Post by Solana on Mar 22, 2024 15:27:03 GMT -5
Chapter Four- An Ill Wind
Mauri couldn't remember the last time she was up after the sun. She quickly threw on a robe and knelt in front of her small Althena statue to do her morning prayers, interjecting apologies all the while. Her stomach was still full from all of the treats from the previous evening, so at least she didn't miss breakfast.
After her prayers, ablutions, and getting dressed, she went into the main living area of the mayor's house... to see a line of patients. Bronn and Wuta were in the front, each nursing an injured limb and shooting poisonous looks at each other.
"What is all this? Did you get in a fight?" Mauri demanded, her hands on her hips. "Wuta, Bronn saved your life just yesterday!"
"And nearly took it again with that horseradish vodka of his!" Wuta spat.
Bronn groaned, one hand holding an ice pack on his head and the other cradling his knee. "That was a gift!" he snapped.
"They started a big fight after you left for the night, lady," Tan offered, holding a chunk of raw meat against a truly spectacular black eye.
"Oh, Althena protect us all," Mauri groaned. She had been foolish to think she'd have a day off from a healer's duties just because the water problem had been solved. People were people, and sometimes people did stupid things that kept healers busy.
"I'm here, too, lady!" Leyla called out, going around the line of patients to come join Mauri. She held her enormous box of herbs under one arm. "Don't worry, I didn't have any of the vodka."
"Then you're wiser than I, my girl," Mauri murmured. Leyla stared at her in shock, but Mauri ignored it and instead began triaging her patients in order of severity of wounds and who would be fine with some of Leyla's elixirs.
To no one's surprise, Wuta and Bronn had the worst of it- Wuta had a broken arm, no doubt partially due to her fall the previous day, while Bronn had a shattered kneecap. Mauri started with getting the knee put back together while asking Leyla to mix up some painkiller elixirs with comfrey.
After threatening to gag both of her patients if they didn't stop sniping at each other, Mauri got the damage healed. She passed the mage off to Leyla for his elixir and held Wuta's arm snugly in place for the healing. "Don't tell me that Mota got injured in this brawl," Mauri muttered crossly.
Wuta had the grace to look ashamed. "No, lady. Api was tired and took Mota home to get to bed early."
"Good." Her healing prayer was a little short, but it got the job done. Bronn had already vanished, so Mauri passed Wuta onto Leyla and went to see her next patient.
It was noon by the time she was done. Api had shown up to bring Mauri lunch as well as another letter from Ronfar. Wuta had been tucked into bed to rest her arm and think over her actions. He looked as cross as Mauri felt and apologized heartilly for his wife's antics.
"It's not your fault, Api. I appreciate the lunch," Mauri tried to assure him. The hash made with fried potatoes and venison sausage was really tasty and filling after her morning's work.
"It's the least I could do," Api grumbled, handing over the letter.
Mauri smiled at Ronfar's familiar writing on the envelope but paused. Something.... she had a very bad feeling about this letter. Why on Lunar would that be?
Her heart in her throat, she tore open the envelope and skimmed it quickly. She felt sick to her stomach, even worse than when she had tried the horseradish vodka.
Sugarplum, I must have already started and ripped up thirty letters. I won't dance around it- I've caught the plague going around Raculi.
"Sweet Goddess, no!" Mauri screamed. Api and Leyla stared at her in shock, but Mauri ignored them and kept reading.
I've sent letters to Balse and Pentagulia, but no one has come up with a way to cure this. This (there were a few waterspots that were likely tears) is probably it.
Do NOT come here- I won't take any chance of this spreading to you or to Leo. Please, as you love me, let me know that you'll be out of harm's way at least.
I'm not sorry for taking this path in life, even with this ending. I'm only sorry that I couldn't call you my wife in name but know that you always have been in my heart. I will live in on yours and will wait for you in the next world.
I'm glad that you and Leo will have each other. I know you'll be strong and will save many lives. And I'll be by your side every step of the way.
My love always,
Ronfar
Mauri burst into tears. How could this have happened? How could a plague have arrived that no priest could heal? How could Ronfar have caught it?
"Mauri?! What's wrong? Are you ill?" Api ran over when he saw her weeping.
"Not me..." Mauri gasped, staring at the letter. "My love.... oh, Goddess, a plague has hit Raculi... no one has been able to cure it..."
Api looked around the empty living area that had been filled with patients hours ago. "Seems you have some good luck with curing, my lady. Mayhap the Goddess will grant you another miracle."
Mauri paused. Api was right- everyone was fixed from last night's brawl and the water that had been contaminated.
Leyla looked up from her box of herbs. "I know you've been missing your love. I can wrap up things here."
Mauri thought it over. Leo's last note had said that he was serving as the deputy captain of the Destiny and was stationed in Nota. Maybe, just maybe, she could make it in time.
"Api, I'm going to pack- I have to catch my brother in Nota. Could I perhaps borrow a horse?" Mauri asked. "I can't pay much, but I can pay some-"
Api winked at her. "Now that my people are recovered, why, I'm going to take a load of merchandise down to Nota."
Mauri sighed in relief. "How much to bring me along?"
"Why would you need to pay when I could use an archer with your skill AND a healer in one?" Api countered.
Mauri was startled, then slowly smiled. "When do we leave?"
"First light. Eat, pack, and get a good night's rest. We're late for the fair and will need to make up lost time," Api replied, offering a hand.
Mauri shook it. "Thank you."
The next morning, there was a neatly wrapped package next to Mauri's trunk. A dirty scrap of parchment had a single word written on it, "Sorry."
When Mauri opened it, she gasped. The package held the most beautiful quilt she'd ever seen, a wintery wonderland of white, gray, pale blue, and silver thread showing the mountains of Zulan. The stitching was finer and more delicate than she'd ever seen.
Something was glinting under a fold of the quilt. Mauri flipped up the fold and groaned, seeing a large bottle of Bronn's horseradish vodka. Why on Lunar would she want that...?
Mauri shook her head as she tucked the quilt and bottle into her trunk and placed the blue hood over her head. Brawls and questionable vodka aside, she was going to miss the mage.
Leyla was waiting for Mauri in the mayor's living area, which was thankfully free of patients this morning. "I wanted to say thank you for everything, lady. You taught me so much about healing and taking care of the whole patient."
"Have you given any more thought to joining us as a healer priestess? The Goddess would welcome your skill," Mauri said hopefully.
Leyla shook her head. "Maybe sometime, but I'm still needed here. But I have a thank you present for all your teaching." She held out a large box.
Curious, Mauri opened it to find a copy of Leyla's own book of herbal medicine, as well as countless bags of seeds. "So you have backup in case you're low on magic and still need to heal," Leyla explained.
Mauri opened the book, recognizing Leyla's tidy handwriting. "Oh, my, did you transcribe this whole thing yourself?"
Leyla nodded. "I was making extra copies to sell for money for seeds. Don't worry, the growing instructions are in there, too."
Mauri smiled and gave Leyla a hug. "May the Goddess keep you and yours in the palm of her hand," she said sincerely, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Come see us when you have a chance. We'll miss you," Leyla replied, wiping away a few tears.
