” Mirk inquires.
“Don’t get me started on that,” Valedent sighs and leaves, not wanting to even start that conversation. Then a thought crosses his mind as he looks across the way to an alleyway to the old temple. I wonder if there have been changes in her state.
Longing for something to have changed, he walks through an archway to the alley that once was decorated with soft illuminating urns leading to the entrance. The circular double which had been hanging on its hinges a few days ago had been restored, but he was still careful as he stepped inside.
A makeshift canvas roof has been erected over the ruined structure. Most of the rubble has been cleared, and work’s taking place on the walls. The remains of a hall branching to the left is geared to rehabilitate people’s physical functionality, while new rooms above are being built to help others of a sickened nature. The right hall heals those of a broken mind and spirit with a tranquil gift by divine intervention. A big soothing water fountain lays in the center with a statue of Froztia, with ice flowers under the water.
“Yes sir, welcome to the Garden Spring. How may I be of service to you?” A young girl in a sister’s uniform addresses him from a desk placed to the right of the door.
“I’m fine. I already know my way,” Valedent waves at her and passes the fountain where two sets of stairs under construction once led to the residential area. He walks under them heading into a candlelit hall that splits into warm steamy rooms with one being sanctioned off.
“Sir, please. I can’t allow you to go any further,” the girl chases after him, stepping in his way and trying not to drop her papers.
“Look, I don’t need permission to be here.” Valedent rubs his brow.
“Well, if that’s so, what’s your name?” she asks, rummaging through her pile.
He rolls his eyes and sighs. “Valedent.”
She runs her finger down the paper and her eyes bulge. A serious demeanor changes her. “You’re not allowed in this establishment. Get out.”
“Excuse me? Let me see that. Who gave the order?” He snatches her papers.
“Hey, those are mine. Plus, it was noted by the great divine sage. Oh, such a dreamy and devoted man.” She rubs her face as she blushes.
“That sneaky little… Where is he?” Valedent looks around as the girl starts pushing him out. She manages to push him to the fountain where the sister who barged into the temple when Erryn was dying stops her.
“What’re you doing?” she asks the young girl.
“Mother Sansavvi, I’m escorting this disturbance out as the divine sage has deemed it so. He said he would break his concentration in helping the summoner heal,” the girl explains.
“That guy doesn’t have an ounce of healing magic in him. Only the bishop has such capabilities, unless you’re saying he surpasses him,” Valedent says and hands over the paper to Sansavvi.
She looks over it and chuckles as she looks to him, “I’m sorry about this. Please excuse us. You know where to find them.”
Sansavvi walks the girl away. Valedent hears the girl arguing to do as Drotonic’s note asks. He returns into the hall and makes his way to the end of it, where the biggest room accommodates Erryn. He moves the curtain and looks in. Erryn remains strapped in a pool of water and asleep. Beside her is none other than Drotonic who is fighting
to stay awake.
You must push through, Erryn. There are a lot of people selfishly counting on you, Valedent sighs. He stops a tear from falling onto his cheek as his memories of their first meeting cause a sweltering of feelings, which he battles against himself. He tries to convince himself that his questionable thoughts of interest are only for Jet’s sake.
Redirecting his thoughts, he enters as Drotonic whips his head around. “What’re you doing here?”
“Just coming to check on my favorite sage,” Valedent’s smile doesn’t cover the sarcasm in his voice. Drotonic’s face is in a similar state as Jet’s. Both of you are idiots, Valedent thinks.
“Nothing has changed.” Drotonic slouches.
“Come on. Let’s get a bite to eat. I’m pretty sure she would be pissed finding out you haven’t eaten or slept in the meantime,” Valedent offers as Drotonic glares at him. Valedent can sense Drotonic’s reluctance, but Drotonic agrees. And so, allows Valedent to lead him outside. The sunlight brightens the surroundings throughout Pinya, causing Drotonic to cover his eyes.
“It’s definitely been a while since I’ve been out and about,” Drotonic admits.
