Post by Solana on Apr 28, 2024 7:51:58 GMT -5
Chapter Ten- Exile
Two and a half years later
Mauri examined her newest patient's arm carefully. Her own spasmed in response, but she didn't need her sensitivity to tell her what was wrong. "It's broken, but it's not a complicated one. You may have stretched a tendon or two, but I have a salve that will clear it up well. Wait here, Vahl."
The man sat obediently as Mauri checked her shelves for the comfrey and peppermint cream she wanted. She also brewed a cup of passionfruit tea and grabbed one of her clean strips of leather. "One of the bones shifted slightly when it broke. I have to move it so that it will heal correctly," Mauri explained.
Vahl's eyes widened. "Can I at least have a cup of that horseradish vodka to kill the pain?"
"You finished it last time," Mauri reminded him, then held out the leather. "I'll give you some tea after I get it fixed. Bite down on this."
"Oh, dammit," Vahl grumbled, but obeyed. Mauri grabbed his arm carefully, taking note of exactly the direction and distance that the bone had to shift, and tugged.
Vahl let out a muffled screech. His arm reflexively tried to shift, but Mauri had expected this and had a tight hold on the arm. She gently probed the broken area, but everything was where it needed to be. Satisfied, she pointed to the passionfruit tea and began applying the cream to the injured area.
By the time Vahl had finished his tea, the bone was knit back together and the tendons relaxed. The skin around the injury was pink and healthy instead of inflamed and bruised. He grinned happily. "You're a miracle worker, Mama Mauri."
"I try," Mauri replied. She reached over to the chipped water jug that sat on her table and poured them each a glass of tepid water.
Vahl drank it down obediently, then twisted his arm carefully. His smile would never be called 'handsome', but it was sincere. "It feels as good as new, lady. I'll be able to still take that carpentry job in Dalton next week after all."
"Don't forget a cup of tea once a day for four days to help with residual pain and swelling," Mauri reminded him, passing him a small package. Her expression turned stern, and Vahl wilted under her gaze. "You were drinking before climbing up on a ladder and this is the second time you've fallen and hurt yourself. Are we going to have to do this again?"
"No, ma'am."
"Then can you make me a promise?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Mauri looked him in the eyes. "Can you promise me that before you take another drink and do something like this, you'll think of your daughter? Tala needs you, and you're all she has after your wife passed."
Vahl looked down in shame. "Yes, Mama Mauri. I only drank this time to celebrate my new job, and here I almost ruined it. I want Tala to find a good fellow and start a family away from here."
Mauri patted him on his uninjured arm. "Good. She loves you, you know. And I know you're trying your best for her."
Vahl brightened. "I am, and this new job will be the way to do it. They gave me an advance, so here you go." Pulling a sack out of his carpenter's tool belt, he dumped out a large pile of silver coins.
Mauri gasped. "No! That's much more than any fee-"
Vahl laughed. "And where would Tala be without Mama Mauri to make her dad behave? I'll have extra funds from not drinking, and I didn't pay you last time. Say a prayer to the Goddess for me for luck!" Pretending to be deaf to her continued protests, Vahl gave her a cheeky wave and whistled as he left her small house.
Mauri stared at the pile of coins, her lips moving as she silently counted it. She shouldn't keep them. Take a few for the two visits and bring him the rest back. She should do it right now, catch him before he got home...
Then her gaze went over to the two letters she had gotten this morning. The mayor had increased taxes in Larpa AGAIN. Then there was the letter from the Chosen stationed here. It suggested that as a former priestess, she REALLY should be setting a better example and perhaps donate a bit more...
Mauri covered her eyes with her hands, her head still spinning a bit from her busy morning and her worries. She did not get up and run after Vahl. She would keep the coins, and she would pray as hard as she could that he would make a better life for the daughter that was the light of his life.
Smythe had not been wrong that life in Larpa wasn't easy. Despite Mauri's protestations, Leo had come along to help find a suitable place to live. There had been no houses available to buy, but there was one to rent. The landlord hadn't been keen to rent a house to a single woman in Larpa and had made some insinuations about the kinds of activities that she didn't want to be happening on her property that had made Leo turn purple with rage.
Smythe had kicked him out to take over the negotiations. After realizing the lady had a lot of anger towards the Chosen, he mentioned Mauri's plan to work as an herbal healer in town after being trained by a friend in Zulan. "Mauri will be able to help a great many people without insisting on shaking people down for every silver piece to their name," he'd said casually.
The landlord's suspicious eyes had snapped to Mauri. "Is that so? If you're any good, tell me why my hip hurts so much."
Mauri had studied the lady carefully. "You have arthritis in your feet and favor the left leg. The other hip is getting stiff from not taking even steps. I know an excellent recipe for tea that will help the pain, but you have to fix your style of walking or the pain will continue."
After trying the tea and the exercises Mauri had demonstrated, the landlord had cut the rent she wanted in half.
With so many gamblers and drinkers in Larpa, there was no shortage of patients. When they couldn't pay in silver, they would bring her food or fresh water or seeds for the healing herb garden that she tended in one of the few areas in Larpa with good soil.
When her patients realized that she would care for them, listen to their troubles, and dole out good advice without coming down hard on the guilt like the priests in town, they came to adore their 'Mama Mauri'. Anyone that tried to cause trouble for her would swiftly get a visit from some very angry residents, regardless of how she handled the situations.
Mauri put away the silver coins and pulled out the letter to Leyla that she had started this morning. She wrote about how well her garden was doing, thanked her friend for the new recipes she had sent last time, and offered to send some seeds of the Salyan prickly pear to try growing.
This certainly wasn't the life Mauri had planned, but she had found some peace here. She was tending to the hurts of Althena's children, had made some friends, and kept her distance from the new shrine in town. If the Chosen stationed here continued to ignore her, that was fine with her.
Her hand brushed the locket around her heart, but she shook off the sadness that erupted whenever she thought of Ronfar and continued writing. Right now, there was nothing she could do for him. She had to concentrate on those she COULD help.
A knock came at her door, and Vahl came back in. He looked a bit concerned. "Mama Mauri?"
