Post by Solana on Mar 16, 2024 15:59:55 GMT -5
Chapter Two- The Hands of the Goddess
My dearest Ronfar, how I miss you. Since the Goddess needed us in different shrines, I am serving as well as I may. But it is cold here, and I try to warm myself by remembering lying in your arms...
Mauri blew on her fingers for warmth, hoping that her ink bottle wouldn't freeze again. Yes, she had grown up in mountains, but Raculi didn't get nearly as cold as it did here. She threw on her knitted shawl, tucked it in well, and continued her letter.
The cold brings all manner of sickness, and the locals tell me this is one of the coldest winters they've ever known. Nothing supernatural, just bad fortune. At least they had a good harvest and know well how to thrive in such weather. I have learned a lot of new natural remedies to aid my recovery magic. When we are together again, I'll share them with you.
There is an amazing phenomenon to be seen this far North. Occasionally at night, the heavens will be painted in colored light! They're known as 'the Goddess' brushstrokes', but no one is quite sure what causes them. I have seen green, red, and purple light in the night. If you are ever able to come up and visit me, I've dreamed of watching it with you.
You mentioned rumors of illness in our little Raculi- please let me know what you find out. As far as I am, I have heard naught and can do naught but pray, but pray I shall.
Be safe and well, my love. Althena has us both in hand, and my heart with yours, I remain
Your loving Mauri.
It was a good thing that she had finished her letter when she had- there were ice crystals forming in her inkwell already. She dabbed a drop of her favorite violet perfume (a birthday gift from Ronfar) on the letter and tucked it into an envelope, which she then sealed with a kiss.
Mauri glanced around the small room that she had been appointed as she searched for her heavy winter cloak. As there was no shrine located in the city of Zulan ('yet', as the Chosen kept repeating) she had been given a guest room in the mayor's house. It was cold, but no colder than any other house she had been to yet.
The mayor was a kind man, obviously honored to be hosting a new priestess and grateful for her work with the ill. While firewood was currently being rationed, there was a thick pile of fluffy blankets several inches high on the bed.
Ah, there was her cloak. She had hung it near the small fireplace to dry last night after being called to deal with a patient's severe cough. Even better, it was dry. Mauri wrapped herself up warmly in layers and left the house to bring her letter to the general store.
An icy wind filled with tiny crystals greeted her as she opened the door. Mauri tried to balance moving quickly with sure footing, but it wasn't long before the tips of her ears were starting to hurt.
Most of the time she appreciated the more sensitive hearing and sense of direction having a beastwoman's ears granted her, but they were difficult to keep completely wrapped in the cold. The flesh around the base of her small horn ached when she was out too long in the winter, too.
Still, if the weather left much to be desired here, the warmth of the peoples' hearts made up for it. On her very first day she had strangers introducing themselves and advising her how best to layer her clothes, how to walk like a duck to avoid sliding on the ice, to use lukewarm water to warm frostbitten skin, and to use a fluffy thermal blanket in the bottom layer of a pile of blankets for maximum toasty goodness.
Grateful or not, Mauri found herself hurrying when the warm candlelight from the general store came into view, the promise of warmth more enticing than a siren's song.
Wuta's store tended to be a favored gathering place in Zulan. Her husband, Api, was a trader who brought her merchandise from other cities and carried Zulan's specialties far and wide. (Luckily for Mauri, delivering letters was included on his travels.) Their daughter, Mota, was one of her latest patients. A nasty cough and fever had finally subsided to her spells the previous afternoon.
Mauri pushed the heavy wooden door into the shop, taking a grateful breath of warm air. "Good morning, Wuta. Is Api going to-" she began, then noticed that the couple was standing by the counter. Api was just shrugging his overcoat on with a frown, while Wuta's lips were pressed tightly together.
Api looked up at Mauri, and a warm glow of relief appeared in his eyes. "Mauri, thank the Goddess, I was just coming to get you."
Mauri's quick healer's glance at the couple noted no signs of illness, so- "Is it Mota again? Is she all right?"
Wuta shook her head. Dark circles of exhaustion framed her eyes, their usual sparkle gone. "Even worse than yesterday, lady. After midnight her fever came right back, and just now she's having chest pain, too."
"What? But I cleared out everything!" Mauri protested, then shook her head. "Never mind, let's go see her. Api, can you get Leyla while I begin?"
"Leyla was staying with her while I was going to fetch you. She came in to replenish her herbs," Wuta explained.
"Good, that will save time." Mauri quickly removed most of her layers of winter gear and tied back her long pale blue hair. Wuta flipped her front sign to 'closed' before leading the priestess upstairs to the family's living quarters.
Mota's room was across the hall from her parents'. It was by far the warmest room in the building. Mauri suspected that the parents were going without some of their rationed firewood in their own room to help their daughter be more comfortable.
As Mauri crossed the doorway, she felt a familiar phantom sensation of fire in her body that signaled a patient's fever. The blast of burning acidic pain in her chest was new. Was that pneumonia trying to sink its hooks into the little girl's lungs?
Not while I can do something about it.
As promised, the young herbalist apprentice that Mauri had been working with and teaching was at Mota's bedside. She was in her late teens and had studied with her grandmother until the elder had passed on. The girl had a literal nose for herbs and had been a big help with smaller cases while Mauri worked on the larger ones.
Leyla got to her feet quickly. "Lady Mauri, thank the Goddess! Mota is even worse than she was last night!"
Mauri had been trying to get Leyla to stop calling her 'Lady' Mauri but had had no success yet. Today she ignored it, coming to her patient's bedside. "What have you seen so far?" she asked calmly.
