Red Rivers and Nightmares

8. Different

Fortunately, I did not have to have a big part in convincing those who were left that we not only had a chance in saving the others but that Rion was healthy enough to leave, the only one who escaped pretty much unscathed. As such our hunting party is small, just the four of us but I feel guilty taking what little supplies the remaining villagers gathered for us to bring with us. Iien had attempted to refuse it but they would not hear of it. I am ready to go but I am also incredibly anxious to be leaving these people behind. My brief walk through the mass of injured was not very uplifting. More died in the night than I had expected would. I am struggling to put it behind me, to accept that I did what I could.

Mosa pats my shoulder, "Ya not leaving us without help. They'll be by later, ya said."

I attempt a smile but fall a little short, "I know. There are just some individuals I am especially concerned about."

At that he raises his head a little and hums, "Who's them? I'll make sure to keep closer to them."

I lick my top lip but I can really only think of two individuals, "I am worried about how Vaine will be doing... he got such a rude beginning to his life." At him Mosa relaxes and even smiles a little. It is uplifting to know that he is not concerned about the new baby but I know that sometimes they just die with little to no warning. I do not want him to be another one of those. I hesitate with this next one but I somehow manage to mention her, "And the girl with the head injury should be awake by now. It is promising that she is still breathing without assistance but she will not be out of Eta's sight until she wakes up."

Now Mosa frowns a little and even looks a bit uncomfortable as his dark eyes furrow a little, "I'll try me best, me lady, but I'm not knowing of head wounds like ya."

I feel torn in that moment but I know that if I do not leave then the others will be without a healer themselves. Or freedom. I remember what Mother has told me before, think of the many over the one. I begin to lick my top lip but then bite my bottom as my nervousness turns into anxiety. I try to let it go, especially since I cannot go to Weret but it feels like I fail as I eventually let the woman go in my mind, "Thank you, Healer Mosa. Your people are blessed to have you amongst their midst."

He lights up and bows to me. The motion makes it impossible for me not to grasp my sword, particularly to cover my family crest, but I am able to physically relax in front of him. When he stands I nod my head to him in goodbye and walk the few steps to join the rest of our party.

The last man I treated is also there, standing by way of crude crutches with a toddling girl gripping onto his pants on his uninjured leg. It is obvious she has been crying with her red eyes and tear tracks down her chubby face. However, she seems beyond speaking as she sucks on her fist while staring at the world around her.

My attention is drawn from her to him when I comprehend the words he is speaking to Rion, "I know I can't convince ya to stay, lil brother, but please don't have me bury another body. Iou was my last weight."

I try not to flinch or act like I am listening to them but I feel a pit grow in my stomach as I realize that I gave up on Rion's brother. I feel a little sick but I cannot help myself as Rion tilts his head back and covers his eyes with his arm. Then, he looks at his older brother with a couple new tears sliding down his face, "I'm the fastest around. We'll get our sisters and Corbin back, ya'll see. There'll be cause to be festive yet in this long summer."

The little girl sniffles and drops her fist from her mouth as she reaches for Rion, "Ba-ba?"

He kneels and smothers the little girl in kisses, "Don't cry, Willow. I'll be back. Be good for Clem. Ya won't even know I'm gone. Promise."