Mauri turned around from her desk. "What is it, Vahl? Did I miss something with your arm?"
He shook his head. "No, ma'am, but you have another patient. She's in pretty bad shape."
"Let her in, please," Mauri requested. She got up and tied her hair back in anticipation.
Vahl opened the door and said something to the patient outside that ended with, "-and don't you dare show any disrespect to Mama Mauri." She heard a masculine reply in the negative.
Mauri wasn't sure what she had expected, but this wasn't it. The patient was a young woman in a rich red robe and hat and could barely stay on her feet. Her eyes were partially closed and she was biting her lip in obvious pain. She was being supported by an anxious young man in a blue tunic and yellow cape. An odd pink cat-like creature was flying behind the young man, telling him not to worry.
What?!
"I'm sorry but are you 'Mama Mauri'?" the young man asked. Mauri nodded. "We really need your help. Grandpa Gwyn said that you were one of the best healers in the Chosen."
Gwyn, Gwyn... ah, he was an old friend of Josam's. The archaeologist. "Ex-Chosen, but let me see what I can do for your friend. Let's bring her to my room to lie down," Mauri suggested. She carefully took the woman's free arm around her shoulders and helped bring her patient to her room and get settled on her bed.
"This is Lucia. I'm Hiro, and this is Ruby," the young man said.
"Hello. Let me see what's going on here," Mauri said. She gently took Lucia's hand and began chanting, increasing her sensitivity and tuning it into the young woman.
Mauri felt extreme weakness as if she had tried to magically heal all of Larpa in one go- if she still could. Pain throbbed in almost every muscle. Dizziness hit, and she had to close her eyes for a moment to steady her head.
"Are you okay?" Hiro asked worriedly.
What a kind man. "Yes, I'm just seeing what she's feeling. It can really help-"
Mauri stopped dead still and felt the blood rush from her face.
No. This cannot be. This is- the feel of this power-it's identical to what I felt when trying to heal Ronfar!
Mauri's head jerked up to Hiro and Ruby, and both of them cowered at what they saw in her eyes. "What happened to her?! Please, tell me at once!"
"We found her in the Blue Spire. She said that she came from the Blue Star to stop the revival of a dark god named Zophar. When we were going back to the entrance, Zophar cursed her. She lost a good deal of her magic and has been like this ever since," Hiro explained.
Zophar- the name didn't ring a bell, but Mauri tucked it away into her memory for later. She felt the same sense of rightness meeting these three that she had felt when choosing Larpa for her home, as if the Goddess was gently nudging her into destiny.
Was Lucia sent to her by Althena? Had she been sent to Lucia by the Goddess?
Perhaps both?
Before Mauri could ponder this further, she heard a knock and her door opening. "Mauri? Are you busy with a patient?" Leo called.
Hiro and Ruby looked panicked. "Hiro, that's Lord Leo! He found us!" Ruby squeaked.
"I'm not strong enough to fight him, but we can't abandon Lucia here!" Hiro muttered.
Mauri frowned. "Why are you so afraid of my brother?"
"Your-" Ruby began shrilly, but Hiro clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Mauri?" Leo called again.
"You stay here and keep quiet. I'll go talk to him," Mauri whispered. Hiro mouthed 'thank you' but kept his hand over Ruby's mouth. She looked angry, but thankfully stayed silent.
Mauri closed her bedroom door behind her and smiled happily to see Leo. The two years he had served as the White Knight had given him an authority and confidence that looked well on him. His work kept him very busy, but he did manage to come by to visit in person once every few months.
Leo smiled in turn to see her, but it was tinged with the sadness of her current state. "Sister, I pray that you have been doing well," he said fondly, coming to give her a hug.
"Oh, the gamblers keep me plenty busy as a healer," Mauri replied with a light laugh. "My garden grows well, and I get plenty of letters from Zulan and Raculi. Are you here to visit, or does your work bring you here?"
Leo's face darkened. "I wish I was just here for a visit, but alas, I'm on a hunt. Have you heard any rumors around town about the Destroyer?"
Mauri shook her head. "It sounds terrifying! What is it?"
Leo actually snarled, looking half angry, half embarrassed. "That's what fooled me- it took the form of a young woman! A sickly-looking young woman." He didn't notice that Mauri was going pale as he began to pace and kept talking. "Some little brat named Hiro with a pink talking flying cat misled me and ran off with her. Larpa is the closest town to the Blue Spire that the Destroyer originated from, and I promise you that I'll make this village house her grave!"
There was a muffled squeak from her room, but Leo was too angry to notice. He stopped his pacing and gripped Mauri's shoulders in earnest. "Please, sister, have you heard anything about this? Any little hint from your patients or the gamblers? It's no exaggeration to say that she endangers our world, and I would strike her down now while she's still weak!"
Oh, Goddess... Mauri hesitated for a few seconds, but in the end, she trusted what she felt in her heart. What she felt from her Goddess. "You're the first one to tell me of a Destroyer, Leo. You're also the first one to tell me not to take what any of the 'drunken layabouts' here would have to say as truth."
Leo sighed, dropping his hands and his head. "True, but it was worth a try." He paused. "You're certain that I can't talk you into leaving this nest of heathens? I know that you don't want to go home to Raculi, but I would rest easier if you lived elsewhere. You've earned an eternal welcome in Zulan-"
Mauri shook her head. "This is where the Goddess has led me, brother. Besides-" her smile took on a hint of a smirk, "-where else is the Goddess' wisdom more needed?"
"You've got that right. I'll be in the Shrine until next daybreak if you change your mind," Leo said. He hugged her again. "The Goddess keep you."
"May she bless your sword and shield," Mauri replied as she returned the hug. Leo gave her another sad smile as he looked around her house again on the way out. The door seemed to slam more loudly than usual, as if echoing the wall she had just put up between them.
Mauri sighed, but she couldn't think about Leo and what she had just done right now. She had a patient to see to.
When she got back in her room, Hiro and Ruby were staring at her worriedly. "Are you going to be in trouble with Leo for lying-" Ruby began.