"Your grandmother would be so proud of you. I'll keep her and all of you in my prayers," Mauri promised, then smirked a bit. "Especially Bronn."
Leyla laughed. "Definitely for Bronn. Good luck in Raculi, lady."
Mauri sobered, remembering her next task, then nodded. The box was gently nestled in her trunk on top of Bronn's quilt before she made it outside of the mayor's house.
Wuta and Mota were talking to Api in the stables. Wuta was carrying a basket that faintly steamed, her arm fully healed from its injury. "I, ah, brought you a warm breakfast, my lady. As an apology."
Mauri accepted the basket and took a grateful sniff. Freshly baked rolls, still hot from the oven. There was also a flagon of the hot spiced coffee favored by the people here in the mornings, a treat that Mauri had grown to appreciate. The priestess smiled at the swordswoman. "Althena's blessings on you, Wuta. You're forgiven."
Mota had been a little shy, half hiding behind Wuta but peeking around to smile at Mauri. "Go ahead, dear," Wuta whispered, giving Mota a gentle nudge.
Mota cleared her throat and came up to Mauri, hiding something behind her back. "Thank you for saving me, Miss Mauri," she recited, then grinned. "Many times. I wanted to give you a present, something you'd like."
Mauri knelt down to Mota's level. "You didn't have to, but anything you'd pick for me I know I'll love."
Mota beamed and held out the picture of Althena that had graced her wall. "You and Leyla and the Goddess saved me, so I know she's always with us. I want you to have this now, in case you need it sometime."
Mauri was touched beyond words, and soon felt tears welling up. She reached out and hugged the little girl. "Mota, thank you. I promise I'll treasure it, and always think of you when I look at it."
"See, Mommy, I TOLD you she'd like it," Mota said proudly.
"You were right," Wuta admitted, then came to Api to kiss him goodbye. "Safe travels, love. I'll see you in a few days."
Api kissed his wife back, then scooped up Mota into a hug and kissed her head. "You be good for your mommy now, okay?"
"I will!" Mota promised. She went off giggling towards their house as Wuta waved before following her daughter.
Api got Mauri's trunk loaded into their merchandise wagon. "Are you comfortable on a horse, or would you prefer the wagon?"
"A horse, if you please," Mauri requested. Api nodded and brought one over, a spirited gray mare. Mauri gently blew in her nostrils, giggling when the mare returned the favor. She patted its neck fondly and pulled herself up into the saddle.
"Mauri, would you give the traveler's blessing?" Api asked politely.
Mauri nodded and bowed her head. "May the grace of Althena cover us, and may her protection precede every step we take."
"May it be so," Api agreed, then raised his spear. "To Nota!"
"To Nota!" the rest of the caravan echoed. Smiling, Mauri pulled her horse up to follow Api on the way south.
Compared to her adventures in Zulan, the road south to Nota was blessedly bland. There was a single group of bandits that had thought to try their luck with the caravan, but a few well-placed arrows and a lightning bolt from one of the mage guards changed their minds.
It wasn't long before the snow crunching under the hooves and wheels turned to soft grass. Fur robes and cloaks were packed away in exchange for wool garments. Mauri smiled as she packed away the warm blue hood that Bronn had made for her. It would be welcome for future trips to Lunar's most northern city, or if Leo needed to travel to icy Caldor Isle for any reason.
Thinking of her brother, Mauri wondered what she could possibly say to him. Her hands clenched on her horse's reins as she imagined his disappointment in her abandoning her orders from the Chosen. Leo had always strictly valued duty and honor to the point of winning much acclaim but many enemies on his climb in the Corps.
The gray mare she rode snorted, and Mauri quickly loosened her grip. Then again, Leo valued his family and faith to his Goddess above all. As many times as he had lectured Ronfar on some infraction, he had never abandoned his friendship with him. Through all of Mauri's setbacks and mistakes, he had been a rock and wellspring of encouragement.
Mauri sighed, knowing that it would be in Althena's hands. She could face Leo's disappointment and any punishment that the Chosen would place on her if it meant saving Ronfar's life.
Api, recognizing her pain and mood, left Mauri in peace but stayed within earshot if she wanted to talk. She was grateful for his understanding and silent support.
All too soon, Api spotted the great bridge that joined East and West Nota up ahead. To Mauri's relief, the outline of the famous Dragonship Destiny could be seen parked just beyond it.
"What on Lunar is THAT?!" Api gasped, pointing at the ship in awe.
"The Dragonship Destiny, the pride of the Chosen," Mauri answered, smiling. "The Corps uses it to travel swiftly to any part of Lunar that needs assistance. It can travel over land as well as sea."
"Could you imagine how much merchandise we could haul with THAT?" one of the guards asked in awe.
"I wonder if Sir Leo would help us for a cut," another wondered out loud.
Mauri didn't have the heart to explain how that would never happen. She was half-listening as they came up with more and more unlikely schemes to rope him in as she searched the deck for her brother, involving everything from mountain iron swords to unusual foods or even if Bronn's horseradish vodka would work.
Finally, she spotted Leo standing near the steps leading up to the deck of the Destiny. He was consulting a list, busily directing his men on where to store boxes in the hold, likely supplies. Mauri's heart skipped a beat- they were obviously getting ready to depart, and she had made it in time. "Leo!"
Leo looked up from his list, clearly startled. "Mauri?! What in Lunar are YOU doing he-" He stopped, his face suddenly a thundercloud. He thrust the list at one of his men to deal with and approached the caravan. "He told you. That damned stubborn fool actually TOLD you!"
"Of course he did!" Mauri retorted. She climbed down off of her horse and passed the reins to Api, then approached Leo to speak with a bit more privacy. The guardsmen wisely kept out of their way and any questions to themselves.
Leo didn't seem to care. "Then you should know that he told ME to make sure that you don't step foot in Raculi until this is over! If I need to throw you in the Destiny's brig to keep that promise, I swear by Althena I'll do it."
"You'd throw your own sister in a jail cell?!" Mauri repeated incredulously.
"To save your life, yes," Leo answered sharply, "Do not test my resolve."
Mauri wanted to scream. As much as she loved her brother and betrothed, the men in her life could be as dense as rocks sometimes. "You must think nothing of MY resolve if you expect me to leave Ronfar to die!" she shot back. She couldn't remember the last time they had fought, but she was angry at both his treating her like a child and the way he was abandoning his best friend.
That hit home. "I don't want Ronfar to die. Never. The Goddess knows he's been a brother to me, despite being insufferable at times..." Leo began, wincing a bit.
Mauri found herself almost smirking- Ronfar had said the exact same thing of Leo multiple times.
Then Leo shook it off. "Nonetheless, we have made vows that we must keep no matter what."
"If you knew that the monster in Zulan had been attacking us and I had already been injured, would you be stopped from coming to my aid?" Mauri asked innocently.
"Of course not! I would've-" He stopped dead, the tips of his ears reddening.
Mauri paused, taking a closer look at him. Yes, Leo believed in honor and keeping one's word, but at the expense of his best friend's very life?