"Mota's fever is higher than it was last night. The cough has returned and she's been complaining that the coughing is hurting her chest," Leyla recited.
As if to prove Leyla's observations correct, Mota began hacking. Mauri helped her to sit up in her bed and reached for the glass of water sitting on her night table. The little girl clutched her chest and whimpered when the coughing fit had ended. "Hurts... it hurts, Miss Ma'ri," she moaned.
"Take a few sips of this, sweet," Mauri said as she carefully brought the cup to the girl's lips. She began drinking obediently. Mauri glanced back at Leyla. "Has she been given anything yet?"
"I tried the tincture again, but she coughed and vomited it up. She needs you," Leyla answered.
"She needs us and the Goddess," Mauri corrected her, then tapped her chin for a moment. "Leyla, I want you to go make one of your elixirs. Half immune boosting, half clearing the lungs, and run it through an ice slurry."
"On it!" Leyla answered and dashed out of the room.
"What shall I do, lady?" Wuta asked quietly.
Mauri took her hands. "I want you to pray with me. Having another person can boost the power raised, even if they're not a priestess."
Wuta brightened. "Truly?"
"Yes, especially from a family member. Keep your heart open and your mind on Mota as the healthy little girl she will soon be," Mauri instructed.
Wuta nodded enthusiastically and closed her eyes. Mota relaxed a bit more, too, which was one of the reasons she suspected that the prayers of a family member helped increase the effectiveness of her recovery magic.
Mauri looked up at the small painting of Althena hanging over Mota's bed, made by the little girl herself. The type of image of the goddess never seemed to matter, only the faith that was accredited to it. "Goddess Althena, holy Mother, illness is trying to take hold of one of your youngest children again. I beg of you, release its hold on her once and for all!"
Sparkling white and gold light wrapped around Mota. Yes, Wuta's prayers had definitely summoned more power than Mauri had expected. The power of a loved one's prayers was a magic all its own.
The light soothed the little girl, and Mauri felt the fever subsiding. She sent more into her lungs, burning out the start of pneumonia into nothingness. The last of it cleared out the girl's breathing.
It was done. Mota's eyes were clear, and there was a line of sweat by her hairline as the fever broke. She breathed in slowly, cautious of any pain, then took a deep clear breath. Her face broke into a huge smile. "It's gone, Miss Ma'ri! The pain and cough are all gone!"
Wuta had tears of joy in her eyes. She hugged her little girl tightly, then gave her a kiss on the head. Then she turned to Mauri and hugged the priestess tightly. "Bless you, Mauri. May the Goddess bless you always for this."
Leyla came in carrying a mug of the requested healing draught. She smiled in relief seeing Mota's condition as she handed the little girl the mug. "Now drink that all up like a good girl," the teenager said seriously. Mota nodded and began gulping.
"That should help rehydrate her body and finish the healing," Mauri explained, patting Mota's head fondly.
Leyla coughed, and both women turned to her. "Leyla...?" Mauri began questioningly.
"You have more patients, my lady. Eldur's cough is worse than it was last night, and Aile is burning up again. There are also two new patients, Dolla's young daughters," Leyla explained.
Mauri groaned internally. Eldur and Aile were both very advanced in their years and healing them had been far from easy. While she hadn't met Dolla's girls yet, she had met Dolla herself and knew that her twins were not even a year old. "What about Bronn?" she asked, naming her other patient from the previous day.
Leyla shook her head. "Fit and fine. He's making up for the ale he missed drinking the past two days."
Mauri glanced down at her busy hands so that nobody could see her roll her eyes. She'd have to lecture Bronn about that later, when her other patients were safe. "Can you help me, Leyla?" she asked instead.
"Yes, let's go!" Leyla answered.
The two bundled up in their warm gear in the main room of the shop. Api suddenly slapped the side of his head and reached in a box to pull out an envelope. "A letter for you, milady. From Zaback," he explained, handing it over.
Mauri's heart sang with joy, but even the cherished words of her beloved had to wait. She thanked Api, stuffed Ronfar's letter into her coat pocket, and followed Leyla out into the cold.
With Dolla's twins being so young, Mauri started there. They were both miserable, crying and sniffling in turns. Dolla was near tears herself, obviously exhausted. Her husband Voron had been out with a wood cutting crew for the past two days.
Mauri knew that unlike Wuta, Dolla had no energy to add to a healing. She advised Leyla to go make Dolla one of her energizing teas in the kitchen while she did her healing. Dolla had weakly protested, but Leyla's gentle hand had been all that was needed to lead her away. It had taken a little more energy than with Mota to handle twins, but the illness was wiped away easily enough.
Eldur's cough had advanced to the point where he was coughing up blood and tearing up in pain. Pnuemonia was already sinking its hooks in his lungs, but after an intense battle it was ripped out and the man's body restored.
Aile's fever was dangerously high. Her son had been making cold compresses from the snow and trying to coax her to sip iced tea. Mauri was starting to feel a little dizzy after reversing her illness, but she hoped that Leyla hadn't noticed.
Leyla didn't, because she said nothing when it was discovered that there were four new cases. One case was light enough that an herbal infusion was sufficient to beat it, which had Leyla holding her head a bit higher.
The other three needed magic. Mauri was seeing sparkles in her vision when closing her eyes during her prayers in the second case, which was a warning sign of overdoing it. She ignored it and pushed through for a successful healing.
Mauri's head was spinning after dragging a young mother back to health, but she should be fine after some rest. That had been the last case, after all.