"Hush, let's not worry about that now. I have to see to Lucia," Mauri interrupted. She took Lucia's hand again, noting that the girl's strength seemed to have decreased a bit already. This curse was very different from the plague, as Ronfar hadn't lost any of his power during it.
Mauri rubbed her eyes to ward off the memories and keep away tears. "I'll be honest with you- I haven't been able to magically heal for over two years. Not since-" she shut her eyes in pain. "But for her, I will try. I MUST try."
"Thank.... you..... Zophar's power.... grows... with every second," Lucia murmured.
"That's more than the priests in the Shrine did," Ruby muttered.
"We'll be grateful. Is there anything we can do to help?" Hiro asked kindly.
"Keep Lucia company for now. There are a few preparations I need to make, but call me if she worsens," Mauri answered. Hiro nodded and began speaking quietly and encouragingly to Lucia.
As soon as she left her room, Mauri's nerves took hold of her for a moment and she found herself shaking and leaning against the wall for support. She had continued trying to call on Althena's power off and on over the years, but nothing had ever happened. There had been extenuating circumstances where a simple litany would have been more powerful and faster than her best herbal brews.
To be honest, it was frightening to get her hopes up yet again.
Ronfar's screams of agony ripped through the air as Mauri felt her power failing, failing...
Mauri tried to shake off the memories, then paused.
Fear.
She was afraid. Despite the confidence and self-assurance that was as much an essential part of healing as knowledge or technique, she was bone-chillingly terrified that she would try something that would fail and cost someone else everything.
Since that night of Ronfar's failed healing, had she EVER been fully free of that fear? Perhaps if she had given everything of herself, the way she had started as a healer, and found out that even that wasn't good enough, it would destroy her.
Perhaps the loss of her blessing wasn't a punishment from the Goddess, but a deep part of her own psyche trying to protect itself in the only way it could, walling her power away to prevent another such loss.
Mauri straightened up. Time to bash that wall down once and for all.
She went to her trunk to get what she needed. One last apprentice priestess robe that had stayed with her things instead of being surrendered. A pair of simple wooden hairsticks to get her hair up and out of her way. A stick of incense made from the flowers of Raculi. A few dried rose petals from her own rosebush to go in front of her small statue.
Lastly, she pulled out Mota's picture of the Goddess. The paper had yellowed a bit over time, but it had been drawn by an innocent little girl with complete faith in her Goddess, her family, and in a visiting priestess to cure her. That picture had been the focal point of some of her best work, and by Althena it would be again.
"Thank you for waiting. Ruby, would you please hang this picture up over my bed?" Mauri asked once she had re-entered her bedroom. The small creature nodded, cooing over how cute it was as she did.
Mauri knelt before her small statue and sprinkled the rose petals before it, then placed the incense in the burner and lit it. "Goddess Althena, Mother of us all, I come to you in full humility. I understand now the lesson that you were trying to teach me, and I understand that you never turn away from your children in need. It is we, in our weakness and fear, that turn away from you. I beg of you, hear the words of your prodigal daughter that wishes to come back to you, to serve your children in the way I know best."
There was a warmth in her heart after her prayer, and it fanned the tiny candlelight of Mauri's newfound hope into a blaze. Smiling, she got to her feet and turned to Lucia. "Hiro, Ruby, can you both please help me with this?"
"I've never been trained as a priest. What do I do?" Hiro asked.
"Do not worry. All I need from you is to pray as hard as you can for Lucia's recovery. I will handle the rest," Mauri assured him.
Ruby raised her chin in pride. "I bet the prayers of a baby red dragon will be very helpful, right?"
Mauri blinked. A dragon?!
No, she would get more details about that later. "Yes, we are very fortunate to have you here," Mauri agreed as Ruby preened. "Please, concentrate. You may speak aloud or hold the words in your heart as you wish."
Hiro gently took Lucia's hand, blushing a tiny amount as he did so. Mauri smiled, recognizing the awkward first steps of puppy love. Ruby landed on Hiro's shoulder, folded in her wings, and shut her eyes tightly.
Mauri held her arms out towards Lucia and threw her head back to face the heavens. Her back was ramrod straight, and there was no room for doubt in her heart. "Goddess Althena, Holy Mother and Creatrix of our worlds- I beg of you to hear my plea. One of your own children has come to you in dire need. Shatter this curse that your enemy has cast on her with your love and mercy, and let her soul know freedom once more!"
Mauri's voice rang with a timbre and majesty that she hadn't known it could possess. The scent of roses became stronger as she continued the prayer. "I ask of you- make me a conduit of your power! Let me shine your light to save her life in your name!"
The scent of roses became like a holy garden filled with warm sunlight. Tears ran down Mauri's cheeks as she felt the touch of that light for the first time in years.
It tasted like her mother's honey cake.
It felt like Ronfar's arms around her, holding her warm and safe.
It looked like the sparkle in Mota's eyes as the fever and pain left her body and she became a healthy little girl again.
Mauri's soul had reclaimed its home nestled in Althena's love in complete trust. Smythe had been right- in her heart of hearts, she was still a priestess.
The power she had raised with Hiro and Ruby's help burst from her to shine around them all. Mauri felt the curse that had embedded itself into Lucia break apart, then shatter into countless pieces. There was still damage, but her life was saved.
Lucia sat up in amazement, staring at Mauri incredulously. "Mauri.... thank you for saving me."
"It was all thanks to Althena. I was just the conduit," Mauri said modestly. "I'm afraid that you'll still need some time to regain your strength and magical power, but the curse is gone."
"She's going to be okay..." Hiro said in relief. He smiled warmly at Mauri. "Thank you, Mauri. I can't tell you how grateful I am."
"I'm the one who should be grateful to you all," Mauri insisted. Hiro and Lucia both looked confused. "Why don't you all stay the night with me? You can get a good meal in and some rest, and I'd like to talk to you."
Lucia shook her head. "We don't have the time. I must see the Goddess Althena as soon as possible. Your world depends on it."
"Lucia, Mauri just said that you'll need to get your strength back," Hiro reminded her.
"Yeah, Lucia! Can you even walk right now?" Ruby asked. Lucia said nothing.
