The father and daughter left the room, and Doc exhaled. Did I do the right thing? I’m just me, not some all-knowing mystic. Lady, did you see this coming when you chose me?
Chapter Thirty-seven
Doc wondered what today would bring to him. The last couple of days had been quiet— he’d resolved two more disputes for some dwarves in his capacity as shaman, and the women were still learning how to ride and care for the horses, though they were excited about it, now.
Doc was wondering where Lia had gone, as he hadn’t seen her over the last two days. Maybe the song was insulting to her?
“Doc, are you okay?” Lia asked from the doorway.
Blinking in surprise, he gave her a relieved smile. “No… I mean, yes. I was just wondering if I’d upset you somehow, was all.”
Lia stared at him for a moment before her lips tugged up at the corners. “No, I’m not upset with you. I had things to do. I’m sorry. It struck me that you wouldn’t know. You’ve only been here a short time, but it feels like so much longer.”
“Okay. I was worried the song had insulted you.”
“No, it was very good. Fitting, in this time and place, and it made Cassia happy. I was visiting my family.”
Doc stopped himself from asking, but his confusion was clear.
“Their graves,” she clarified for him. “This marks the anniversary of the days they passed.”
“My condolences, Lia.”
Lia bobbed her head. “Thank you.”
“What are the customs for that? If it’s okay to ask?”
Lia gave him a soft smile as she entered the room and took a seat. “Traditions vary from tribe to tribe, but my tribe would spend the day at the grave, speaking with them. Sometimes, we’d take herbs to help us find clarity as we did so. It’s a way to seek their wisdom and unburden ourselves at the same time.”
“That reminds me,” Doc said, changing the topic slightly, “does the Moondew help stop nightmares?”
“From killing the people you have, you mean?”
“Yes. I would’ve expected a nightmare or two because of it. I’m not a coldblooded killer, but I expected something to happen.”
“Do you regret having to do what you did?” Lia asked.
“No. It was them or me at the time… well, them or a friend, in Wenn’s case. I’d do it again if I had to.”
“Then there is no reason for nightmares,” Lia shrugged. “Without the drink, you probably would. Many do. Moondew calms and clarifies the emotions that trouble you. You don’t feel guilty, and you shouldn’t, so there is nothing to terrorize your mind.”
“Damn useful drink,” Doc said.
“The nectar of the dryads can be used in a few ways,” Lia said. “The most common is the Moondew. I’m doing my best to refine what you brought me, but I’m not my grandmother, so it might not be as potent as it should be.”
“What else can it be used for?” Doc asked.
Lia’s lips thinned for a moment. “Causing forgetfulness. Depending on how strong you make it, you can wipe someone’s mind completely. That was a shaman secret and is now lost, unless one of the last few wrote it down, which would be abhorrent.”
“Yeah, I can see why.”
“The last one was a poison,” Lia said. “Potent in its effectiveness. It deadens the nerves wherever it touches. If taken into the lungs, it’ll stop someone from breathing. That was also a shaman secret, but I know some tribes had stockpiled it during our conflicts with the government.”
“Anesthetic,” Doc murmured.
“What’s that?”
“A type of medicine in my old world that did the same thing. It was commonly used during surgery to stop a patient from feeling pain during an operation.”
“So one wouldn’t feel their leg being removed? Yes, I can see where that would be useful, but the nerves do come back to life. Wouldn’t that just delay that pain?”
“Not that I know of. I wasn’t a doctor, so I don’t have all the answers. Sorry.”
“No call for apologies,” Lia said. “Have you needed anything from me over the last few days?”
“Nothing specific, but I was wondering— would you recommend that the women learn how to handle firearms?”
Lia gave Doc a flat look, then shook her head. “Again, I have to remind myself that you don’t know any better.”
“Know what?” Doc asked.
“I’ve told you my old name.”
“Death Flower,” Doc replied, saying the word in Elvish.
“I’ve taken more lives than you have lived years. I think that anyone who might see danger should train to protect themselves and those they love. I’ll train them.”
“Okay. Once they finish learning horses, I’d like it if they could at least get a basic knowledge of how to handle the pistol and rifle I have in my room.”
“I can take them out for a small trip to test their riding abilities and train them in firearms while we’re out. Three or four days should do the trick. It would also let me greet an old friend.”
Doc smiled. “I’m sure Rosa would enjoy seeing you.”
“I hope so,” Lia replied. “Zava should be done with them in another few days. I’ll take them out, then. You’ll have to hold down the Lily while I’m away.”
“We didn’t have any trouble with you gone the last few days,” Doc said.
“But I was only at the cliffs, then,” Lia said. “I could’ve been back in a few hours if I was really needed.”
“Ah, I see. It’ll be fine,” Doc said.