She reached in her pocket for Ronfar's letter, then realized that she had forgotten to give Api her own to deliver. Mauri's body was crying out for her bed, but her heart was crying out for her words to be sent to Ronfar. Gritting her teeth, she slid her feet back in her boots and replaced her cloak.
Even with the ice and walking like a duck, it felt a much longer walk to Wuta's store than it had this morning.
This morning?
She hadn't even stopped to eat yet- no wonder she was lightheaded. Maybe she could buy a snack in Wuta's shop.
Finally, there was the familiar light. Mauri's vision was a little gray, so she shook her head to clear it. Bad idea- pinpricks of pain danced over her skull. She had overdone it and was about to pay the price.
There- it took some more effort, but she managed to push open the heavy door. Tears ran down her cheeks from the relief of the warmth.
Api and Wuta were cuddling behind the counter. For some reason, this made the tears come down harder. They looked up in confusion at Mauri's entrance, then were shocked at her state. "Miss Mauri, you don't look well! Why don't you come lie down a bit?" Wuta suggested.
"Yes... I think I should..." Mauri agreed slowly. Her last memory before fainting was Api lunging forward to catch her.
Warmth- true, delightful warmth was the first thing she could sense after waking. She wasn't in her bed in the mayor's home- everything felt wrong. Where was she?
Mauri opened her eyes to see that she was in a kind of blanket nest in Mota's room, near the fireplace. The little girl was in her bed, but sitting on top instead of under the blankets. She squealed with delight on seeing Mauri's eyes open. "Mom! Mom! Miss Ma'ri is awake!"
Wuta dashed into the room, relief etched in her face when confirming it for herself. "Thank the Goddess! You gave us quite a fright, young lady."
Mauri nodded sheepishly, amused at going from being an honored priestess after healing Mota to 'young lady', but she deserved it. Althena knew that she had pushed her boundaries often enough as a healer priestess in training.
Wuta tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Do you need one of Leyla's elixirs? Some herbal tea? Perhaps some supper as a thank-"
Mauri's belly gave a loud gargling grumble, causing her embarrassment to triple.
Wuta grinned and shook her head. "Supper it is. I have a pot of my mother's healing stew on the stove. If you would like to rest and read your letter, I will bring your dinner when it's ready."
"Can I help you, Mommy?" Mota asked hopefully. She smiled at Mauri. "Miss Ma'ri made me all better!"
Wuta nodded and took her little girl's hand. "Yes, my dear. We can let Mauri rest now after working so hard this morning." Wuta's hand closed tightly around Mota's for a second, and she mouthed "thank you" to Mauri before closing the door behind her.
Truthfully, Mauri was grateful for a bit of extra rest. Following Wuta's suggestion, she pulled Ronfar's letter out of her pocket. His fingers had brushed this same paper as he wrote and then folded it up.
Was that a hint of his cologne? Inhaling deeply, a smile crossed her face. Yes, there was a drop of it in the corner.
A stab of longing went through her, but Mauri tried to ignore it as she read her beloved's latest words to her.
My sweet sugarplum,
I've been pulled from Zaback to go to Raculi instead. You remember I told you about the stories of illness? They weren't exaggerating- it's bad. Seven people caught this disease and all seven died while I was on my way.
I've already written to Balse and the higher ups in Pentagulia. There are so many more cases- it seems like almost every house has one family member ill.
I haven't been able to do a damn thing besides giving comfort. This disease has been claiming lives like a hungry beast and is shaking off every recovery spell that I can think of.
Mauri sucked in a breath. Perhaps she should make her way south-
Please, please stay in Zulan, my love. Althena knows how much I miss you, how I long to hold you again, but my one strength in helping here is knowing that you and Leo are far off from this mess. I've already been warned that if you choose to come, you WILL be cited for disobedience.
Cited for disobedience? Mauri could handle that-
So will I, and Leo dishonorably discharged from the Corps, so please don't get any ideas.
She sighed. Her love knew her too well.
Please keep me and our people in your prayers, love. I keep your dice on me at all times, praying that their luck and yours will help me beat this.
By the grace of Althena,
your dear Ronfar
Mauri kissed the letter sweetly before putting it away, hoping that somehow Ronfar could still feel it, that a part of her was with him through this.
"Mauri! The stew is ready if you'd like to join us!" Wuta's voice echoed through the hallway.
With a sigh, Mauri got to her feet and made her way to the kitchen. Ronfar was needed in Raculi and she was still needed here. Could she sentence the people here to suffering so that she could run off to Raculi? Were the lives here worth less than those in her hometown?
No, she couldn't leave yet.
Wuta smiled to see Mauri up on her feet again, while Mota was beaming. Mauri felt a flash of professional pride that there was no trace of the girl having been so sick.
Api came in with a jug of drinking water and four cups. He, too, was delighted to see Mauri had recovered. "You gave us a good scare, but some rest seems to have done you some good." He winked at his wife. "And my wife's cooking will do even more."
Wuta blushed but didn't deny his claims. A faint hint of jealousy at being separated from her love hit Mauri's heart, but she ignored it. She had vows to keep and keep them she would.
Api's claims were no idle boasts. The stew smelled wonderful, a mix of wild game from the mountains and root vegetables and dried herbs from the past harvest. While Mauri had no complaints about her meals in the mayor's house, this smelled even better. Her stomach growled again, and Wuta laughed and dished her up the first bowl.
Mauri picked up her spoon and ladled some stew on it, blew on it, and tried it.
Two sensations hit her simultaneously-
Wonderful!
Danger!
She spit it out.
"Mauri?!" Wuta asked in concern, in the middle of filling a bowl for her daughter.
