Healing Hands

by Kris Norris

Roland eased back, sweeping his gaze down Keegan’s tattered body. “What in all the Heavens happened to you? We expected you home days ago. Father even sent Captain Cutler out, but the man returned last night claiming you’d simply vanished.”

  “I’m afraid my adventure story will have to wait,” he sighed, swaying to his feet. He leant into the shoulder his brother gave him. “Help me home. I’ve got to save her.”

  Roland opened his mouth, but only muttered a curse as Keegan draped his arm across the man’s shoulder and urged them forward.

  * * * *

  “Your Majesty, come quick.”

  King Callun rose from his throne as two men stumbled into the room, heads hidden beneath hoods, their heavy pants ringing through the air. They collapsed on the floor, the smaller of the two removing his hood. Callun charged them, grabbing his youngest son by the arm. “Roland. What’s the meaning of this?”

  Roland sat back on his heels, pointing at the man huddled beside him. “I found him wandering on the trail behind the palace. He’s been attacked and wouldn’t stop mumbling something about having to save some woman.”

  Callun knelt at the man’s side, brushing the hood away. “Keegan?”

  Keegan lifted his head, a weak smile gracing his lips before he fell forward into his father’s lap. “Mira!”

  Callun shook his head, not sure he’d heard his son right. “By the Gods, it is you.” He wrapped his arms around Keegan’s shoulders. “Who’s Mira?”

  “I have to save her…Vestna…her warriors are on the move.” He reached forward, pushing the crumpled map into his father’s hand.

  Callun’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the tattered piece of paper. “Vestna did this to you?” he stormed. “The filthy witch.” He waved at the soldier standing next to Roland. “Get Captain Cutler. At once!”

  “Mira,” whispered Keegan again. “My amulet.”

  Callun watched his son fade into unconsciousness, his hand gripped around Callun’s vest. He reached out and searched Keegan’s chest, wincing at the lacerations crisscrossing the man’s skin. But their family symbol was gone. Callun cursed, motioning to his men. “Take him to his chambers and make sure the doctor takes a look at him. If he wakes, send for me.”

  The men nodded and heaved Keegan up, dragging him from the hall. Callun turned to Roland, his anger dimming his vision. “Who’s this Mira? And why does she have Keegan’s amulet?”

  Roland shook his head. “I don’t know. All he did was say her name over and over.” He nodded in the direction Keegan had gone. “He’s lost a lot of blood. I can’t imagine how he managed to make it all that way on foot. I think he’s delirious.”

  “Delirious or not, Vestna will pay for her treachery.” Callun glanced back across his shoulder at his eldest son. Gareth sat stone straight in a chair by one of the windows, his eyes open, but dull. He sighed, turning back to Roland when another man entered the room.

  “You sent for me, Your Majesty?”

  Callun turned. Captain Cutler stood at his side, his fist crossed on his chest.

  “Gather a troop together. It seems Vestna sent her warriors out on a mission, and I want them intercepted. Use whatever force you deem necessary, but bring me the one called Mira. She’ll have Keegan’s amulet. And Captain, be careful. We’ve all heard the rumours, and like our Kingdom, I’m sure there’s merit behind them.”

  Cutler nodded and turned, but stopped when Roland shouldered up beside him.

  “I’m going.”

  Roland’s voice was strong and Callun could see the determination in his young son’s eyes.

  Callun huffed, skirting one more glance towards the man at the window. “I’ve already lost Gareth to the fickle feelings of a witch. I’ll not lose you too,” he snapped, pacing back to his throne. “Vestna’s warriors are not easy prey, whether they possess magic or not. Until Keegan regains consciousness I think it’d be best if you stayed here, Roland.”

  “And do what? Watch Keegan sleep!” Roland stepped forward. “I’m not a boy, father.” Roland nodded at the man by the window. “Nor am I Gareth. I realise the circumstances surrounding his illness is a constant strain on you, but I won’t make the same mistake. Besides, Keegan has taught me well.”

  “Yet it looks as if Keegan barely escaped with his life.”

  “All the more reason to send his brother to even the score.”