Never.
What was this really about?
Oh! "You don't think I can fix him," Mauri said quietly.
Leo turned from red to white. "Curse your sensitivity at times!" he grumbled, then shook his head grimly. "You are a prodigy, sister. You have healed cases that older priests swore were unfixable. But you are still a very new priestess." His voice turned to a whisper. "And I could never live with it if I lost you both."
Mauri turned to face him, putting her hands on his shoulders so that he would hearken to her next words. "Brother, in my own way, I am no less a warrior for Althena than you. This is my battlefield, and I need you. I need your support and your belief if I am to do this."
Leo stared at her for a few moments. He saw the truth of her words, the strength and faith in her eyes, then slowly nodded. She was no longer the little sister that was his junior heroine of justice, but a grown woman and priestess. "Then you will have it. I will aid you in all the ways I can, from my prayers to my words to whatever needs doing. I will be your strong right arm in this fight for Ronfar's life," he finished with a hesitant smile.
Mauri smiled back and hugged him. "Thank you, Leo. I love you so much."
Leo returned it. "And I you, sister, despite your stubborness. Let us go make arrangements to travel to your battlefield and make an end of this plague once and for all. May Althena aid our efforts and watch over us all."
"MY stubbornness?" Mauri repeated in confusion, but Leo refused to dignify that with a response.
A discreet cough caught the siblings' attention back to the caravan. "Mauri, we must be going on to the fair. Would you like us to keep your things in the wagon, or perhaps bring them to an inn?" Api offered.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you! Leo, this is Api. He led our group into the Zulan mountains to find the monster that was poisoning their water," Mauri explained, "Api, this is Sir Leo of the Corps of Althena, and my big brother."
Leo smiled and offered a hand to Api to shake. "Well met. It is an honor to meet a hero willing to protect his home."
"The honor is mine, and Mauri is giving me too much credit," Api replied modestly, "It is she who figured out what was making everyone sick, helped fight the monster, and cleansed our water once it was gone. She also saved my little girl's life a few times."
Leo grinned proudly as Mauri blushed. "I will have one of the men bring her trunk to a guest room. While I would like to hear this story, I'm afraid that we are presently short on time."
Mauri nodded and turned to Api. "Thank you for everything. It was an honor to serve Zulan."
Api smiled sadly. "I wish that I could aid you in your fight for your beloved's life as you saved my girl's. I'm afraid that all I can offer are prayers."
Mauri gave him a friendly hug. "That will be most welcome. May the Goddess keep you and your family in her hand."
"And yours. You are forever welcome in Zulan," Api promised, then gave a small bow of his head to Leo, who nodded in acknowledgement. He rejoined the caravan and began chatting with them, pointing to Mauri and the wagon.
Leo raised a hand, and one of the guardsmen came over to them. "Sir?" he asked politely.
"My sister Mauri will be joining us on the Destiny as our guest. Please bring her trunk to guest room 2 while we make some final arrangements," Leo requested.
"The trunk is in that wagon with the caravan from Zulan," Mauri added, pointing it out.
The guardsman nodded. "You're welcome aboard, my lady, but I would recommend getting a meal in Nota first if there's time."
Leo's face turned stern. "Smythe..."
The guardsman squeaked and trotted off to the wagon. Leo sighed and shook his head. "He's not wrong. The food has not improved, but we're not to discuss that outside the Corps."
"You said, 'we' would make arrangements. How can I help?" Mauri asked curiously.
Leo nodded for her to join him and they climbed up to the deck of the Dragonship Destiny. Several of the guards were running around making last minute checks before their departure, but they ignored the siblings as they took the door to the interior of the ship.
"You are not the only guest we have aboard. We are escorting the Mother High Priestess Lauryl back to Pentagulia," Leo explained with a slightly grim tone.
Mauri felt herself grow pale. The High Priestess was pious, stern, and a little cold in her sermons and insistence on obedience to all laws of the Goddess. Mauri had never met Lauryl socially, but had attended a few of her ceremonies while training as a priestess back in Pentagulia. The High Priestess was completely the opposite of warm, giving, fatherly Balse. "And we're to see her NOW?"
Leo nodded. "If I had time to give you to prepare, I would. Sadly, I do not. But we will be speaking to her together on Ronfar's behalf."
For Ronfar's sake, I can face her. I will speak to her, priestess to priestess, and convince her that I must be allowed to try to stop this plague. Mauri's fingers brushed Ronfar's locket around her neck, and for a moment she could almost feel his arms around her, holding her warm and safe.
Her shoulders straightened. Mauri took a moment to shake the dust off of her travel cloak, then wound the long braid that had kept her hair tidy during her ride up into a bun. Two silver sticks kept it in place, a style she favored when doing a messy healing or surgery. The familiar action felt steeling, the way a warrior would get into the mindset for battle by donning armor. "Lead on, brother."
Leo noted the change and smiled slightly. Together, they went into the heart of the ship. The High Priestess was traveling in the captain's quarters, by far the largest and most luxurious on the ship.
Outside the door, Leo raised his eyebrow at Mauri in a silent question, who nodded, then knocked. "Mother Priestess, I apologize for disturbing you so close to our departure, but I humbly request a few moments of your time."
"Enter!" called the strong voice Mauri remembered. Her skin prickled, much like it had when exposed to the biting cold winds of Zulan's mountains. She rubbed her forearms briskly.
Leo entered first and bowed deeply. Mauri followed and knelt, then lowered her head for the priestess' blessing.
"Mother Priestess, I am honored to present my sister, the Priestess Mauri of the first rank of the Chosen. She and I both have an urgent request for you to consider," Leo began.
Mauri's head was still down for the blessing, so only Leo saw the flash of a smug smile appear on Lauryl's face for an instant. He wondered at it for a moment before dismissing it in favor of the fight for his future brother-in-law's life.
Lauryl lightly rested her fingertips on the top of Mauri's head. "Be wise and fearless in the Goddess' service, daughter. Please rise."
Mauri did so, clenching her hands together tightly to keep them from shaking. "Mother Priestess, I am sure you are aware of the plague in Raculi right now."
Lauryl sighed. "You come straight to the point. Yes, that is why we sent Ronfar from Zaback. Thanks be to the Goddess that he was so nearby, as Raculi does not yet have a true sanctuary."
Mauri took a deep breath. "Then I'm sure that you are also aware that he has been unable to cure anyone with it and has now fallen ill himself. I wish to go to him and try to heal him myself."
"With the Destiny's speed, we could be there very shortly. Raculi is on the way to Pentagulia from here, Mother Priestess. Surely a short stop would be no inconvenience?" Leo added.
"It would," Lauryl replied, and Mauri felt sick. "We already have our finest scholars researching Althena's books to find a cure, Mauri. You are a healer designated by the Goddess herself, but you are a brand-new priestess- whom, by the way, was NOT given leave to abandon her duties."
"I have done no such thing. I have solved Zulan's mystery of illness and cured those who were affected. There is a most capable herbal healer able to handle the minor cases that may arise," Mauri protested.