"It's not nice to waste food," Mota said primly, but looked confused. She reached with her spoon to her bowl.
"No! Nobody eat anything!" Mauri commanded sharply, in the trained tones of a priestess in charge. Mota dropped her spoon instantly.
Before the family could question her, Mauri dropped her head and started chanting. "Mother Althena, Goddess of us all, danger lies close to us, your children. May your divine light and love purify this danger now!"
Light poured forth from Mauri as she finished the words of the Clean Litany. The light shot into the pot of stew, the filled bowls.... and the water jug and glasses.
"What on Lunar?!" Api gasped as he instinctively pushed Mota's bowl and glass out of her reach.
Mauri stared in shock at the jug and glasses, then narrowed her eyes. HERE was the answer! "Wuta, did the water for your stew and the drinking water come from the same source?"
"Yes..." Wuta answered in a daze. "We finished building a flume to bring water in from the spring."
"What spring?!" Mauri asked sharply.
"The clearwater spring that runs from the mountain," Api answered. "We've been using it for about three weeks now..." He paused as he came to the same realization that Mauri had. "The spring is contaminated, isn't it?"
"Probably yes, which is why people have been getting sick again. I heal them, but they drink the water or cook with it and it starts over," Mauri explained. "I have to examine this spring and see if I can purify it as well."
Api nodded. "I can bring you there. Wuta, Mota, if it is dangerous, can you go warn the townspeople and the mayor about the water?"
Mota was glancing at her bowl hungrily. "Is the stew safe now?"
Wuta looked at Mauri, who nodded. "Go ahead, sweetie. It's safe."
Api picked up his spoon. "We should do the same. Especially you, priestess- you'll need your strength for the spring."
Mauri hesitated, not wanting more people to get sick, but a few minutes wouldn't hurt. She DID need to get her energy up, especially working in the cold.
Besides, that first bite had been wonderful.
The wind had picked up while Mauri had rested, causing the temperature to drop. Long shadows danced from the mountains as another early evening came on. Mauri shivered even in her warm layers, but was grateful for a full belly of warm stew.
Api led Mauri to the wooden flume system that brought water into Zulan proper from the flowing spring. Mauri was impressed- her neighbors back home in Raculi had been excellent builders, but she had never seen anything like this before.
"This is why we've been short on wood rations," Api explained, pointing to the structure. "The pool under that waterfall is fed by a hot spring. Since we're able to get water already heated, it's been an investment in wood and much safer in the wintertime."
"Where does the flume lead?" Mauri asked curiously.
"This way." Api lowered his head as a gust of wind picked up frozen crystals from the structure to blow into their faces. Mauri brushed off the scarf wrapped around most of her face and kept following.
Up ahead was a structure that was smaller than a house but not shaped like a typical storage shed. Overhead, the flume ran INTO the actual building. Mauri shot a questioning glance at Api.
"Our water shed. It prevents the water from freezing in the outdoors or us spilling it in the wind," Api explained. He opened one door and bowed her in. "After you."
The small water shed was very warm and humid. Mauri peeled off one of her scarves, luxuriating in the feeling of thawing out as she approached the water.
They weren't the first ones in here. Aile's son Tan had a yoke on his shoulders that had two buckets hanging from it. He nodded to Api and grinned broadly at Mauri. "Good evening. Ma wanted some tea for the first time in days, thanks to you. You're both welcome to join us."
Mauri put out a hand to stop him. "Wait, please. Is this your first trip here today?"
Tan nodded, obviously puzzled.
"The water may be tainted, lad. Give our lady a moment to see if it's true," Api explained. Tan gasped and set down his yoke hurriedly.
Mauri got into position, staring at the large barrel under the flume. Yes, there was a faint hint of wrongness in the steaming water that sloshed around in it.
"Shall I open the flume?" Api offered.
Mauri shook her head. "Not yet. I'm going to try the same spell and see what happens." Bowing her head, she quickly chanted the words to the Clean Litany.
Light flashed over the barrel, the flume, and Tan's buckets. He yelped and jumped away, then glanced back at them suspiciously.
Mauri nodded for Api to open the flume and let about a gallon of water through before she tried the spell again. More light danced from the water as Althena's power carried away any hint of taint or disease.
Mauri's shoulders slumped. This was going to be a much bigger job than she had anticipated. "Api, where are the headwaters of this spring?"
"Up in the mountains," Api replied, as Mauri hid a groan. She, Leo, and Ronfar had spent a lot of time training their weapons skills in the mountains of Raculi when younger, and she had an appreciation for how dangerous such treks could be. Add the biting cold and winds of a Zulan winter....
Api smiled kindly, recognizing Mauri's fatigue and apprehension. "I think we should go visit the mayor, lady. Let him know, let the word be passed, and let a plan be made. Certainly you've fulfilled all we could have asked-"
Mauri shook her head. "No, I'm the only healer priestess in Zulan. You still need me to clear the source of the taint in the water, or more people will get sick."
Api patted Mauri's shoulder in thanks. "Althena's lucky to have ones like you to speak for her. I'd heard so many of the Chosen focused more on their fancy robes and demanding offerings, but you actually care about people."
Mauri blushed, unsure of how to respond to the compliment or to the insult to the clergy she belonged to.
Tan was the one who broke the silence. "This water is good now, right?" Mauri nodded, so Tan passed one bucket to Api. "For the mayor. You'll want some nice warm tea after this and for your meeting. One bucket is enough for us for now."
Api accepted it with thanks. "Let's go see the mayor. He'll need time to call everyone together for a meeting, so plenty of time to get more rest until that happens."