  Callun sighed. Though he’d lost few arguments over the years, he knew when to back down. “Very well. Go with the Captain. But pay heed. Vestna’s warriors aren’t to be trifled with. And I have a nasty feeling Keegan did more than just visit.”

  * * * *

  Mira sat by the fire, watching the flames dance along the wood. They’d travelled for two days without resting for more than a couple of hours at a time, and she knew she wasn’t the only one who was tired and hungry.

  “Here.”

  Tiana tossed some bread at her. Though her sister kept her usual mocking tone cloaked around her, Mira could tell it was more for show than a sincere hatred. Ever since Vestna had forgone the ceremony and sent the group on their quest, the warriors had been restless, as if they expected their magic to suddenly vanish. Tiana had gone so far as to light the way with her flames as if reassuring herself her power was still intact. Now they gathered around the dim light, searching the shadows for some hidden evil.

  “How did you break the spell?”

  Mira turned, startled by Tiana’s voice beside her. “What?”

  “The crystal on your slave’s neck. How did you break it?”

  Mira looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Tiana laughed. “Please, Mira. Save your acting for mother. To be honest, I don’t really care. I’m simply curious why you didn’t just break your crystal years ago.”

  “It doesn’t work that way,” she said, meeting Tiana’s gaze. “I can’t break my crystal any more than I can yours.”

  “Yet your Garinthian servant is gone.”

  “Because he was just that, Garinthian. Besides, spells don’t hold as much weight when they’re cast against the scripts. Mother should have known that.”

  Tiana drew her brows together, glancing at the other warriors. “You mean because she lied about him invading our land you were able to break her spell?”

  Mira shrugged. “Don’t tell me you’re surprised. Did you really think the laws were there just as warnings? I’ve always known they hold more power than mother ever could.”

  Tiana stood up, pulling Mira to her feet. “So by not following the rules for the ceremony…”

  “Vestna has put you and the Kingdom in jeopardy.” Mira sighed. “Ironic how the gift of healing isn’t part of the scripts. So in the end, Vestna’s only hurting herself.”

  Tiana cursed and stomped away from the circle, only to return moments later. “I knew this was a bad idea. And I’ll be damned if I lose my magic because of her hatred for you.”

  “You mean everyone’s hatred.”

  Tiana looked at her, and for the first time since they were children, Mira saw her sister’s eyes soften.

  “I don’t hate you. I…I just don’t understand you.”

  Tiana turned, but not before Mira saw the pain flicker in her expression. Mira gasped and took a step forward.

  “You’re afraid of me, aren’t you?” Mira looked around at the gathering of women huddled in the wavering light. “All of you. You think I’m evil.”

  “We don’t think you’re evil, it’s just…our magic has no affect on you. Yet, with nothing more than a touch, you can wound us.”

  “But I’d never hurt you on purpose. It kills me every time I have to defend myself.”

  “Or your lover?” asked Tiana. “You were willing to do battle for him.”

  Tears gathered in Mira’s eyes as the simple mention of Keegan tore through her heart. “That’s different,” she whispered, turning away, not wanting them to see her love for him. “Keegan’s different.”

  “Keegan!
”

  Mira winced as Tiana spun her around, grabbing her shoulders with both hands. “His name’s Keegan?”

  Mira nodded, not sure how to reply.

  “Dark Hells. Why didn’t you tell us that before?” Tiana motioned to her sisters, nodding as they gathered their supplies.

  “Why?”

  Tiana cursed as she threw a bag over her shoulders. “Do you have any idea who he is?” She muttered under her breath, yelling at the others to hurry up. “Hells, if mother doesn’t get us all killed I’m certain Callun will gladly see to it, himself.”

  “Callun?” She pulled on Tiana’s arm when the women started walking. “What are you talking about? You’re not making any sense.”

  “I’ll explain later. But we need to get out of here before it’s too late. We’ll tell mother we searched and couldn’t find your slave. Then we’ll decide on how to deal with her rantings.”

  Tiana flashed out the fire just as a harsh wail echoed across the canyon. Loud voices battled against the thunder of hooves as the group of riders surged over the far hill, swords gleaming in the pale moonlight, teeth bared in disgust.