“I bet. Let me introduce you to a neat spot a dear friend of mine would drag me to,” Valedent suggests remembering Jax.
“Nah. I don’t want to be too far from the Garden Spring,” Drotonic says.
“Dude, it’s right across the way. Hell, you look like a walking ghost,” Valedent says. Valedent takes Drotonic to an open shack where the fresh catch of the day is grilled right on the spot, replenishing nutrients and stamina.
“I’ll admit it was needed. Thanks, but I’ll be getting back,” Drotonic says.
Valedent grabs onto his arm to stop him. “She’s not going anywhere. Just relax. When she wakes, she’ll wake.”
Drotonic glares at him and Valedent can read hate in his eyes.
“Yes, she will, and I’ll be the first thing she’ll see. Someone that’s always trustworthy, acting in her best interests. Face it. This selfless, sacred journey we’re on is neither your style, nor does it have anything to do with you. I forbid your destructive and fleeting ways to bring on a chaotic storm of disruption.” Drotonic rips his arm from Valedent’s grip and marches back to Erryn.
If you think her life only matters to you and everyone else’s feelings mean less, you’ve another thing coming, Valedent thinks as he pushes the rest of his meal aside and heads back to her room.
As Valedent reaches the beginning of the archway, he witnesses Drotonic entering the building. Valedent sprints down the alleyway to catch up as Drotonic gives him a look of defiance. Drotonic walks faster towards the hall as Valedent storms through to catch him.
The girl tries to gain Valedent’s attention, but he storms onward, turning down the hall. He reaches Drotonic before Drotonic gets to Erryn’s room and pins him against the wall, “Stop being so selfish. You’re not the only one praying for her to wake up. And if you wanted to be her savior and sage so bad, then stop with your self-pity. Pointing the finger with jealousy is weak and cowardly. At least I reacted, saving her life when you froze with your thoughts.”
Drotonic tries to move his arms from the wall but Valedent continues holding them firm, looking at him dead on. Then, as if fueled by his words, Drotonic bashes Valedent with his forehead using all his might. Valedent steps back as the unexpected force causes him to stagger.
“I’ll be selfish if it means saving her life. I should know what’ll help her. I’m much closer to her as I’ve known her longer than just the two weeks you have. I’ll make sure she knows it was the gods that saved her, not you. The last thing she needs to experience is a broken heart from an uncommitted fool as your reputation prides on,” Drotonic says as they stand in silence. Valedent ponders, What are you to her?
A small soft voice breaks the hostile silence, “When do you think she’ll wake?”
“Who’s in there? No one is allowed,” Drotonic steps to the door, and Valedent reaches for his shoulder to stop him.
“I don’t know, sweetheart,” a young woman says. Valedent recognizes Liza’s voice as a gentle breeze comes across the room, and Erryn’s feet move, rippling the water.
A long-waited voice says, “Kiley? Why’re you here?”
“Angel, you’re awake.” Kiley lunges at her, hugging her head.
Valedent can’t help but smile as his heart warms and a weight lifts off him. Looks like she won’t be killing me after all, he thinks.
“But I was supposed to be the first she saw,” Drotonic complains.
“Can’t you just be happy she’s awake? You can continue your precious journey now,” Valedent says. Drotonic nods, brushing off Valedent’s hand and steps into the room.
Erryn stretches as she looks at the straps holding her up and the water pool in which she was sleeping.
“Are you truly awake?” Drotonic asks.
“Hm, I think I know that voice. Drotonic, is that you?” Erryn calls out as Drotonic begins to tear.
“Oh, hey. It’s your friend that wears a dress like my dad does.” Kiley says.
“It’s a robe, not a dress,” Drotonic pouts.
“That’s Drotonic alright,” Erryn laughs.
“He’ll be wearing one if he takes one more step closer,” warns Mother Sansavvi, stepping from the shadows of the room.
Drotonic pauses in his stride and Valedent suggests, “I’d listen to the lady. This is her establishment, after all.”
“There you are. I was wondering when you would show up,” Liza says.