My dearest Ronfar, how I miss you. Since the Goddess needed us in different shrines, I am serving as well as I may. But it is cold here, and I try to warm myself by remembering lying in your arms...
Mauri blew on her fingers for warmth, hoping that her ink bottle wouldn't freeze again. Yes, she had grown up in mountains, but Raculi didn't get nearly as cold as it did here. She threw on her knitted shawl, tucked it in well, and continued her letter.
The cold brings all manner of sickness, and the locals tell me this is one of the coldest winters they've ever known. Nothing supernatural, just bad fortune. At least they had a good harvest and know well how to thrive in such weather. I have learned a lot of new natural remedies to aid my recovery magic. When we are together again, I'll share them with you.
There is an amazing phenomenon to be seen this far North. Occasionally at night, the heavens will be painted in colored light! They're known as 'the Goddess' brushstrokes', but no one is quite sure what causes them. I have seen green, red, and purple light in the night. If you are ever able to come up and visit me, I've dreamed of watching it with you.
You mentioned rumors of illness in our little Raculi- please let me know what you find out. As far as I am, I have heard naught and can do naught but pray, but pray I shall.
Be safe and well, my love. Althena has us both in hand, and my heart with yours, I remain
Your loving Mauri.
It was a good thing that she had finished her letter when she had- there were ice crystals forming in her inkwell already. She dabbed a drop of her favorite violet perfume (a birthday gift from Ronfar) on the letter and tucked it into an envelope, which she then sealed with a kiss.
Mauri glanced around the small room that she had been appointed as she searched for her heavy winter cloak. As there was no shrine located in the city of Zulan ('yet', as the Chosen kept repeating) she had been given a guest room in the mayor's house. It was cold, but no colder than any other house she had been to yet.
The mayor was a kind man, obviously honored to be hosting a new priestess and grateful for her work with the ill. While firewood was currently being rationed, there was a thick pile of fluffy blankets several inches high on the bed.
Ah, there was her cloak. She had hung it near the small fireplace to dry last night after being called to deal with a patient's severe cough. Even better, it was dry. Mauri wrapped herself up warmly in layers and left the house to bring her letter to the general store.
An icy wind filled with tiny crystals greeted her as she opened the door. Mauri tried to balance moving quickly with sure footing, but it wasn't long before the tips of her ears were starting to hurt.
Most of the time she appreciated the more sensitive hearing and sense of direction having a beastwoman's ears granted her, but they were difficult to keep completely wrapped in the cold. The flesh around the base of her small horn ached when she was out too long in the winter, too.
Still, if the weather left much to be desired here, the warmth of the peoples' hearts made up for it. On her very first day she had strangers introducing themselves and advising her how best to layer her clothes, how to walk like a duck to avoid sliding on the ice, to use lukewarm water to warm frostbitten skin, and to use a fluffy thermal blanket in the bottom layer of a pile of blankets for maximum toasty goodness.
Grateful or not, Mauri found herself hurrying when the warm candlelight from the general store came into view, the promise of warmth more enticing than a siren's song.
Wuta's store tended to be a favored gathering place in Zulan. Her husband, Api, was a trader who brought her merchandise from other cities and carried Zulan's specialties far and wide. (Luckily for Mauri, delivering letters was included on his travels.) Their daughter, Mota, was one of her latest patients. A nasty cough and fever had finally subsided to her spells the previous afternoon.
Mauri pushed the heavy wooden door into the shop, taking a grateful breath of warm air. "Good morning, Wuta. Is Api going to-" she began, then noticed that the couple was standing by the counter. Api was just shrugging his overcoat on with a frown, while Wuta's lips were pressed tightly together.
Api looked up at Mauri, and a warm glow of relief appeared in his eyes. "Mauri, thank the Goddess, I was just coming to get you."
Mauri's quick healer's glance at the couple noted no signs of illness, so- "Is it Mota again? Is she all right?"
Wuta shook her head. Dark circles of exhaustion framed her eyes, their usual sparkle gone. "Even worse than yesterday, lady. After midnight her fever came right back, and just now she's having chest pain, too."
"What? But I cleared out everything!" Mauri protested, then shook her head. "Never mind, let's go see her. Api, can you get Leyla while I begin?"
"Leyla was staying with her while I was going to fetch you. She came in to replenish her herbs," Wuta explained.
"Good, that will save time." Mauri quickly removed most of her layers of winter gear and tied back her long pale blue hair. Wuta flipped her front sign to 'closed' before leading the priestess upstairs to the family's living quarters.
Mota's room was across the hall from her parents'. It was by far the warmest room in the building. Mauri suspected that the parents were going without some of their rationed firewood in their own room to help their daughter be more comfortable.
As Mauri crossed the doorway, she felt a familiar phantom sensation of fire in her body that signaled a patient's fever. The blast of burning acidic pain in her chest was new. Was that pneumonia trying to sink its hooks into the little girl's lungs?
Not while I can do something about it.
As promised, the young herbalist apprentice that Mauri had been working with and teaching was at Mota's bedside. She was in her late teens and had studied with her grandmother until the elder had passed on. The girl had a literal nose for herbs and had been a big help with smaller cases while Mauri worked on the larger ones.
Leyla got to her feet quickly. "Lady Mauri, thank the Goddess! Mota is even worse than she was last night!"
Mauri had been trying to get Leyla to stop calling her 'Lady' Mauri but had had no success yet. Today she ignored it, coming to her patient's bedside. "What have you seen so far?" she asked calmly.