"Besides, Leo will still be looking for you all now. I can promise you that this is the one house in Larpa that he won't check," Mauri added.
Lucia laid back down. "Very well. I do not understand why you would put yourself at such risk for strangers, but I am... grateful."
"Excellent! I'll get supper started and will let you know when it's ready," Mauri said happily.
"If it's okay with you, I'd like to help. I'm a pretty good cook," Hiro offered.
"Certainly. I just received a large amount of fish as a payment for healing- is that okay?" Mauri asked quickly.
Ruby's eyes lit up and a line of drool came from the side of her mouth. "Hiro, did you hear that? Let me help, too! I know how to make YUMMY fish with my flame!" She blew a small flame from her mouth to demonstrate.
Mauri laughed, feeling lighter than she had in some time. "All right, Ruby. You can show me how it's done."
Mauri hadn't had so much fun in quite some time. Ruby had spoken nothing less than the truth when proclaiming her mastery of cooking fish- it was as good as Ronfar's best dishes. Mauri fixed a Larpan variation of her beloved's fish sauce utilizing chopped Salyan cactus and some of the herbs from her garden to go with it and a prickly pear tart for dessert. Hiro had an excellent flatbread recipe from his grandfather and also steamed some vegetables to go with the feast.
Lucia was already feeling better and happily joined them for supper. Mauri didn't have enough chairs, but no one minded sitting on the floor. Her teapot was big enough to serve everyone, though Lucia was very puzzled at the idea of drying herbs and then steeping them in hot water to drink.
Ruby had practically lapsed into a coma from eating so much fish. Her snores were high-pitched and surprisingly loud coming from such a small creature. It was kind of funny.
"Mauri, may I have some more of the hot leaf juice, please?" Lucia asked, holding out her empty cup.
Hiro and Mauri both hid chuckles. "Certainly," Mauri agreed, topping her off. She glanced at Hiro. "Would you like any more?"
Hiro wasn't quite wolfing down his food, but he had a very healthy appetite for an adventurer and a warrior. He was on his second piece of tart. "No, thanks. I think this is all I can handle. It's very good."
"I've had to adjust a number of recipes for what I can get here compared to home," Mauri admitted, then leaned back against the wall with a sigh.
With Lucia out of danger and with her guests seen to, it was as good a time as any to ask. "Hiro, Lucia, I lied to my own brother to protect you all who are strangers to me. In return, I would ask you about this 'Zophar' that cursed Lucia."
Lucia's eyes narrowed slightly. Although seemingly naive with her lack of knowledge of common things, she was obviously no fool. "Why do you ask?"
"Because the power that cursed you felt exactly the same as that behind a plague I was unable to cure three years ago," Mauri answered frankly. "It killed many of my friends and neighbors and nearly took my beloved." Though in a manner of speaking, it did.
Hiro's eyes widened as he leaned forward. "Grandpa's friend told him about a terrible plague in Raculi three years ago. His grandson was the only survivor."
"Yes, my Ronfar," Mauri agreed. She turned to face Lucia, her hand over her heart entreatingly. "Please, Lucia, I believe there might be a connection between your case and his. What can you tell me?"
Lucia's eyes flicked over to Hiro, who nodded. Lucia took one more sip of her tea before setting her cup down. "Very well. It's not a pleasant story, but it is true that you saved my life twice without hesitation or condition."
Mauri listened closely as Lucia began. The seemingly young woman wasn't young at all, or even human. She was the guardian and caretaker of the Blue Star that had been the first home of humans and beastfolk before Althena had blessed Lunar and brought them there.
Zophar was a god of destruction, called to the Blue Star by the darkness in the hearts of the people. His evil influence twisted and mutated the people into monsters, given over to every vice in their hearts. Many of the people called out to Althena to save them. The Goddess was able to banish and seal the evil god, if not outright destroy him. The Blue Star was decimated in the struggle and would require millennia to recover.
As Althena gave new life to the world of Lunar to house the people until the Blue Star could recover, Lucia was left behind to tend the Blue Star until it could be restored.
"Zophar is trying to revive and now wants to destroy this world," Lucia finished, her eyes on her cup. "You cannot imagine how twisted and perverse he truly is. I must meet with the Goddess Althena to prevent his return and save your world."
"An evil god.... they mentioned nothing of him in my training. I wonder why?" Mauri mused.
"I suspect they were hoping that ignorance of him would prevent any humans from helping him to return," Lucia suggested.
"Would you have any idea why Leo would think that Lucia is the Destroyer?" Hiro asked hopefully.
Mauri sighed and shook her head. "My brother's loyalty to Althena is unquestioned, but all is not well in her Chosen. It hasn't been for years. But since my defrocking, I have never returned to Pentagulia and do not know what transpires there now."
Lucia looked bitterly disappointed, but Hiro did not. "That's all right. You've been such a huge help already, Mauri. We're deeply grateful to you."
"More.... fish.... please...." Ruby mumbled in her sleep, then flopped over on her side and continued snoring.
Hiro laughed. "I think Ruby has the right idea. I can help you clean up and we should all get some rest."
Mauri was already gathering their plates off of the floor. "I'm afraid I only have my bed and the cot for patients. Lucia will take my bed, of course, but-"
"Ruby and I will do just fine on the floor," Hiro interrupted. "We do it all the time on adventures, and you look tired from the healing."
"She does look pretty comfortable where she is," Mauri admitted. "If you're sure, I can at least get you a pillow and blanket." Any healer that worked in their home needed plenty of both.
True to his word, Hiro helped with the washing up and was asleep on the floor the second his head hit the pillow. Mauri couldn't help but be impressed with the young man. He didn't have Ronfar's charm and dazzle, but he did share a good heart and the utmost care for others before himself. He was helping Lucia because she had absolutely no one and had certainly put his life in danger by staying between Lucia and Leo.
Leo, what did you get yourself involved in this time?
What did I?
Mauri had thought that she would be awake for hours worrying about this god of destruction, betraying her brother, and what it all meant with the plague from three years ago, but she had forgotten how tiring healing was. She was asleep under Bronn's Zulan quilt within a minute.