  The women rallied, filling the night with their red flames. Mira watched as Tiana lined up her targets, knocking the warriors from their perch, before the woman grabbed her and dragged her towards the forest. A single arrow sliced through the air, cutting a line down Tiana’s arm.

  The woman cried out, tripping on a log as her attention faltered. Mira knelt down beside her sister, feeling her stomach roll at the first drop of blood. She hated the colour of it, dark and deep, like well-aged wine. She reached for Tiana, only to draw her hands back as the woman flinched.

  Mira cursed. What good was her gift if she couldn’t heal her own flesh and blood? Anger filled her and she turned, snatching a short sword from Tiana’s belt before turning to face the approaching men. Tiana muttered something behind her, but Mira ignored it, concentrating on the young man dismounting his horse.

  “Well, what do we have here?” taunted the man. “A warrior without any magic?”

  He circled to her left, but she moved with him, keeping her body between him and her sister.

  Mira shook the weapon at him. “Leave. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “The sword in your hand says differently,” he snarled, brandishing his sword. “Surrender, and I’ll try to remember you’re a woman underneath the witch.”

  Mira shook her head, the small sword already heavy in her hands. Nausea crested her throat, but she pushed it away. Just holding the weapon drained her. She shuddered when the hiss of fire erupted behind her.

  “Leave, boy, and I might let you live.”

  “Fiery words, witch. Can you live up to them?”

  Mira stepped between them when Tiana tried to push past her, brushing Keegan’s amulet aside when it swung out from beneath her dress. “No, Tiana. No more killing.”

  “You!”

  Mira turned at the harsh sound.

  “Come with us, and I’ll allow your sisters to go free.”

  “No one threatens us, boy,” hissed Tiana. “We—”

  “Fine.”

  Tiana whirled on her. “Mira, no. You have no idea who they are.”

  “No more killing, Tiana. I can’t bear it. Please. Just go. We both know I can’t live under Vestna’s rule any longer.” She gave Tiana a shove. “Go!”

  Tiana huffed, but ran off, her skin flickering red in the darkness. Mira turned back to the man and dropped the weapon. He sneered at her and grabbed her arms, binding them together in front of her body.

  “Let’s go, witch.”

  Mira stole one last glance back across her shoulder, before running behind the man as he mounted his horse and started into the night.

  Chapter Six

  Mira stumbled into the room, catching her weight on the wall. The young man grumbled behind her and pushed her forward, chuckling when she tripped on her dress. She fell to the floor, the rough stone scraping her cheek.

  “Get up, witch, and keep your hands where we can see them.”

  Mira glared at him, but did as he asked, pushing herself up and placing her bound hands in front of her. Another man paced the room, his fists tight at his side. He stopped and walked forward, one arm stretched in welcome.

  “Roland. You’ve returned.”

  The young man brushed past her, clasping the man’s hand with one of his. “Of course, my King.”

  The King nodded towards her. “Is this the woman?”

  “Yes. Though she doesn’t seem to possess the same power as the others we encountered.” Roland pulled the man closer. “They cast fire from their hands until their skin glowed red.”

  The King’s eyes widened as he skirted a glare at her. Mira kept her chin high, hoping her fear didn’t show in her eyes.

  “You’re Mira.”

  His tone was curt and she nodded her reply.

  “I’m King Callun.” He waved at her hands. “I’ll have my Captain release your ties, but know this. Use your wicked sorcery on me and it’ll be the last thing you do.”

  Again she nodded, trying not to let her surprise show. Tiana had mentioned the man’s name just before the attack, and Mira couldn’t help but wonder what secrets her sister harboured. She held up her hands as the Captain moved over to her, flinching when his knife scratched her skin, leaving a thin pink line. She pulled her hands back, thumbing the wound, wishing for once, she could make these heathens pay. But even as the thought materialised, her soul ached to heal the men she’d seen injured in the battle.

  Callun shifted on his feet, drawing her attention, as he took a heavy step towards her, pointing at her neck. “You wear the amulet of Garinth. Where did you get it?”