“I do hope so,” Lia said, rising to her feet. “I need to prepare for the tournament. Are you going to join this one?”
“The hundred dollar buy-in? I’ll pass. The money isn’t what I need and it makes it better for the others. I need to go see Blackbeard, as it is.”
“Getting a new gun?” Lia asked.
“Got a new gun,” Doc said, tapping the grip of the pistol on his hip. “I have him engraving my derringer.”
Lia looked at the pistol with a sharp eye. “Stun?”
“Yeah. Even a graze can knock them out for a moment, which is enough for me.”
“Fitting for you,” Lia nodded.
“Thanks,” Doc said as they walked toward the door. Opening it, he motioned her to leave. “Ladies first.”
“Gallant, as always,” Lia smiled as she exited.
Doc watched her go and appreciated her outfit. She’d stuck with pants and shirt the last few times he’d seen her, and her pants did a great job, in his mind. Looking up, he found her knowing eyes watching him and he chuckled, giving her a small shrug.
Lia just shook her head as she went to her room.
~*~*~
Doc buttoned his jacket when he stepped outside— the wind was blowing and while it didn’t have the same bite as before, it was still chilly. Making his way to Blackbeard’s, Doc looked at the gray-clouded sky. Going to rain, smells like.
“Morning, Blackbeard,” Doc greeted the gunsmith. “How’re you?”
“Doc? I’m well. I have your gun ready for you. Give me a moment.” Blackbeard went into the back for less than a minute, then came back carrying Doc’s derringer. “Here we are.”
Taking the gun, Doc was glad it was open, as checking to make sure it was empty was easier. The first engraving that Blackbeard had added wove around the entire grip. A second one was entwined down the barrels. “What did you manage on it?”
“When gripped, the gun will briefly be invisible. It’ll only be a few seconds at most, but that should be enough for you to draw and look innocuous enough to get a good shot. That engraving is really only good for holdout guns, and that is the most well-known holdout.”
“True,” Doc nodded. “What about the second?”
“That’s the thing...” Blackbeard said slowly. “It shouldn’t be there. Guns can only hold a single engraving. When I finished the one for the grip, I... felt like I could add the second one. I was shocked when it worked. God gifts... th
ey must break normal conventions.”
“Maybe. What does it do?” Doc prompted him gently.
“Oh, sorry. Same as your pistol— stun. Thought you’d prefer it.”
“I do. Thank you,” Doc said as he loaded the derringer and slipped it into his vest pocket.
“Don’t thank me,” Blackbeard said. “It was an honor to work on. I could almost feel a presence watching me while I worked. I said a prayer to Luck when I finished.”
“Thank you for that, then,” Doc said. “The more people who believe, the better.”
“As you say, Shaman,” Blackbeard nodded. “Been hearing of your help for the clan. That first decision caused some concern among the older members of the clan, but the others helped settle them down.”
“Too progressive?” Doc asked.
“A bit unusual,” Blackbeard hedged. “Word of you healing Creager is also going around. He’s a salty one— refuses to give you any kindness, but his wife is singing your praises.”
“I’m glad she’s happy, at least,” Doc said. “I don’t understand him. He’d be dead if I hadn’t helped.”
Blackbeard shrugged. “Some are steeped in old ways. Comes with not going out much. I had to travel to learn my trade, and it helped me see things from a wider perspective.”
“I wish more did,” Doc said. “I’m glad things are going well for the clan.”
“Me, too. Your next load of ore should be coming in today, shouldn’t it?”
“In theory,” Doc said. “We’ll have to see what the day brings. I just hope they didn’t break an axle this time.”
“That’d be bad luck,” Blackbeard laughed. “Your goddess should keep that away from you.”
“She can’t protect me all the time, and I’m also not there,” Doc replied. “She’s not all powerful, just very powerful.”
“Fair enough,” Blackbeard conceded. “Wouldn’t want a god that put me in a bubble, either. Hard to grow if you don’t have hardships.”
“True,” Doc grinned. “Have a good day. I’m going to get back before it starts to rain.”
“Smart. Good day, Doc.”
Chapter Thirty-eight
Doc was back at the Lily when he heard the gunshots. Sprinting for the door, Doc’s mind spun with all the possibilities of who could’ve been shot.
“Someone get Whittaker!” a growling voice shouted. “And the undertaker!”
When Doc burst into the room, both deputies turned on him, guns already drawn. Doc held up his hands. “What happened?”
“Cheater was called out and took exception,” Fido said. “He drew and shot at the accuser, who tried to do the same. Cheater hit his mark clean, but the accuser fired twice, getting the cheater and… well, Joey wasn’t lucky.”
Doc suddenly understood why he said that when Fido moved back to show who he’d been helping. Joey was holding his gut, a rag held in place, but blood was leaking out around it. He was pale, his face contorted in pain as he breathed quickly and shallowly.