Two and a half years later
Mauri examined her newest patient's arm carefully. Her own spasmed in response, but she didn't need her sensitivity to tell her what was wrong. "It's broken, but it's not a complicated one. You may have stretched a tendon or two, but I have a salve that will clear it up well. Wait here, Vahl."
The man sat obediently as Mauri checked her shelves for the comfrey and peppermint cream she wanted. She also brewed a cup of passionfruit tea and grabbed one of her clean strips of leather. "One of the bones shifted slightly when it broke. I have to move it so that it will heal correctly," Mauri explained.
Vahl's eyes widened. "Can I at least have a cup of that horseradish vodka to kill the pain?"
"You finished it last time," Mauri reminded him, then held out the leather. "I'll give you some tea after I get it fixed. Bite down on this."
"Oh, dammit," Vahl grumbled, but obeyed. Mauri grabbed his arm carefully, taking note of exactly the direction and distance that the bone had to shift, and tugged.
Vahl let out a muffled screech. His arm reflexively tried to shift, but Mauri had expected this and had a tight hold on the arm. She gently probed the broken area, but everything was where it needed to be. Satisfied, she pointed to the passionfruit tea and began applying the cream to the injured area.
By the time Vahl had finished his tea, the bone was knit back together and the tendons relaxed. The skin around the injury was pink and healthy instead of inflamed and bruised. He grinned happily. "You're a miracle worker, Mama Mauri."
"I try," Mauri replied. She reached over to the chipped water jug that sat on her table and poured them each a glass of tepid water.
Vahl drank it down obediently, then twisted his arm carefully. His smile would never be called 'handsome', but it was sincere. "It feels as good as new, lady. I'll be able to still take that carpentry job in Dalton next week after all."
"Don't forget a cup of tea once a day for four days to help with residual pain and swelling," Mauri reminded him, passing him a small package. Her expression turned stern, and Vahl wilted under her gaze. "You were drinking before climbing up on a ladder and this is the second time you've fallen and hurt yourself. Are we going to have to do this again?"
"No, ma'am."
"Then can you make me a promise?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Mauri looked him in the eyes. "Can you promise me that before you take another drink and do something like this, you'll think of your daughter? Tala needs you, and you're all she has after your wife passed."
Vahl looked down in shame. "Yes, Mama Mauri. I only drank this time to celebrate my new job, and here I almost ruined it. I want Tala to find a good fellow and start a family away from here."
Mauri patted him on his uninjured arm. "Good. She loves you, you know. And I know you're trying your best for her."
Vahl brightened. "I am, and this new job will be the way to do it. They gave me an advance, so here you go." Pulling a sack out of his carpenter's tool belt, he dumped out a large pile of silver coins.
Mauri gasped. "No! That's much more than any fee-"
Vahl laughed. "And where would Tala be without Mama Mauri to make her dad behave? I'll have extra funds from not drinking, and I didn't pay you last time. Say a prayer to the Goddess for me for luck!" Pretending to be deaf to her continued protests, Vahl gave her a cheeky wave and whistled as he left her small house.
Mauri stared at the pile of coins, her lips moving as she silently counted it. She shouldn't keep them. Take a few for the two visits and bring him the rest back. She should do it right now, catch him before he got home...
Then her gaze went over to the two letters she had gotten this morning. The mayor had increased taxes in Larpa AGAIN. Then there was the letter from the Chosen stationed here. It suggested that as a former priestess, she REALLY should be setting a better example and perhaps donate a bit more...
Mauri covered her eyes with her hands, her head still spinning a bit from her busy morning and her worries. She did not get up and run after Vahl. She would keep the coins, and she would pray as hard as she could that he would make a better life for the daughter that was the light of his life.
Smythe had not been wrong that life in Larpa wasn't easy. Despite Mauri's protestations, Leo had come along to help find a suitable place to live. There had been no houses available to buy, but there was one to rent. The landlord hadn't been keen to rent a house to a single woman in Larpa and had made some insinuations about the kinds of activities that she didn't want to be happening on her property that had made Leo turn purple with rage.
Smythe had kicked him out to take over the negotiations. After realizing the lady had a lot of anger towards the Chosen, he mentioned Mauri's plan to work as an herbal healer in town after being trained by a friend in Zulan. "Mauri will be able to help a great many people without insisting on shaking people down for every silver piece to their name," he'd said casually.
The landlord's suspicious eyes had snapped to Mauri. "Is that so? If you're any good, tell me why my hip hurts so much."
Mauri had studied the lady carefully. "You have arthritis in your feet and favor the left leg. The other hip is getting stiff from not taking even steps. I know an excellent recipe for tea that will help the pain, but you have to fix your style of walking or the pain will continue."
After trying the tea and the exercises Mauri had demonstrated, the landlord had cut the rent she wanted in half.
With so many gamblers and drinkers in Larpa, there was no shortage of patients. When they couldn't pay in silver, they would bring her food or fresh water or seeds for the healing herb garden that she tended in one of the few areas in Larpa with good soil.
When her patients realized that she would care for them, listen to their troubles, and dole out good advice without coming down hard on the guilt like the priests in town, they came to adore their 'Mama Mauri'. Anyone that tried to cause trouble for her would swiftly get a visit from some very angry residents, regardless of how she handled the situations.
Mauri put away the silver coins and pulled out the letter to Leyla that she had started this morning. She wrote about how well her garden was doing, thanked her friend for the new recipes she had sent last time, and offered to send some seeds of the Salyan prickly pear to try growing.
This certainly wasn't the life Mauri had planned, but she had found some peace here. She was tending to the hurts of Althena's children, had made some friends, and kept her distance from the new shrine in town. If the Chosen stationed here continued to ignore her, that was fine with her.
Her hand brushed the locket around her heart, but she shook off the sadness that erupted whenever she thought of Ronfar and continued writing. Right now, there was nothing she could do for him. She had to concentrate on those she COULD help.
A knock came at her door, and Vahl came back in. He looked a bit concerned. "Mama Mauri?"