"Mota's fever is higher than it was last night. The cough has returned and she's been complaining that the coughing is hurting her chest," Leyla recited.
As if to prove Leyla's observations correct, Mota began hacking. Mauri helped her to sit up in her bed and reached for the glass of water sitting on her night table. The little girl clutched her chest and whimpered when the coughing fit had ended. "Hurts... it hurts, Miss Ma'ri," she moaned.
"Take a few sips of this, sweet," Mauri said as she carefully brought the cup to the girl's lips. She began drinking obediently. Mauri glanced back at Leyla. "Has she been given anything yet?"
"I tried the tincture again, but she coughed and vomited it up. She needs you," Leyla answered.
"She needs us and the Goddess," Mauri corrected her, then tapped her chin for a moment. "Leyla, I want you to go make one of your elixirs. Half immune boosting, half clearing the lungs, and run it through an ice slurry."
"On it!" Leyla answered and dashed out of the room.
"What shall I do, lady?" Wuta asked quietly.
Mauri took her hands. "I want you to pray with me. Having another person can boost the power raised, even if they're not a priestess."
Wuta brightened. "Truly?"
"Yes, especially from a family member. Keep your heart open and your mind on Mota as the healthy little girl she will soon be," Mauri instructed.
Wuta nodded enthusiastically and closed her eyes. Mota relaxed a bit more, too, which was one of the reasons she suspected that the prayers of a family member helped increase the effectiveness of her recovery magic.
Mauri looked up at the small painting of Althena hanging over Mota's bed, made by the little girl herself. The type of image of the goddess never seemed to matter, only the faith that was accredited to it. "Goddess Althena, holy Mother, illness is trying to take hold of one of your youngest children again. I beg of you, release its hold on her once and for all!"
Sparkling white and gold light wrapped around Mota. Yes, Wuta's prayers had definitely summoned more power than Mauri had expected. The power of a loved one's prayers was a magic all its own.
The light soothed the little girl, and Mauri felt the fever subsiding. She sent more into her lungs, burning out the start of pneumonia into nothingness. The last of it cleared out the girl's breathing.
It was done. Mota's eyes were clear, and there was a line of sweat by her hairline as the fever broke. She breathed in slowly, cautious of any pain, then took a deep clear breath. Her face broke into a huge smile. "It's gone, Miss Ma'ri! The pain and cough are all gone!"
Wuta had tears of joy in her eyes. She hugged her little girl tightly, then gave her a kiss on the head. Then she turned to Mauri and hugged the priestess tightly. "Bless you, Mauri. May the Goddess bless you always for this."
Leyla came in carrying a mug of the requested healing draught. She smiled in relief seeing Mota's condition as she handed the little girl the mug. "Now drink that all up like a good girl," the teenager said seriously. Mota nodded and began gulping.
"That should help rehydrate her body and finish the healing," Mauri explained, patting Mota's head fondly.
Leyla coughed, and both women turned to her. "Leyla...?" Mauri began questioningly.
"You have more patients, my lady. Eldur's cough is worse than it was last night, and Aile is burning up again. There are also two new patients, Dolla's young daughters," Leyla explained.
Mauri groaned internally. Eldur and Aile were both very advanced in their years and healing them had been far from easy. While she hadn't met Dolla's girls yet, she had met Dolla herself and knew that her twins were not even a year old. "What about Bronn?" she asked, naming her other patient from the previous day.
Leyla shook her head. "Fit and fine. He's making up for the ale he missed drinking the past two days."
Mauri glanced down at her busy hands so that nobody could see her roll her eyes. She'd have to lecture Bronn about that later, when her other patients were safe. "Can you help me, Leyla?" she asked instead.
"Yes, let's go!" Leyla answered.
The two bundled up in their warm gear in the main room of the shop. Api suddenly slapped the side of his head and reached in a box to pull out an envelope. "A letter for you, milady. From Zaback," he explained, handing it over.
Mauri's heart sang with joy, but even the cherished words of her beloved had to wait. She thanked Api, stuffed Ronfar's letter into her coat pocket, and followed Leyla out into the cold.
With Dolla's twins being so young, Mauri started there. They were both miserable, crying and sniffling in turns. Dolla was near tears herself, obviously exhausted. Her husband Voron had been out with a wood cutting crew for the past two days.
Mauri knew that unlike Wuta, Dolla had no energy to add to a healing. She advised Leyla to go make Dolla one of her energizing teas in the kitchen while she did her healing. Dolla had weakly protested, but Leyla's gentle hand had been all that was needed to lead her away. It had taken a little more energy than with Mota to handle twins, but the illness was wiped away easily enough.
Eldur's cough had advanced to the point where he was coughing up blood and tearing up in pain. Pnuemonia was already sinking its hooks in his lungs, but after an intense battle it was ripped out and the man's body restored.
Aile's fever was dangerously high. Her son had been making cold compresses from the snow and trying to coax her to sip iced tea. Mauri was starting to feel a little dizzy after reversing her illness, but she hoped that Leyla hadn't noticed.
Leyla didn't, because she said nothing when it was discovered that there were four new cases. One case was light enough that an herbal infusion was sufficient to beat it, which had Leyla holding her head a bit higher.
The other three needed magic. Mauri was seeing sparkles in her vision when closing her eyes during her prayers in the second case, which was a warning sign of overdoing it. She ignored it and pushed through for a successful healing.
Mauri's head was spinning after dragging a young mother back to health, but she should be fine after some rest. That had been the last case, after all.