"It's true, the leader of the Zulan caravan verified it," Leo added. "Ronfar has been writing to her all this time, and she did not leave until she had finished the task that she was assigned."
Lauryl shook her head. "You believe that was your only task? Mauri, you are to heal bodies AND souls. Those in Zulan who have seen and benefited from Althena's mercy are more likely to turn to her. You were in an ideal position to bring more of Althena's children into her fold, and you turned down a perfect opportunity."
Mauri did not like the way this conversation was going, nor the picture that Lauryl had painted. People who were ill, frightened, and in pain needed care and love! To twist their thanks for a healing into a sort of... of OWING to the Goddess made her sick. Althena poured her love out to all of her children, always.
Leo, however, saw an opening and took it. "As you say, Mother Priestess, the direct experience of Althena's love and mercy can move hearts like no other force. Raculi, too, lacks a true sanctuary. As Mauri has already won the hearts of those in Zulan, could she not do the same for Raculi?"
"Ronfar has had the same training as Mauri, and he has been ordained as a healer as well as an orator. If he has failed with every single attempt to heal this plague, I do not see that another new healer would be able to succeed," Lauryl replied flatly. Her expression was starting to look annoyed. "Althena needs all of her Chosen to tend all of Lunar, Mauri. As capable as you are, we cannot afford to lose you."
Leo gently took Mauri's arm, perhaps to try to calm her, but she dug her heels in. "Ronfar has begged for help from Balse and from Pentagulia. How can NONE of our clergy handle this plague?!"
Lauryl spread her hands in a helpless gesture. "They are doing their best from abroad, but no cure has been found, Mauri. And we have no way of knowing how it's spread."
Suddenly, Mauri understood what the High Priestess wasn't saying. Her eyes narrowed. "You're quarantining them. You're not going to send in any help and are hoping it will just die out in Raculi."
Leo looked stunned as Lauryl's silence affirmed Mauri's accusations. He opened his mouth, then closed it a few times.
Mauri did not lose her temper easily. She was the cool-headed one, the 'voice of reason' all too often for Ronfar (and less often, for Leo.)
The way Lauryl spoke of letting Mauri's neighbors and family be sacrificed to this plague, for the good of Lunar, was against everything Mauri held dear as a priestess. The way she was fine with letting Ronfar die without a chance...
Mauri's cool-headedness snapped.
She yanked her arm out of Leo's grip, and in a few smooth movements had drawn her bow and had an arrow pointing at Lauryl's heart.
"Mauri, what the hell are you doing?" Leo hissed but didn't dare move in case he made Mauri twitch and release her arrow.
Lauryl's mouth was open in shock. She stared at the bow in disbelief before meeting Mauri's eyes with ice in her own. "Priestess Mauri, I trust you have a good explanation for this shocking behavior." Though she tried to appear in charge of the situation, Mauri noticed that the High Priestess' hands were trembling.
"I do," Mauri replied calmly. It was strange how her fury had completely burned away all other emotion. Her hands were steady, her heart sure. "You are going to order us to have a pitstop in Raculi on the way to Pentagulia. There, you will drop me off so that I have a chance to cure Ronfar and save his life."
"Out of the question. You would endanger my life and that of all the Corps-" Lauryl began.
"Please, Mother Priestess, my sister is enraged and in grief. She's not in control of her emotions-" Leo tried.
Mauri was having none of it. "Enough. If I fail, I won't be a problem anymore. If I succeed, I will face any punishment the Chosen see fit to give me. You risk nothing and can gain much."
"Mauri, no! Not like this!" Leo pleaded. He turned to Lauryl and bowed deeply from the waist. "Please, Mother Priestess, Ronfar is a cherished member of the Chosen, the first to receive two accolades from the Goddess. Surely she would not wish to lose so talented a priest before he could do so much good in her name!"
Lauryl gave Mauri a long, appraising stare. Mauri stared back, unwilling to move. Finally, the High Priestess nodded. "It is as you say. Our Goddess is known for her love, and it's clear that's what you're acting from. We will go to Raculi first as you request."
Mauri gasped, then finally lowered her bow. Lauryl turned to Leo. "Sir Leo, it is obvious that you would be worried about your sister and friend and unable to perform your normal duties. I will also order you to escort Mauri and provide her with any assistance she needs, for as long as she requires."
Leo bowed again, his shoulders sagging in relief. "You have my utmost gratitude. I will not forget this."
"Nor will I," Lauryl commented harshly. Her stern gaze returned to Mauri, who met it without flinching. "You WILL account for your behavior today to the Chosen, priestess, but that will come later. In the meantime, I will pray to the Goddess for your success."
Mauri echoed Leo's deep bow. "Thank you, Mother Priestess." As soon as she rose, Leo took her arm again, a little more securely this time, and walked them both out of the High Priestess' cabin before any more words could be exchanged.
Lauryl huffed to herself after the siblings left, and she paced a few steps while muttering as their footsteps slowly died off.
Once all was quiet, her fists unclenched, and a sly smile twitched across her lips.
"Have you completely taken leave of your senses?!" Leo hissed as soon as they were out of earshot. "You could be dismissed for that! Or even face public corporal punishment!" He refused to let go of Mauri as he escorted her to see the helmsman to set their new course.
The guardsman who had carried her trunk followed discreetly behind in case Leo needed anything. Mauri glanced back at him, and Leo followed it and stopped. "Do not be concerned. Smythe!"
The guardsman stopped as well. "Sir?"
"What were my sister and I talking about?" Leo asked.
Smythe grinned and shrugged. "No idea, sir, I was thinking about the rest of my duties today. Did you need me to do something?"
"No, carry on your previous orders."
"Very good, sir."
Leo gave a small smile in reply. "Good man."
Mauri stayed quiet as they continued up the stairs and made it back to the deck of the Destiny. Leo found the helmsman re-reading his charts and running a last-minute check on the controls of the ship. He was clearly startled at the new destination, but also knew not to question Leo's updated orders. "No problem, sir. We're loaded with rations well enough to make it to Pentagulia without needing to take on more in Raculi. Not even water."
"That would be wise, but let's take on more water and supplies in Azado just in case," Leo said thoughtfully. The helmsman nodded as Leo turned to Mauri. "Is there anything that you will need to pick up? We have no way of knowing Raculi's full situation, so I would recommend purchasing whatever you think you may require in Azado. I have plenty of funds to share."
"I will plan it out on the way," Mauri assured him. Her face sobered. "The extra water and supplies are for our neighbors, are they not?"
Leo sighed. "Yes. As I said, we cannot know the full situation. The Mother Priestess was correct that we have no way of knowing how this plague is passed. If I can help prevent any new cases with fresh supplies, I am happy to."
Mauri didn't have the words to express the gratitude in her heart, so she hugged him. Even in front of all of his men, he didn't hesitate to hug her back.
This was the most harsh, high stakes, personal battle she had faced yet in her walk as a priestess. Having Leo there- steadfast, strong, clever, insightful Leo- was a huge weight off of her shoulders. Even if he had no priestly training, he was there and had her back.