Mauri turned around from her desk. "What is it, Vahl? Did I miss something with your arm?"
He shook his head. "No, ma'am, but you have another patient. She's in pretty bad shape."
"Let her in, please," Mauri requested. She got up and tied her hair back in anticipation.
Vahl opened the door and said something to the patient outside that ended with, "-and don't you dare show any disrespect to Mama Mauri." She heard a masculine reply in the negative.
Mauri wasn't sure what she had expected, but this wasn't it. The patient was a young woman in a rich red robe and hat and could barely stay on her feet. Her eyes were partially closed and she was biting her lip in obvious pain. She was being supported by an anxious young man in a blue tunic and yellow cape. An odd pink cat-like creature was flying behind the young man, telling him not to worry.
What?!
"I'm sorry but are you 'Mama Mauri'?" the young man asked. Mauri nodded. "We really need your help. Grandpa Gwyn said that you were one of the best healers in the Chosen."
Gwyn, Gwyn... ah, he was an old friend of Josam's. The archaeologist. "Ex-Chosen, but let me see what I can do for your friend. Let's bring her to my room to lie down," Mauri suggested. She carefully took the woman's free arm around her shoulders and helped bring her patient to her room and get settled on her bed.
"This is Lucia. I'm Hiro, and this is Ruby," the young man said.
"Hello. Let me see what's going on here," Mauri said. She gently took Lucia's hand and began chanting, increasing her sensitivity and tuning it into the young woman.
Mauri felt extreme weakness as if she had tried to magically heal all of Larpa in one go- if she still could. Pain throbbed in almost every muscle. Dizziness hit, and she had to close her eyes for a moment to steady her head.
"Are you okay?" Hiro asked worriedly.
What a kind man. "Yes, I'm just seeing what she's feeling. It can really help-"
Mauri stopped dead still and felt the blood rush from her face.
No. This cannot be. This is- the feel of this power-it's identical to what I felt when trying to heal Ronfar!
Mauri's head jerked up to Hiro and Ruby, and both of them cowered at what they saw in her eyes. "What happened to her?! Please, tell me at once!"
"We found her in the Blue Spire. She said that she came from the Blue Star to stop the revival of a dark god named Zophar. When we were going back to the entrance, Zophar cursed her. She lost a good deal of her magic and has been like this ever since," Hiro explained.
Zophar- the name didn't ring a bell, but Mauri tucked it away into her memory for later. She felt the same sense of rightness meeting these three that she had felt when choosing Larpa for her home, as if the Goddess was gently nudging her into destiny.
Was Lucia sent to her by Althena? Had she been sent to Lucia by the Goddess?
Perhaps both?
Before Mauri could ponder this further, she heard a knock and her door opening. "Mauri? Are you busy with a patient?" Leo called.
Hiro and Ruby looked panicked. "Hiro, that's Lord Leo! He found us!" Ruby squeaked.
"I'm not strong enough to fight him, but we can't abandon Lucia here!" Hiro muttered.
Mauri frowned. "Why are you so afraid of my brother?"
"Your-" Ruby began shrilly, but Hiro clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Mauri?" Leo called again.
"You stay here and keep quiet. I'll go talk to him," Mauri whispered. Hiro mouthed 'thank you' but kept his hand over Ruby's mouth. She looked angry, but thankfully stayed silent.
Mauri closed her bedroom door behind her and smiled happily to see Leo. The two years he had served as the White Knight had given him an authority and confidence that looked well on him. His work kept him very busy, but he did manage to come by to visit in person once every few months.
Leo smiled in turn to see her, but it was tinged with the sadness of her current state. "Sister, I pray that you have been doing well," he said fondly, coming to give her a hug.
"Oh, the gamblers keep me plenty busy as a healer," Mauri replied with a light laugh. "My garden grows well, and I get plenty of letters from Zulan and Raculi. Are you here to visit, or does your work bring you here?"
Leo's face darkened. "I wish I was just here for a visit, but alas, I'm on a hunt. Have you heard any rumors around town about the Destroyer?"
Mauri shook her head. "It sounds terrifying! What is it?"
Leo actually snarled, looking half angry, half embarrassed. "That's what fooled me- it took the form of a young woman! A sickly-looking young woman." He didn't notice that Mauri was going pale as he began to pace and kept talking. "Some little brat named Hiro with a pink talking flying cat misled me and ran off with her. Larpa is the closest town to the Blue Spire that the Destroyer originated from, and I promise you that I'll make this village house her grave!"
There was a muffled squeak from her room, but Leo was too angry to notice. He stopped his pacing and gripped Mauri's shoulders in earnest. "Please, sister, have you heard anything about this? Any little hint from your patients or the gamblers? It's no exaggeration to say that she endangers our world, and I would strike her down now while she's still weak!"
Oh, Goddess... Mauri hesitated for a few seconds, but in the end, she trusted what she felt in her heart. What she felt from her Goddess. "You're the first one to tell me of a Destroyer, Leo. You're also the first one to tell me not to take what any of the 'drunken layabouts' here would have to say as truth."
Leo sighed, dropping his hands and his head. "True, but it was worth a try." He paused. "You're certain that I can't talk you into leaving this nest of heathens? I know that you don't want to go home to Raculi, but I would rest easier if you lived elsewhere. You've earned an eternal welcome in Zulan-"
Mauri shook her head. "This is where the Goddess has led me, brother. Besides-" her smile took on a hint of a smirk, "-where else is the Goddess' wisdom more needed?"
"You've got that right. I'll be in the Shrine until next daybreak if you change your mind," Leo said. He hugged her again. "The Goddess keep you."
"May she bless your sword and shield," Mauri replied as she returned the hug. Leo gave her another sad smile as he looked around her house again on the way out. The door seemed to slam more loudly than usual, as if echoing the wall she had just put up between them.
Mauri sighed, but she couldn't think about Leo and what she had just done right now. She had a patient to see to.
When she got back in her room, Hiro and Ruby were staring at her worriedly. "Are you going to be in trouble with Leo for lying-" Ruby began.