She reached in her pocket for Ronfar's letter, then realized that she had forgotten to give Api her own to deliver. Mauri's body was crying out for her bed, but her heart was crying out for her words to be sent to Ronfar. Gritting her teeth, she slid her feet back in her boots and replaced her cloak.
Even with the ice and walking like a duck, it felt a much longer walk to Wuta's store than it had this morning.
This morning?
She hadn't even stopped to eat yet- no wonder she was lightheaded. Maybe she could buy a snack in Wuta's shop.
Finally, there was the familiar light. Mauri's vision was a little gray, so she shook her head to clear it. Bad idea- pinpricks of pain danced over her skull. She had overdone it and was about to pay the price.
There- it took some more effort, but she managed to push open the heavy door. Tears ran down her cheeks from the relief of the warmth.
Api and Wuta were cuddling behind the counter. For some reason, this made the tears come down harder. They looked up in confusion at Mauri's entrance, then were shocked at her state. "Miss Mauri, you don't look well! Why don't you come lie down a bit?" Wuta suggested.
"Yes... I think I should..." Mauri agreed slowly. Her last memory before fainting was Api lunging forward to catch her.
Warmth- true, delightful warmth was the first thing she could sense after waking. She wasn't in her bed in the mayor's home- everything felt wrong. Where was she?
Mauri opened her eyes to see that she was in a kind of blanket nest in Mota's room, near the fireplace. The little girl was in her bed, but sitting on top instead of under the blankets. She squealed with delight on seeing Mauri's eyes open. "Mom! Mom! Miss Ma'ri is awake!"
Wuta dashed into the room, relief etched in her face when confirming it for herself. "Thank the Goddess! You gave us quite a fright, young lady."
Mauri nodded sheepishly, amused at going from being an honored priestess after healing Mota to 'young lady', but she deserved it. Althena knew that she had pushed her boundaries often enough as a healer priestess in training.
Wuta tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Do you need one of Leyla's elixirs? Some herbal tea? Perhaps some supper as a thank-"
Mauri's belly gave a loud gargling grumble, causing her embarrassment to triple.
Wuta grinned and shook her head. "Supper it is. I have a pot of my mother's healing stew on the stove. If you would like to rest and read your letter, I will bring your dinner when it's ready."
"Can I help you, Mommy?" Mota asked hopefully. She smiled at Mauri. "Miss Ma'ri made me all better!"
Wuta nodded and took her little girl's hand. "Yes, my dear. We can let Mauri rest now after working so hard this morning." Wuta's hand closed tightly around Mota's for a second, and she mouthed "thank you" to Mauri before closing the door behind her.
Truthfully, Mauri was grateful for a bit of extra rest. Following Wuta's suggestion, she pulled Ronfar's letter out of her pocket. His fingers had brushed this same paper as he wrote and then folded it up.
Was that a hint of his cologne? Inhaling deeply, a smile crossed her face. Yes, there was a drop of it in the corner.
A stab of longing went through her, but Mauri tried to ignore it as she read her beloved's latest words to her.
My sweet sugarplum,
I've been pulled from Zaback to go to Raculi instead. You remember I told you about the stories of illness? They weren't exaggerating- it's bad. Seven people caught this disease and all seven died while I was on my way.
I've already written to Balse and the higher ups in Pentagulia. There are so many more cases- it seems like almost every house has one family member ill.
I haven't been able to do a damn thing besides giving comfort. This disease has been claiming lives like a hungry beast and is shaking off every recovery spell that I can think of.
Mauri sucked in a breath. Perhaps she should make her way south-
Please, please stay in Zulan, my love. Althena knows how much I miss you, how I long to hold you again, but my one strength in helping here is knowing that you and Leo are far off from this mess. I've already been warned that if you choose to come, you WILL be cited for disobedience.
Cited for disobedience? Mauri could handle that-
So will I, and Leo dishonorably discharged from the Corps, so please don't get any ideas.
She sighed. Her love knew her too well.
Please keep me and our people in your prayers, love. I keep your dice on me at all times, praying that their luck and yours will help me beat this.
By the grace of Althena,
your dear Ronfar
Mauri kissed the letter sweetly before putting it away, hoping that somehow Ronfar could still feel it, that a part of her was with him through this.
"Mauri! The stew is ready if you'd like to join us!" Wuta's voice echoed through the hallway.
With a sigh, Mauri got to her feet and made her way to the kitchen. Ronfar was needed in Raculi and she was still needed here. Could she sentence the people here to suffering so that she could run off to Raculi? Were the lives here worth less than those in her hometown?
No, she couldn't leave yet.
Wuta smiled to see Mauri up on her feet again, while Mota was beaming. Mauri felt a flash of professional pride that there was no trace of the girl having been so sick.
Api came in with a jug of drinking water and four cups. He, too, was delighted to see Mauri had recovered. "You gave us a good scare, but some rest seems to have done you some good." He winked at his wife. "And my wife's cooking will do even more."
Wuta blushed but didn't deny his claims. A faint hint of jealousy at being separated from her love hit Mauri's heart, but she ignored it. She had vows to keep and keep them she would.
Api's claims were no idle boasts. The stew smelled wonderful, a mix of wild game from the mountains and root vegetables and dried herbs from the past harvest. While Mauri had no complaints about her meals in the mayor's house, this smelled even better. Her stomach growled again, and Wuta laughed and dished her up the first bowl.
Mauri picked up her spoon and ladled some stew on it, blew on it, and tried it.
Two sensations hit her simultaneously-
Wonderful!
Danger!
She spit it out.
"Mauri?!" Wuta asked in concern, in the middle of filling a bowl for her daughter.