She could only pray that it would be enough.
Mauri couldn't remember the last time she was up after the sun. She quickly threw on a robe and knelt in front of her small Althena statue to do her morning prayers, interjecting apologies all the while. Her stomach was still full from all of the treats from the previous evening, so at least she didn't miss breakfast.
After her prayers, ablutions, and getting dressed, she went into the main living area of the mayor's house... to see a line of patients. Bronn and Wuta were in the front, each nursing an injured limb and shooting poisonous looks at each other.
"What is all this? Did you get in a fight?" Mauri demanded, her hands on her hips. "Wuta, Bronn saved your life just yesterday!"
"And nearly took it again with that horseradish vodka of his!" Wuta spat.
Bronn groaned, one hand holding an ice pack on his head and the other cradling his knee. "That was a gift!" he snapped.
"They started a big fight after you left for the night, lady," Tan offered, holding a chunk of raw meat against a truly spectacular black eye.
"Oh, Althena protect us all," Mauri groaned. She had been foolish to think she'd have a day off from a healer's duties just because the water problem had been solved. People were people, and sometimes people did stupid things that kept healers busy.
"I'm here, too, lady!" Leyla called out, going around the line of patients to come join Mauri. She held her enormous box of herbs under one arm. "Don't worry, I didn't have any of the vodka."
"Then you're wiser than I, my girl," Mauri murmured. Leyla stared at her in shock, but Mauri ignored it and instead began triaging her patients in order of severity of wounds and who would be fine with some of Leyla's elixirs.
To no one's surprise, Wuta and Bronn had the worst of it- Wuta had a broken arm, no doubt partially due to her fall the previous day, while Bronn had a shattered kneecap. Mauri started with getting the knee put back together while asking Leyla to mix up some painkiller elixirs with comfrey.
After threatening to gag both of her patients if they didn't stop sniping at each other, Mauri got the damage healed. She passed the mage off to Leyla for his elixir and held Wuta's arm snugly in place for the healing. "Don't tell me that Mota got injured in this brawl," Mauri muttered crossly.
Wuta had the grace to look ashamed. "No, lady. Api was tired and took Mota home to get to bed early."
"Good." Her healing prayer was a little short, but it got the job done. Bronn had already vanished, so Mauri passed Wuta onto Leyla and went to see her next patient.
It was noon by the time she was done. Api had shown up to bring Mauri lunch as well as another letter from Ronfar. Wuta had been tucked into bed to rest her arm and think over her actions. He looked as cross as Mauri felt and apologized heartilly for his wife's antics.
"It's not your fault, Api. I appreciate the lunch," Mauri tried to assure him. The hash made with fried potatoes and venison sausage was really tasty and filling after her morning's work.
"It's the least I could do," Api grumbled, handing over the letter.
Mauri smiled at Ronfar's familiar writing on the envelope but paused. Something.... she had a very bad feeling about this letter. Why on Lunar would that be?
Her heart in her throat, she tore open the envelope and skimmed it quickly. She felt sick to her stomach, even worse than when she had tried the horseradish vodka.
Sugarplum, I must have already started and ripped up thirty letters. I won't dance around it- I've caught the plague going around Raculi.
"Sweet Goddess, no!" Mauri screamed. Api and Leyla stared at her in shock, but Mauri ignored them and kept reading.
I've sent letters to Balse and Pentagulia, but no one has come up with a way to cure this. This (there were a few waterspots that were likely tears) is probably it.
Do NOT come here- I won't take any chance of this spreading to you or to Leo. Please, as you love me, let me know that you'll be out of harm's way at least.
I'm not sorry for taking this path in life, even with this ending. I'm only sorry that I couldn't call you my wife in name but know that you always have been in my heart. I will live in on yours and will wait for you in the next world.
I'm glad that you and Leo will have each other. I know you'll be strong and will save many lives. And I'll be by your side every step of the way.
My love always,
Ronfar
Mauri burst into tears. How could this have happened? How could a plague have arrived that no priest could heal? How could Ronfar have caught it?
"Mauri?! What's wrong? Are you ill?" Api ran over when he saw her weeping.
"Not me..." Mauri gasped, staring at the letter. "My love.... oh, Goddess, a plague has hit Raculi... no one has been able to cure it..."
Api looked around the empty living area that had been filled with patients hours ago. "Seems you have some good luck with curing, my lady. Mayhap the Goddess will grant you another miracle."
Mauri paused. Api was right- everyone was fixed from last night's brawl and the water that had been contaminated.
Leyla looked up from her box of herbs. "I know you've been missing your love. I can wrap up things here."
Mauri thought it over. Leo's last note had said that he was serving as the deputy captain of the Destiny and was stationed in Nota. Maybe, just maybe, she could make it in time.
"Api, I'm going to pack- I have to catch my brother in Nota. Could I perhaps borrow a horse?" Mauri asked. "I can't pay much, but I can pay some-"
Api winked at her. "Now that my people are recovered, why, I'm going to take a load of merchandise down to Nota."
Mauri sighed in relief. "How much to bring me along?"
"Why would you need to pay when I could use an archer with your skill AND a healer in one?" Api countered.
Mauri was startled, then slowly smiled. "When do we leave?"
"First light. Eat, pack, and get a good night's rest. We're late for the fair and will need to make up lost time," Api replied, offering a hand.
Mauri shook it. "Thank you."
The next morning, there was a neatly wrapped package next to Mauri's trunk. A dirty scrap of parchment had a single word written on it, "Sorry."
When Mauri opened it, she gasped. The package held the most beautiful quilt she'd ever seen, a wintery wonderland of white, gray, pale blue, and silver thread showing the mountains of Zulan. The stitching was finer and more delicate than she'd ever seen.
Something was glinting under a fold of the quilt. Mauri flipped up the fold and groaned, seeing a large bottle of Bronn's horseradish vodka. Why on Lunar would she want that...?
Mauri shook her head as she tucked the quilt and bottle into her trunk and placed the blue hood over her head. Brawls and questionable vodka aside, she was going to miss the mage.
Leyla was waiting for Mauri in the mayor's living area, which was thankfully free of patients this morning. "I wanted to say thank you for everything, lady. You taught me so much about healing and taking care of the whole patient."
"Have you given any more thought to joining us as a healer priestess? The Goddess would welcome your skill," Mauri said hopefully.
Leyla shook her head. "Maybe sometime, but I'm still needed here. But I have a thank you present for all your teaching." She held out a large box.
Curious, Mauri opened it to find a copy of Leyla's own book of herbal medicine, as well as countless bags of seeds. "So you have backup in case you're low on magic and still need to heal," Leyla explained.
Mauri opened the book, recognizing Leyla's tidy handwriting. "Oh, my, did you transcribe this whole thing yourself?"
Leyla nodded. "I was making extra copies to sell for money for seeds. Don't worry, the growing instructions are in there, too."
Mauri smiled and gave Leyla a hug. "May the Goddess keep you and yours in the palm of her hand," she said sincerely, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Come see us when you have a chance. We'll miss you," Leyla replied, wiping away a few tears.