"Hush, let's not worry about that now. I have to see to Lucia," Mauri interrupted. She took Lucia's hand again, noting that the girl's strength seemed to have decreased a bit already. This curse was very different from the plague, as Ronfar hadn't lost any of his power during it.
Mauri rubbed her eyes to ward off the memories and keep away tears. "I'll be honest with you- I haven't been able to magically heal for over two years. Not since-" she shut her eyes in pain. "But for her, I will try. I MUST try."
"Thank.... you..... Zophar's power.... grows... with every second," Lucia murmured.
"That's more than the priests in the Shrine did," Ruby muttered.
"We'll be grateful. Is there anything we can do to help?" Hiro asked kindly.
"Keep Lucia company for now. There are a few preparations I need to make, but call me if she worsens," Mauri answered. Hiro nodded and began speaking quietly and encouragingly to Lucia.
As soon as she left her room, Mauri's nerves took hold of her for a moment and she found herself shaking and leaning against the wall for support. She had continued trying to call on Althena's power off and on over the years, but nothing had ever happened. There had been extenuating circumstances where a simple litany would have been more powerful and faster than her best herbal brews.
To be honest, it was frightening to get her hopes up yet again.
Ronfar's screams of agony ripped through the air as Mauri felt her power failing, failing...
Mauri tried to shake off the memories, then paused.
Fear.
She was afraid. Despite the confidence and self-assurance that was as much an essential part of healing as knowledge or technique, she was bone-chillingly terrified that she would try something that would fail and cost someone else everything.
Since that night of Ronfar's failed healing, had she EVER been fully free of that fear? Perhaps if she had given everything of herself, the way she had started as a healer, and found out that even that wasn't good enough, it would destroy her.
Perhaps the loss of her blessing wasn't a punishment from the Goddess, but a deep part of her own psyche trying to protect itself in the only way it could, walling her power away to prevent another such loss.
Mauri straightened up. Time to bash that wall down once and for all.
She went to her trunk to get what she needed. One last apprentice priestess robe that had stayed with her things instead of being surrendered. A pair of simple wooden hairsticks to get her hair up and out of her way. A stick of incense made from the flowers of Raculi. A few dried rose petals from her own rosebush to go in front of her small statue.
Lastly, she pulled out Mota's picture of the Goddess. The paper had yellowed a bit over time, but it had been drawn by an innocent little girl with complete faith in her Goddess, her family, and in a visiting priestess to cure her. That picture had been the focal point of some of her best work, and by Althena it would be again.
"Thank you for waiting. Ruby, would you please hang this picture up over my bed?" Mauri asked once she had re-entered her bedroom. The small creature nodded, cooing over how cute it was as she did.
Mauri knelt before her small statue and sprinkled the rose petals before it, then placed the incense in the burner and lit it. "Goddess Althena, Mother of us all, I come to you in full humility. I understand now the lesson that you were trying to teach me, and I understand that you never turn away from your children in need. It is we, in our weakness and fear, that turn away from you. I beg of you, hear the words of your prodigal daughter that wishes to come back to you, to serve your children in the way I know best."
There was a warmth in her heart after her prayer, and it fanned the tiny candlelight of Mauri's newfound hope into a blaze. Smiling, she got to her feet and turned to Lucia. "Hiro, Ruby, can you both please help me with this?"
"I've never been trained as a priest. What do I do?" Hiro asked.
"Do not worry. All I need from you is to pray as hard as you can for Lucia's recovery. I will handle the rest," Mauri assured him.
Ruby raised her chin in pride. "I bet the prayers of a baby red dragon will be very helpful, right?"
Mauri blinked. A dragon?!
No, she would get more details about that later. "Yes, we are very fortunate to have you here," Mauri agreed as Ruby preened. "Please, concentrate. You may speak aloud or hold the words in your heart as you wish."
Hiro gently took Lucia's hand, blushing a tiny amount as he did so. Mauri smiled, recognizing the awkward first steps of puppy love. Ruby landed on Hiro's shoulder, folded in her wings, and shut her eyes tightly.
Mauri held her arms out towards Lucia and threw her head back to face the heavens. Her back was ramrod straight, and there was no room for doubt in her heart. "Goddess Althena, Holy Mother and Creatrix of our worlds- I beg of you to hear my plea. One of your own children has come to you in dire need. Shatter this curse that your enemy has cast on her with your love and mercy, and let her soul know freedom once more!"
Mauri's voice rang with a timbre and majesty that she hadn't known it could possess. The scent of roses became stronger as she continued the prayer. "I ask of you- make me a conduit of your power! Let me shine your light to save her life in your name!"
The scent of roses became like a holy garden filled with warm sunlight. Tears ran down Mauri's cheeks as she felt the touch of that light for the first time in years.
It tasted like her mother's honey cake.
It felt like Ronfar's arms around her, holding her warm and safe.
It looked like the sparkle in Mota's eyes as the fever and pain left her body and she became a healthy little girl again.
Mauri's soul had reclaimed its home nestled in Althena's love in complete trust. Smythe had been right- in her heart of hearts, she was still a priestess.
The power she had raised with Hiro and Ruby's help burst from her to shine around them all. Mauri felt the curse that had embedded itself into Lucia break apart, then shatter into countless pieces. There was still damage, but her life was saved.
Lucia sat up in amazement, staring at Mauri incredulously. "Mauri.... thank you for saving me."
"It was all thanks to Althena. I was just the conduit," Mauri said modestly. "I'm afraid that you'll still need some time to regain your strength and magical power, but the curse is gone."
"She's going to be okay..." Hiro said in relief. He smiled warmly at Mauri. "Thank you, Mauri. I can't tell you how grateful I am."
"I'm the one who should be grateful to you all," Mauri insisted. Hiro and Lucia both looked confused. "Why don't you all stay the night with me? You can get a good meal in and some rest, and I'd like to talk to you."
Lucia shook her head. "We don't have the time. I must see the Goddess Althena as soon as possible. Your world depends on it."
"Lucia, Mauri just said that you'll need to get your strength back," Hiro reminded her.
"Yeah, Lucia! Can you even walk right now?" Ruby asked. Lucia said nothing.