"It's not nice to waste food," Mota said primly, but looked confused. She reached with her spoon to her bowl.
"No! Nobody eat anything!" Mauri commanded sharply, in the trained tones of a priestess in charge. Mota dropped her spoon instantly.
Before the family could question her, Mauri dropped her head and started chanting. "Mother Althena, Goddess of us all, danger lies close to us, your children. May your divine light and love purify this danger now!"
Light poured forth from Mauri as she finished the words of the Clean Litany. The light shot into the pot of stew, the filled bowls.... and the water jug and glasses.
"What on Lunar?!" Api gasped as he instinctively pushed Mota's bowl and glass out of her reach.
Mauri stared in shock at the jug and glasses, then narrowed her eyes. HERE was the answer! "Wuta, did the water for your stew and the drinking water come from the same source?"
"Yes..." Wuta answered in a daze. "We finished building a flume to bring water in from the spring."
"What spring?!" Mauri asked sharply.
"The clearwater spring that runs from the mountain," Api answered. "We've been using it for about three weeks now..." He paused as he came to the same realization that Mauri had. "The spring is contaminated, isn't it?"
"Probably yes, which is why people have been getting sick again. I heal them, but they drink the water or cook with it and it starts over," Mauri explained. "I have to examine this spring and see if I can purify it as well."
Api nodded. "I can bring you there. Wuta, Mota, if it is dangerous, can you go warn the townspeople and the mayor about the water?"
Mota was glancing at her bowl hungrily. "Is the stew safe now?"
Wuta looked at Mauri, who nodded. "Go ahead, sweetie. It's safe."
Api picked up his spoon. "We should do the same. Especially you, priestess- you'll need your strength for the spring."
Mauri hesitated, not wanting more people to get sick, but a few minutes wouldn't hurt. She DID need to get her energy up, especially working in the cold.
Besides, that first bite had been wonderful.
The wind had picked up while Mauri had rested, causing the temperature to drop. Long shadows danced from the mountains as another early evening came on. Mauri shivered even in her warm layers, but was grateful for a full belly of warm stew.
Api led Mauri to the wooden flume system that brought water into Zulan proper from the flowing spring. Mauri was impressed- her neighbors back home in Raculi had been excellent builders, but she had never seen anything like this before.
"This is why we've been short on wood rations," Api explained, pointing to the structure. "The pool under that waterfall is fed by a hot spring. Since we're able to get water already heated, it's been an investment in wood and much safer in the wintertime."
"Where does the flume lead?" Mauri asked curiously.
"This way." Api lowered his head as a gust of wind picked up frozen crystals from the structure to blow into their faces. Mauri brushed off the scarf wrapped around most of her face and kept following.
Up ahead was a structure that was smaller than a house but not shaped like a typical storage shed. Overhead, the flume ran INTO the actual building. Mauri shot a questioning glance at Api.
"Our water shed. It prevents the water from freezing in the outdoors or us spilling it in the wind," Api explained. He opened one door and bowed her in. "After you."
The small water shed was very warm and humid. Mauri peeled off one of her scarves, luxuriating in the feeling of thawing out as she approached the water.
They weren't the first ones in here. Aile's son Tan had a yoke on his shoulders that had two buckets hanging from it. He nodded to Api and grinned broadly at Mauri. "Good evening. Ma wanted some tea for the first time in days, thanks to you. You're both welcome to join us."
Mauri put out a hand to stop him. "Wait, please. Is this your first trip here today?"
Tan nodded, obviously puzzled.
"The water may be tainted, lad. Give our lady a moment to see if it's true," Api explained. Tan gasped and set down his yoke hurriedly.
Mauri got into position, staring at the large barrel under the flume. Yes, there was a faint hint of wrongness in the steaming water that sloshed around in it.
"Shall I open the flume?" Api offered.
Mauri shook her head. "Not yet. I'm going to try the same spell and see what happens." Bowing her head, she quickly chanted the words to the Clean Litany.
Light flashed over the barrel, the flume, and Tan's buckets. He yelped and jumped away, then glanced back at them suspiciously.
Mauri nodded for Api to open the flume and let about a gallon of water through before she tried the spell again. More light danced from the water as Althena's power carried away any hint of taint or disease.
Mauri's shoulders slumped. This was going to be a much bigger job than she had anticipated. "Api, where are the headwaters of this spring?"
"Up in the mountains," Api replied, as Mauri hid a groan. She, Leo, and Ronfar had spent a lot of time training their weapons skills in the mountains of Raculi when younger, and she had an appreciation for how dangerous such treks could be. Add the biting cold and winds of a Zulan winter....
Api smiled kindly, recognizing Mauri's fatigue and apprehension. "I think we should go visit the mayor, lady. Let him know, let the word be passed, and let a plan be made. Certainly you've fulfilled all we could have asked-"
Mauri shook her head. "No, I'm the only healer priestess in Zulan. You still need me to clear the source of the taint in the water, or more people will get sick."
Api patted Mauri's shoulder in thanks. "Althena's lucky to have ones like you to speak for her. I'd heard so many of the Chosen focused more on their fancy robes and demanding offerings, but you actually care about people."
Mauri blushed, unsure of how to respond to the compliment or to the insult to the clergy she belonged to.
Tan was the one who broke the silence. "This water is good now, right?" Mauri nodded, so Tan passed one bucket to Api. "For the mayor. You'll want some nice warm tea after this and for your meeting. One bucket is enough for us for now."
Api accepted it with thanks. "Let's go see the mayor. He'll need time to call everyone together for a meeting, so plenty of time to get more rest until that happens."