“Move!” Doc said firmly as he went to a knee beside Fido, who shifted away for him. “Joey?”
“Doc… it hurts…” Joey wheezed.
“Yeah, I’m sure it does,” Doc said softly. “Lady Luck, help my friend.” Ignoring the shocked gasps and expressions all around him when his hands began to glow, Doc pulled the towel away and put his hand directly on the exposed flesh next to the wound. The blood stopped flowing first, followed by the vile remnants of what could’ve caused an infection. When it was clean and the bowels were healed, the skin began to knit together.
Taking his hands away when the wound was healed, Doc felt a hint of tiredness touch him. “How’re you feeling now?”
Joey just stared at Doc with shock.
“Can I get some hot water, soap, and a towel?” Doc asked. He stayed where he was, his hands dripping blood and filth.
“Coming!” Posy shouted as she hurried to go get what he asked for.
“What was that?” Spot asked from a few feet away.
“Faith healing,” Doc said, looking up at the deputy. “Luckily, this is a house of worship.”
“It is?” a shocked voice interjected into the near silence.
“To Lady Luck, my patron goddess,” Doc said. “Where else should one offer up prayers of Luck but inside a gambling hall?”
“Grange doesn’t know,” Fido said.
“It’s recorded with the clerk,” Doc said.
“Thank you for saving him,” Lia said from the bar. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be taking a break now while we get the room back into order. Play will resume in an hour.”
No one moved, as everyone was still staring at Doc.
Posy came rushing out of the back with a bucket of steaming water, a few rags, and a bar of soap. “I’ve got them.”
“Thank you, Posy,” Doc said kindly. “Joey, you’re a bit of a mess. Go use the bathroom and clean up some. Jasmine, can you get one of my shirts for him to change into, please?”
“Yes, sir,” Jasmine said, hurrying away.
Doc cleaned his hands first before he thanked Posy, who got to work cleaning the floor as soon as he finished. “Make sure to clean your own hands when you’re done, Posy, and make sure that bucket and your clothes get thoroughly cleaned. We don’t want people getting sick.”
“Yes, Doc.”
Getting to his feet, he looked at the still unmoving crowd. “I’m Doc Holyday, and yes, my name does tell you all about me. I can heal, using faith magic that comes from Lady Luck, a goddess who wants to see this world thrive. Some of you might not accept what I’m saying. Others will still disbelieve, even with what just happened, and that’s fine. You have to make up your own minds on what is true and what is not.”
The crowd stirred, but no one spoke.
“I’ll help anyone, regardless of your lineage. The only ones I won’t help are the people who refuse to believe in Lady Luck. Her power is taxing on me, but I do my best to help everyone who needs it. It just might take me a day to be able to channel her divine presence to help you.”
“But if you’re favored by Luck, how do you lose at cards?” someone finally asked.
“Because she can only do so much any given day,” Doc replied. “Gods and goddesses didn’t abandon this world; they were driven out by lack of faith. I’m here to help bring faith to my goddess so she can do more to save the world itself.”
“Bullshit!” a man snapped, shoving forward to get within three feet of Doc. “The church will see you burned, heretic!”
Doc exhaled sadly. “Even those who have no faith are welcome here as long as you don’t cause trouble. The church and I will no doubt be having words in the future.”
The man had started to take another step forward, but Fido was suddenly between the two of them. “Take it outside,” Fido growled. “Troublemakers will be tossed or arrested.”
“Fucking mutt!” the man spat.
The distinctive click of a hammer being drawn back drew all eyes to Spot. “My brother told you the rules. Abide, or we’ll have another reason to need the undertaker.”
The man went white, then red, before he stomped around Fido and out the door.
“My establishment is open to everyone. Bigotry will get you tossed,” Lia said firmly. “Now, there is a break for the tournament. Play will resume in an hour, and if you’re not back, you will forfeit your entry.”
~*~*~
Lia caught up to him in the dining room. “Well, that puts it all out in the open.”
“Yeah... preacher’s definitely going to come for me now.”
“You knew it would happen.”
“In time,” Doc agreed. “This opens the floodgates. I’d half-hoped to take them on one-by-one. Now Suez, Goodman, and McIan will likely help each other. Add in the normal idiots who don’t want to see change… this could get very messy, very quickly.”
Lia took a seat beside him. “It could. What if it does? Will you run?”
Doc snorted. “She didn
’t pick me because I was afraid of things. Luck chose me because I keep pushing forward into the worst life can throw at me.”
“The worst is to have your family killed and your lands taken,” Lia said softly.
“I can’t begin to imagine, Lia. I never had family, nor a place to call home. I never let it stop me. I just kept pushing on.”
“Your song… is it from your old world?”
Cashing In (Luck's Voice Book 2) Page 31