"Your grandmother would be so proud of you. I'll keep her and all of you in my prayers," Mauri promised, then smirked a bit. "Especially Bronn."
Leyla laughed. "Definitely for Bronn. Good luck in Raculi, lady."
Mauri sobered, remembering her next task, then nodded. The box was gently nestled in her trunk on top of Bronn's quilt before she made it outside of the mayor's house.
Wuta and Mota were talking to Api in the stables. Wuta was carrying a basket that faintly steamed, her arm fully healed from its injury. "I, ah, brought you a warm breakfast, my lady. As an apology."
Mauri accepted the basket and took a grateful sniff. Freshly baked rolls, still hot from the oven. There was also a flagon of the hot spiced coffee favored by the people here in the mornings, a treat that Mauri had grown to appreciate. The priestess smiled at the swordswoman. "Althena's blessings on you, Wuta. You're forgiven."
Mota had been a little shy, half hiding behind Wuta but peeking around to smile at Mauri. "Go ahead, dear," Wuta whispered, giving Mota a gentle nudge.
Mota cleared her throat and came up to Mauri, hiding something behind her back. "Thank you for saving me, Miss Mauri," she recited, then grinned. "Many times. I wanted to give you a present, something you'd like."
Mauri knelt down to Mota's level. "You didn't have to, but anything you'd pick for me I know I'll love."
Mota beamed and held out the picture of Althena that had graced her wall. "You and Leyla and the Goddess saved me, so I know she's always with us. I want you to have this now, in case you need it sometime."
Mauri was touched beyond words, and soon felt tears welling up. She reached out and hugged the little girl. "Mota, thank you. I promise I'll treasure it, and always think of you when I look at it."
"See, Mommy, I TOLD you she'd like it," Mota said proudly.
"You were right," Wuta admitted, then came to Api to kiss him goodbye. "Safe travels, love. I'll see you in a few days."
Api kissed his wife back, then scooped up Mota into a hug and kissed her head. "You be good for your mommy now, okay?"
"I will!" Mota promised. She went off giggling towards their house as Wuta waved before following her daughter.
Api got Mauri's trunk loaded into their merchandise wagon. "Are you comfortable on a horse, or would you prefer the wagon?"
"A horse, if you please," Mauri requested. Api nodded and brought one over, a spirited gray mare. Mauri gently blew in her nostrils, giggling when the mare returned the favor. She patted its neck fondly and pulled herself up into the saddle.
"Mauri, would you give the traveler's blessing?" Api asked politely.
Mauri nodded and bowed her head. "May the grace of Althena cover us, and may her protection precede every step we take."
"May it be so," Api agreed, then raised his spear. "To Nota!"
"To Nota!" the rest of the caravan echoed. Smiling, Mauri pulled her horse up to follow Api on the way south.
Compared to her adventures in Zulan, the road south to Nota was blessedly bland. There was a single group of bandits that had thought to try their luck with the caravan, but a few well-placed arrows and a lightning bolt from one of the mage guards changed their minds.
It wasn't long before the snow crunching under the hooves and wheels turned to soft grass. Fur robes and cloaks were packed away in exchange for wool garments. Mauri smiled as she packed away the warm blue hood that Bronn had made for her. It would be welcome for future trips to Lunar's most northern city, or if Leo needed to travel to icy Caldor Isle for any reason.
Thinking of her brother, Mauri wondered what she could possibly say to him. Her hands clenched on her horse's reins as she imagined his disappointment in her abandoning her orders from the Chosen. Leo had always strictly valued duty and honor to the point of winning much acclaim but many enemies on his climb in the Corps.
The gray mare she rode snorted, and Mauri quickly loosened her grip. Then again, Leo valued his family and faith to his Goddess above all. As many times as he had lectured Ronfar on some infraction, he had never abandoned his friendship with him. Through all of Mauri's setbacks and mistakes, he had been a rock and wellspring of encouragement.
Mauri sighed, knowing that it would be in Althena's hands. She could face Leo's disappointment and any punishment that the Chosen would place on her if it meant saving Ronfar's life.
Api, recognizing her pain and mood, left Mauri in peace but stayed within earshot if she wanted to talk. She was grateful for his understanding and silent support.
All too soon, Api spotted the great bridge that joined East and West Nota up ahead. To Mauri's relief, the outline of the famous Dragonship Destiny could be seen parked just beyond it.
"What on Lunar is THAT?!" Api gasped, pointing at the ship in awe.
"The Dragonship Destiny, the pride of the Chosen," Mauri answered, smiling. "The Corps uses it to travel swiftly to any part of Lunar that needs assistance. It can travel over land as well as sea."
"Could you imagine how much merchandise we could haul with THAT?" one of the guards asked in awe.
"I wonder if Sir Leo would help us for a cut," another wondered out loud.
Mauri didn't have the heart to explain how that would never happen. She was half-listening as they came up with more and more unlikely schemes to rope him in as she searched the deck for her brother, involving everything from mountain iron swords to unusual foods or even if Bronn's horseradish vodka would work.
Finally, she spotted Leo standing near the steps leading up to the deck of the Destiny. He was consulting a list, busily directing his men on where to store boxes in the hold, likely supplies. Mauri's heart skipped a beat- they were obviously getting ready to depart, and she had made it in time. "Leo!"
Leo looked up from his list, clearly startled. "Mauri?! What in Lunar are YOU doing he-" He stopped, his face suddenly a thundercloud. He thrust the list at one of his men to deal with and approached the caravan. "He told you. That damned stubborn fool actually TOLD you!"
"Of course he did!" Mauri retorted. She climbed down off of her horse and passed the reins to Api, then approached Leo to speak with a bit more privacy. The guardsmen wisely kept out of their way and any questions to themselves.
Leo didn't seem to care. "Then you should know that he told ME to make sure that you don't step foot in Raculi until this is over! If I need to throw you in the Destiny's brig to keep that promise, I swear by Althena I'll do it."
"You'd throw your own sister in a jail cell?!" Mauri repeated incredulously.
"To save your life, yes," Leo answered sharply, "Do not test my resolve."
Mauri wanted to scream. As much as she loved her brother and betrothed, the men in her life could be as dense as rocks sometimes. "You must think nothing of MY resolve if you expect me to leave Ronfar to die!" she shot back. She couldn't remember the last time they had fought, but she was angry at both his treating her like a child and the way he was abandoning his best friend.
That hit home. "I don't want Ronfar to die. Never. The Goddess knows he's been a brother to me, despite being insufferable at times..." Leo began, wincing a bit.
Mauri found herself almost smirking- Ronfar had said the exact same thing of Leo multiple times.
Then Leo shook it off. "Nonetheless, we have made vows that we must keep no matter what."
"If you knew that the monster in Zulan had been attacking us and I had already been injured, would you be stopped from coming to my aid?" Mauri asked innocently.
"Of course not! I would've-" He stopped dead, the tips of his ears reddening.
Mauri paused, taking a closer look at him. Yes, Leo believed in honor and keeping one's word, but at the expense of his best friend's very life?