"Besides, Leo will still be looking for you all now. I can promise you that this is the one house in Larpa that he won't check," Mauri added.
Lucia laid back down. "Very well. I do not understand why you would put yourself at such risk for strangers, but I am... grateful."
"Excellent! I'll get supper started and will let you know when it's ready," Mauri said happily.
"If it's okay with you, I'd like to help. I'm a pretty good cook," Hiro offered.
"Certainly. I just received a large amount of fish as a payment for healing- is that okay?" Mauri asked quickly.
Ruby's eyes lit up and a line of drool came from the side of her mouth. "Hiro, did you hear that? Let me help, too! I know how to make YUMMY fish with my flame!" She blew a small flame from her mouth to demonstrate.
Mauri laughed, feeling lighter than she had in some time. "All right, Ruby. You can show me how it's done."
Mauri hadn't had so much fun in quite some time. Ruby had spoken nothing less than the truth when proclaiming her mastery of cooking fish- it was as good as Ronfar's best dishes. Mauri fixed a Larpan variation of her beloved's fish sauce utilizing chopped Salyan cactus and some of the herbs from her garden to go with it and a prickly pear tart for dessert. Hiro had an excellent flatbread recipe from his grandfather and also steamed some vegetables to go with the feast.
Lucia was already feeling better and happily joined them for supper. Mauri didn't have enough chairs, but no one minded sitting on the floor. Her teapot was big enough to serve everyone, though Lucia was very puzzled at the idea of drying herbs and then steeping them in hot water to drink.
Ruby had practically lapsed into a coma from eating so much fish. Her snores were high-pitched and surprisingly loud coming from such a small creature. It was kind of funny.
"Mauri, may I have some more of the hot leaf juice, please?" Lucia asked, holding out her empty cup.
Hiro and Mauri both hid chuckles. "Certainly," Mauri agreed, topping her off. She glanced at Hiro. "Would you like any more?"
Hiro wasn't quite wolfing down his food, but he had a very healthy appetite for an adventurer and a warrior. He was on his second piece of tart. "No, thanks. I think this is all I can handle. It's very good."
"I've had to adjust a number of recipes for what I can get here compared to home," Mauri admitted, then leaned back against the wall with a sigh.
With Lucia out of danger and with her guests seen to, it was as good a time as any to ask. "Hiro, Lucia, I lied to my own brother to protect you all who are strangers to me. In return, I would ask you about this 'Zophar' that cursed Lucia."
Lucia's eyes narrowed slightly. Although seemingly naive with her lack of knowledge of common things, she was obviously no fool. "Why do you ask?"
"Because the power that cursed you felt exactly the same as that behind a plague I was unable to cure three years ago," Mauri answered frankly. "It killed many of my friends and neighbors and nearly took my beloved." Though in a manner of speaking, it did.
Hiro's eyes widened as he leaned forward. "Grandpa's friend told him about a terrible plague in Raculi three years ago. His grandson was the only survivor."
"Yes, my Ronfar," Mauri agreed. She turned to face Lucia, her hand over her heart entreatingly. "Please, Lucia, I believe there might be a connection between your case and his. What can you tell me?"
Lucia's eyes flicked over to Hiro, who nodded. Lucia took one more sip of her tea before setting her cup down. "Very well. It's not a pleasant story, but it is true that you saved my life twice without hesitation or condition."
Mauri listened closely as Lucia began. The seemingly young woman wasn't young at all, or even human. She was the guardian and caretaker of the Blue Star that had been the first home of humans and beastfolk before Althena had blessed Lunar and brought them there.
Zophar was a god of destruction, called to the Blue Star by the darkness in the hearts of the people. His evil influence twisted and mutated the people into monsters, given over to every vice in their hearts. Many of the people called out to Althena to save them. The Goddess was able to banish and seal the evil god, if not outright destroy him. The Blue Star was decimated in the struggle and would require millennia to recover.
As Althena gave new life to the world of Lunar to house the people until the Blue Star could recover, Lucia was left behind to tend the Blue Star until it could be restored.
"Zophar is trying to revive and now wants to destroy this world," Lucia finished, her eyes on her cup. "You cannot imagine how twisted and perverse he truly is. I must meet with the Goddess Althena to prevent his return and save your world."
"An evil god.... they mentioned nothing of him in my training. I wonder why?" Mauri mused.
"I suspect they were hoping that ignorance of him would prevent any humans from helping him to return," Lucia suggested.
"Would you have any idea why Leo would think that Lucia is the Destroyer?" Hiro asked hopefully.
Mauri sighed and shook her head. "My brother's loyalty to Althena is unquestioned, but all is not well in her Chosen. It hasn't been for years. But since my defrocking, I have never returned to Pentagulia and do not know what transpires there now."
Lucia looked bitterly disappointed, but Hiro did not. "That's all right. You've been such a huge help already, Mauri. We're deeply grateful to you."
"More.... fish.... please...." Ruby mumbled in her sleep, then flopped over on her side and continued snoring.
Hiro laughed. "I think Ruby has the right idea. I can help you clean up and we should all get some rest."
Mauri was already gathering their plates off of the floor. "I'm afraid I only have my bed and the cot for patients. Lucia will take my bed, of course, but-"
"Ruby and I will do just fine on the floor," Hiro interrupted. "We do it all the time on adventures, and you look tired from the healing."
"She does look pretty comfortable where she is," Mauri admitted. "If you're sure, I can at least get you a pillow and blanket." Any healer that worked in their home needed plenty of both.
True to his word, Hiro helped with the washing up and was asleep on the floor the second his head hit the pillow. Mauri couldn't help but be impressed with the young man. He didn't have Ronfar's charm and dazzle, but he did share a good heart and the utmost care for others before himself. He was helping Lucia because she had absolutely no one and had certainly put his life in danger by staying between Lucia and Leo.
Leo, what did you get yourself involved in this time?
What did I?
Mauri had thought that she would be awake for hours worrying about this god of destruction, betraying her brother, and what it all meant with the plague from three years ago, but she had forgotten how tiring healing was. She was asleep under Bronn's Zulan quilt within a minute.