“Well, she’s his lady friend, duh,” Kiley rolls her eyes.
“Lady friend? What do you mean?” Erryn asks, a look of confusion on her face.
“Alright, everyone out. I can’t do my job with all of you here. Now out,” the Mother orders.
“You heard the lady. Come on, Kiley. You can help spread the word,” Valedent says, and Kiley waves bye before running to take his hand.
Liza follows while Drotonic stands stiffly, but she turns to him, gaining his attention. “She’s not going anywhere. Come on.”
Liza pulls Drotonic out of the room, and they exit the Garden Spring into the main road.
“I’m going to go spread the word now,” Kiley says, and Valedent nods with a smile. She takes off as Liza hurries after her before she could lose sight of her.
“Alright, thick-headed one. I think you’re in need of a lesson,” Valedent turns, crossing his arms.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. It’s just…with all this stress and trying to remain awake to watch over her, I had to make sure she was safe. I wanted to be there when she woke up, but my deprivation of sleep caused me to react drastically. I did things I would never think of doing. Who knows what would come to pass of our futures with Vladimir remaining at large? The gods and magic would become lost to us forever,” Drotonic waves, frantically apologizing.
“You’re only partially sorry. That was pure anger that went into your headbutt. Plus, you’re not the only idiot I’ve had to deal with today because of this turn about,” Valedent says.
“There’re others who haven’t slept due to her selfless sacrifice?” A look of realization crosses Drotonic face.
“Yes, dumbass. What does one such as yourself know about relaxing?” Valedent asks.
“Um, reading books, solitude, and rest,” Drotonic says.
“Oh, boy. Let’s go. I shall show you the ways of a celebratory relaxation. To the temple,” Valedent says, putting his arm across Drotonic’s shoulders and escorts him. They march into the temple as the bookkeep goes to say hello, but Valedent doesn’t even pay attention and descends the stairs.
The tavern is bustling with people gathering as it is just during the end of the lunch rush. Valedent pushes people at the bar out of the way, finding stools on which they can sit.
“This can’t be good.” Kulman throws the bar towel over his shoulder, eyeing the pair of them. “You two sitting side by side with a smile o
n your face, Valedent?” He leans in with a wary expression. “Why do I feel like my bar is about to feel the repercussions?”
“This young man hasn’t yet learned the ways of celebratory relaxation,” Valedent says.
“Your funeral. What’s the occasion?” Kulman asks, asks and Valedent looks to Drotonic.
“She’s awake.” Drotonic’s eyes light up and a grin splits his face.
“She who…?” Kulman asks, and a towel smacks him in the back of the head.
“Are you serious right now?” Marie scolds him, and he smacks his forehead.
“Thank the gods she survived. We must celebrate with such an occasion.” Kulman says.
“Alright, everyone! Listen up! You have about an hour to finish your meals in peace before this place gets rocking. If you want to part take in this celebration, know that this is in the spirit of a summoner’s awakening,” Marie warns the crowd and they all cheer.
A few people leave, but most start buying drinks.
“I’ve a feeling we’re about to get very busy. Marie, you might want to go find Wark and spread the word before we fill up,” Kulman suggests as she nods, taking off through the back door.
An hour goes by and, as predicted by Marie, a massive crowd of people filled the tavern. A small group of musicians set the mood and the beer flowed freely. Someone challenged Drotonic and Valedent to a card game of wits with teams of two. Drotonic is filled with liquid courage, and Valedent accepted.
The game grows more intense toward the end, for it could be anyone’s. A woman cheers from behind them, “Get me two drinks for these winners right here.”
Valedent becomes empowered by the woman’s words. “Alright, watch this.” He throws down a couple cards and turns over the last one, winning the game as the crowd roars from the intensity. Valedent and Drotonic shake hands for a worthy game as they turn receiving drinks.
Valedent takes a big swig as he hears a female voice say, “Oh, come on, Valedent. We all know you had that game up your sleeve. You were just being nice.”
A Summoner's Calling Page 36