Never.
What was this really about?
Oh! "You don't think I can fix him," Mauri said quietly.
Leo turned from red to white. "Curse your sensitivity at times!" he grumbled, then shook his head grimly. "You are a prodigy, sister. You have healed cases that older priests swore were unfixable. But you are still a very new priestess." His voice turned to a whisper. "And I could never live with it if I lost you both."
Mauri turned to face him, putting her hands on his shoulders so that he would hearken to her next words. "Brother, in my own way, I am no less a warrior for Althena than you. This is my battlefield, and I need you. I need your support and your belief if I am to do this."
Leo stared at her for a few moments. He saw the truth of her words, the strength and faith in her eyes, then slowly nodded. She was no longer the little sister that was his junior heroine of justice, but a grown woman and priestess. "Then you will have it. I will aid you in all the ways I can, from my prayers to my words to whatever needs doing. I will be your strong right arm in this fight for Ronfar's life," he finished with a hesitant smile.
Mauri smiled back and hugged him. "Thank you, Leo. I love you so much."
Leo returned it. "And I you, sister, despite your stubborness. Let us go make arrangements to travel to your battlefield and make an end of this plague once and for all. May Althena aid our efforts and watch over us all."
"MY stubbornness?" Mauri repeated in confusion, but Leo refused to dignify that with a response.
A discreet cough caught the siblings' attention back to the caravan. "Mauri, we must be going on to the fair. Would you like us to keep your things in the wagon, or perhaps bring them to an inn?" Api offered.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you! Leo, this is Api. He led our group into the Zulan mountains to find the monster that was poisoning their water," Mauri explained, "Api, this is Sir Leo of the Corps of Althena, and my big brother."
Leo smiled and offered a hand to Api to shake. "Well met. It is an honor to meet a hero willing to protect his home."
"The honor is mine, and Mauri is giving me too much credit," Api replied modestly, "It is she who figured out what was making everyone sick, helped fight the monster, and cleansed our water once it was gone. She also saved my little girl's life a few times."
Leo grinned proudly as Mauri blushed. "I will have one of the men bring her trunk to a guest room. While I would like to hear this story, I'm afraid that we are presently short on time."
Mauri nodded and turned to Api. "Thank you for everything. It was an honor to serve Zulan."
Api smiled sadly. "I wish that I could aid you in your fight for your beloved's life as you saved my girl's. I'm afraid that all I can offer are prayers."
Mauri gave him a friendly hug. "That will be most welcome. May the Goddess keep you and your family in her hand."
"And yours. You are forever welcome in Zulan," Api promised, then gave a small bow of his head to Leo, who nodded in acknowledgement. He rejoined the caravan and began chatting with them, pointing to Mauri and the wagon.
Leo raised a hand, and one of the guardsmen came over to them. "Sir?" he asked politely.
"My sister Mauri will be joining us on the Destiny as our guest. Please bring her trunk to guest room 2 while we make some final arrangements," Leo requested.
"The trunk is in that wagon with the caravan from Zulan," Mauri added, pointing it out.
The guardsman nodded. "You're welcome aboard, my lady, but I would recommend getting a meal in Nota first if there's time."
Leo's face turned stern. "Smythe..."
The guardsman squeaked and trotted off to the wagon. Leo sighed and shook his head. "He's not wrong. The food has not improved, but we're not to discuss that outside the Corps."
"You said, 'we' would make arrangements. How can I help?" Mauri asked curiously.
Leo nodded for her to join him and they climbed up to the deck of the Dragonship Destiny. Several of the guards were running around making last minute checks before their departure, but they ignored the siblings as they took the door to the interior of the ship.
"You are not the only guest we have aboard. We are escorting the Mother High Priestess Lauryl back to Pentagulia," Leo explained with a slightly grim tone.
Mauri felt herself grow pale. The High Priestess was pious, stern, and a little cold in her sermons and insistence on obedience to all laws of the Goddess. Mauri had never met Lauryl socially, but had attended a few of her ceremonies while training as a priestess back in Pentagulia. The High Priestess was completely the opposite of warm, giving, fatherly Balse. "And we're to see her NOW?"
Leo nodded. "If I had time to give you to prepare, I would. Sadly, I do not. But we will be speaking to her together on Ronfar's behalf."
For Ronfar's sake, I can face her. I will speak to her, priestess to priestess, and convince her that I must be allowed to try to stop this plague. Mauri's fingers brushed Ronfar's locket around her neck, and for a moment she could almost feel his arms around her, holding her warm and safe.
Her shoulders straightened. Mauri took a moment to shake the dust off of her travel cloak, then wound the long braid that had kept her hair tidy during her ride up into a bun. Two silver sticks kept it in place, a style she favored when doing a messy healing or surgery. The familiar action felt steeling, the way a warrior would get into the mindset for battle by donning armor. "Lead on, brother."
Leo noted the change and smiled slightly. Together, they went into the heart of the ship. The High Priestess was traveling in the captain's quarters, by far the largest and most luxurious on the ship.
Outside the door, Leo raised his eyebrow at Mauri in a silent question, who nodded, then knocked. "Mother Priestess, I apologize for disturbing you so close to our departure, but I humbly request a few moments of your time."
"Enter!" called the strong voice Mauri remembered. Her skin prickled, much like it had when exposed to the biting cold winds of Zulan's mountains. She rubbed her forearms briskly.
Leo entered first and bowed deeply. Mauri followed and knelt, then lowered her head for the priestess' blessing.
"Mother Priestess, I am honored to present my sister, the Priestess Mauri of the first rank of the Chosen. She and I both have an urgent request for you to consider," Leo began.
Mauri's head was still down for the blessing, so only Leo saw the flash of a smug smile appear on Lauryl's face for an instant. He wondered at it for a moment before dismissing it in favor of the fight for his future brother-in-law's life.
Lauryl lightly rested her fingertips on the top of Mauri's head. "Be wise and fearless in the Goddess' service, daughter. Please rise."
Mauri did so, clenching her hands together tightly to keep them from shaking. "Mother Priestess, I am sure you are aware of the plague in Raculi right now."
Lauryl sighed. "You come straight to the point. Yes, that is why we sent Ronfar from Zaback. Thanks be to the Goddess that he was so nearby, as Raculi does not yet have a true sanctuary."
Mauri took a deep breath. "Then I'm sure that you are also aware that he has been unable to cure anyone with it and has now fallen ill himself. I wish to go to him and try to heal him myself."
"With the Destiny's speed, we could be there very shortly. Raculi is on the way to Pentagulia from here, Mother Priestess. Surely a short stop would be no inconvenience?" Leo added.
"It would," Lauryl replied, and Mauri felt sick. "We already have our finest scholars researching Althena's books to find a cure, Mauri. You are a healer designated by the Goddess herself, but you are a brand-new priestess- whom, by the way, was NOT given leave to abandon her duties."
"I have done no such thing. I have solved Zulan's mystery of illness and cured those who were affected. There is a most capable herbal healer able to handle the minor cases that may arise," Mauri protested.