  She fingered the necklace Keegan had given her. It’d been her only source of comfort since he’d left. “It was a gift.” She lowered her eyes. “From a friend.”

  “Are you certain he gave it to you?” demanded Roland, stepping up beside Callun. “Or did you snatch it from his battered body?”

  “Snatch it…battered?” She looked around, fear settling on her shoulders. By the Gods, if anything had happened to Keegan…“I’d never hurt him.” She paused feeling her heart clench at the thought. “I love him.”

  “It certainly took you long enough to tell me.”

  Mira turned, drawn to the voice at the far side of the room. She heard the men gasp as a tall figure emerged from the shadows, his face pulled into a tight smile. He was dressed in silk and leathers, both bearing the mark of the flag hanging behind the throne. His long brown hair hung down past his shoulders, but it was his eyes that held her spellbound.

  “Keegan?” His name came out on a whisper of air, so faint she wasn’t even sure she’d spoken it.

  His smile widened as he limped over to her. “There’s just something about the way you say my name, sweetness,” he mused, brushing her wild hair back from her face. “I hope it was me you were talking about.”

  Mira chocked back a sob and fell into his arms grabbing his shirt with both hands. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

  He smiled against her hair as he stroked his hand down her back. “I promised you it wasn’t over.” He pulled back so she could gaze into his eyes. “I’m only sorry I couldn’t get to you myself. I…”

  His voice faded as he gazed at her hands, tracing the long line with his thumb. Anger flashed in his eyes before he dashed across the room, throwing the Captain back against the wall and barring his throat with his arm. “You malicious bastard, is that how we treat ambassadors from other realms?” He tightened his hold when the man tried to speak. “I swear if I find one bruise on her beautiful body I’ll rip out your gizzards and feed them to you!”

  Cutler’s eyes bulged wide as he flicked a gaze at the King. Callun cleared his throat, but Keegan ignored it.

  “I asked you a question, Captain.”

  “I was just following orders,” Cutler finally spat out, his voice wavering from the strain. “
From the throne.”

  Keegan whirled on his father, allowing the Captain to fall from his grasp. “You ordered her beaten?”

  “She hasn’t been beaten, Keegan,” insisted Callun. “We merely wanted to question her…about your amulet. You didn’t say why she had it.”

  “We?” He looked at Roland. “Dear Gods, don’t tell me you were a part of this, Roland?”

  Roland straightened his shoulders. “It was my duty to even the score.”

  Keegan growled, throwing his hands up, as he stared at the two men. “I distinctly remember telling both of you that I needed to save her,” Keegan snarled. “Not have you drag her across the countryside.” His breath hitched as he turned back towards Cutler. “Dark Hells, you didn’t make her walk the entire way, did you?” He advanced on the man.

  “Keegan!” Mira wrapped her hands around his arm, stepping between him and the Captain. “Please. I’m fine.”

  Keegan glared at the man behind her before cupping her hands between his. “These marks tell a different story, sweetness. I’ll be damned if I allow any man to hurt my lady.”

  “They didn’t hurt me, not really. And how could I expect more from your Kingdom when mine gave you much less.” She smiled as he pulled her close. “Besides, if you hurt the Captain, I’ll have to waste my energy healing him, and you know I’d much rather…” She stopped, feeling the welts beneath his shirt. “What?” She pulled back, tearing the edges apart, not caring when two of the buttons flung across the room. “You’re hurt.” She met his gaze, tracing the oozing cuts with the tips of her fingers. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Just a few scrapes,” he insisted, but didn’t resist when she pressed her hands on his chest. “Mira, honey. I’m okay. You don’t have to do this.”

  “Hush,” she scolded, sighing at the warm feel of his skin beneath her hands. “You know how it kills me to see you like this.” She closed her eyes and let the power flow through her body, targeting each wound in turn until the marks vanished.

  “By all the Heavens,” gasped Roland. “She’s a healer?”

  “Yes,” agreed Keegan, watching the last flickers of blue dance along his skin. “A healer, and my mate.” He reached down and grabbed her hands, sandwiching them between his. “For me, the bond is already complete. But the final choice is yours. Will you have me?”