Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Thirteen

Viktor moved over towards Saleene’s sleeping body. He could tell there was more to his visit than a casual curiosity about the stranger and need to make sure Dartian was safe. A protective sense of duty rose quickly inside him. He didn’t want this man looking at Saleene, especially when she was not aware. It wasn’t fair to her. Moving between Viktor and Saleene he placed his body in a spot that kept Viktor from seeing her. It was casual, but conveyed that he was in charge. He could tell his point was made by the sneer that crossed his face.

“Dartian, you have no need to hide this woman from my sight. I am the acting leader of my clan while my father is ill and I have every right to view any property that should enter it.”

The way he muttered property sent a chill down Dartian’s spine. What could he mean by that? He couldn’t consider Saleene a piece of property that could be given back and forth? While these questions bounced through his mind, Dartian saw that Viktor moved enough over to enable him to continue looking at Saleene. There was more than just simple curiosity in his stare. His anger rose. 

“Viktor, I fear you do not understand my intentions. I do not feel it is necessary for you to see this woman, as she is still unconscious and under the healer’s care. It would be inappropriate to allow a strange man to view her while she is unaware.” Dartian’s voice held steel as he continued to stare down his adversary. “But know this; she is not at any time considered anyone’s property.”

Viktor glared at Dartian but said no more as he turned and left the home. Before shutting the door he turned one more time to drink in the sight of the small woman with golden hair sleeping on the soft mattress.

“This is not over Dartian; you can rest assured of that.” The challenge was issued and there was no going back.

A low thud of the door signaled that Viktor had indeed left. Dartian finally allowed a sigh to escape his throat, his attention returned once more to Saleene.

“She is doing very well my son. Her wound is healing nicely and the poison did not do as much damage as it could have. We have had good fortune in our endeavor.” There was hesitation in the healer’s voice, an unspoken question that shimmered in the air.

“I know you have more to say, so please, continue.”

“Dartian, when she does awaken, I would be interested in talking with her. I am curious of her heritage and knowledge of her people. There is much we may be able to learn from her, much that may go towards helping us in finding a balance between all species.”

Dartian noted the faint hint of sadness in the healer’s voice. He knew that all the healers had been working diligently for years to discover other races that might be a descendant of theirs. He had a feeling that this is what the healer was considering. Dartian once again turned his gaze to Saleene sleeping so soundly. She was completely unaware of the turmoil her presence was causing in the small village.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all you’ve done for us, healer. I plan to advise my father of your kindness, when I am able to return to my village. What is the name that I can provide him with?” The man had saved Saleene’s life and that in itself, made him honorable in Dartian’s mind. However, one thing did bother him about the whole situation and it was time he found out. “Old one, how is it you knew of our coming beforehand? I sent no word letting you know we were on our way.”

This was something that had puzzled Dartian from the moment they arrived in the village. He trusted this man, as he had performed wondrous deeds in being able to save Saleene from the brink of death, but he knew nothing of this healer nor of the values this clan upheld. He saw compassion and knowledge shining in his old weathered eyes, but he also knew that appearances could be deceiving.