"It's true, the leader of the Zulan caravan verified it," Leo added. "Ronfar has been writing to her all this time, and she did not leave until she had finished the task that she was assigned."
Lauryl shook her head. "You believe that was your only task? Mauri, you are to heal bodies AND souls. Those in Zulan who have seen and benefited from Althena's mercy are more likely to turn to her. You were in an ideal position to bring more of Althena's children into her fold, and you turned down a perfect opportunity."
Mauri did not like the way this conversation was going, nor the picture that Lauryl had painted. People who were ill, frightened, and in pain needed care and love! To twist their thanks for a healing into a sort of... of OWING to the Goddess made her sick. Althena poured her love out to all of her children, always.
Leo, however, saw an opening and took it. "As you say, Mother Priestess, the direct experience of Althena's love and mercy can move hearts like no other force. Raculi, too, lacks a true sanctuary. As Mauri has already won the hearts of those in Zulan, could she not do the same for Raculi?"
"Ronfar has had the same training as Mauri, and he has been ordained as a healer as well as an orator. If he has failed with every single attempt to heal this plague, I do not see that another new healer would be able to succeed," Lauryl replied flatly. Her expression was starting to look annoyed. "Althena needs all of her Chosen to tend all of Lunar, Mauri. As capable as you are, we cannot afford to lose you."
Leo gently took Mauri's arm, perhaps to try to calm her, but she dug her heels in. "Ronfar has begged for help from Balse and from Pentagulia. How can NONE of our clergy handle this plague?!"
Lauryl spread her hands in a helpless gesture. "They are doing their best from abroad, but no cure has been found, Mauri. And we have no way of knowing how it's spread."
Suddenly, Mauri understood what the High Priestess wasn't saying. Her eyes narrowed. "You're quarantining them. You're not going to send in any help and are hoping it will just die out in Raculi."
Leo looked stunned as Lauryl's silence affirmed Mauri's accusations. He opened his mouth, then closed it a few times.
Mauri did not lose her temper easily. She was the cool-headed one, the 'voice of reason' all too often for Ronfar (and less often, for Leo.)
The way Lauryl spoke of letting Mauri's neighbors and family be sacrificed to this plague, for the good of Lunar, was against everything Mauri held dear as a priestess. The way she was fine with letting Ronfar die without a chance...
Mauri's cool-headedness snapped.
She yanked her arm out of Leo's grip, and in a few smooth movements had drawn her bow and had an arrow pointing at Lauryl's heart.
"Mauri, what the hell are you doing?" Leo hissed but didn't dare move in case he made Mauri twitch and release her arrow.
Lauryl's mouth was open in shock. She stared at the bow in disbelief before meeting Mauri's eyes with ice in her own. "Priestess Mauri, I trust you have a good explanation for this shocking behavior." Though she tried to appear in charge of the situation, Mauri noticed that the High Priestess' hands were trembling.
"I do," Mauri replied calmly. It was strange how her fury had completely burned away all other emotion. Her hands were steady, her heart sure. "You are going to order us to have a pitstop in Raculi on the way to Pentagulia. There, you will drop me off so that I have a chance to cure Ronfar and save his life."
"Out of the question. You would endanger my life and that of all the Corps-" Lauryl began.
"Please, Mother Priestess, my sister is enraged and in grief. She's not in control of her emotions-" Leo tried.
Mauri was having none of it. "Enough. If I fail, I won't be a problem anymore. If I succeed, I will face any punishment the Chosen see fit to give me. You risk nothing and can gain much."
"Mauri, no! Not like this!" Leo pleaded. He turned to Lauryl and bowed deeply from the waist. "Please, Mother Priestess, Ronfar is a cherished member of the Chosen, the first to receive two accolades from the Goddess. Surely she would not wish to lose so talented a priest before he could do so much good in her name!"
Lauryl gave Mauri a long, appraising stare. Mauri stared back, unwilling to move. Finally, the High Priestess nodded. "It is as you say. Our Goddess is known for her love, and it's clear that's what you're acting from. We will go to Raculi first as you request."
Mauri gasped, then finally lowered her bow. Lauryl turned to Leo. "Sir Leo, it is obvious that you would be worried about your sister and friend and unable to perform your normal duties. I will also order you to escort Mauri and provide her with any assistance she needs, for as long as she requires."
Leo bowed again, his shoulders sagging in relief. "You have my utmost gratitude. I will not forget this."
"Nor will I," Lauryl commented harshly. Her stern gaze returned to Mauri, who met it without flinching. "You WILL account for your behavior today to the Chosen, priestess, but that will come later. In the meantime, I will pray to the Goddess for your success."
Mauri echoed Leo's deep bow. "Thank you, Mother Priestess." As soon as she rose, Leo took her arm again, a little more securely this time, and walked them both out of the High Priestess' cabin before any more words could be exchanged.
Lauryl huffed to herself after the siblings left, and she paced a few steps while muttering as their footsteps slowly died off.
Once all was quiet, her fists unclenched, and a sly smile twitched across her lips.
"Have you completely taken leave of your senses?!" Leo hissed as soon as they were out of earshot. "You could be dismissed for that! Or even face public corporal punishment!" He refused to let go of Mauri as he escorted her to see the helmsman to set their new course.
The guardsman who had carried her trunk followed discreetly behind in case Leo needed anything. Mauri glanced back at him, and Leo followed it and stopped. "Do not be concerned. Smythe!"
The guardsman stopped as well. "Sir?"
"What were my sister and I talking about?" Leo asked.
Smythe grinned and shrugged. "No idea, sir, I was thinking about the rest of my duties today. Did you need me to do something?"
"No, carry on your previous orders."
"Very good, sir."
Leo gave a small smile in reply. "Good man."
Mauri stayed quiet as they continued up the stairs and made it back to the deck of the Destiny. Leo found the helmsman re-reading his charts and running a last-minute check on the controls of the ship. He was clearly startled at the new destination, but also knew not to question Leo's updated orders. "No problem, sir. We're loaded with rations well enough to make it to Pentagulia without needing to take on more in Raculi. Not even water."
"That would be wise, but let's take on more water and supplies in Azado just in case," Leo said thoughtfully. The helmsman nodded as Leo turned to Mauri. "Is there anything that you will need to pick up? We have no way of knowing Raculi's full situation, so I would recommend purchasing whatever you think you may require in Azado. I have plenty of funds to share."
"I will plan it out on the way," Mauri assured him. Her face sobered. "The extra water and supplies are for our neighbors, are they not?"
Leo sighed. "Yes. As I said, we cannot know the full situation. The Mother Priestess was correct that we have no way of knowing how this plague is passed. If I can help prevent any new cases with fresh supplies, I am happy to."
Mauri didn't have the words to express the gratitude in her heart, so she hugged him. Even in front of all of his men, he didn't hesitate to hug her back.
This was the most harsh, high stakes, personal battle she had faced yet in her walk as a priestess. Having Leo there- steadfast, strong, clever, insightful Leo- was a huge weight off of her shoulders. Even if he had no priestly training, he was there and had her back.
She could only pray that it would be enough.