Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Fourteen

Deep pain had awoken Saleene from her sleep. She knew right away that it was the healer. He had mended her, so his mind was familiar. With the strength of the poison making its way through the healer’s body, she knew he had limited time. Though she was certain Dartian would move quickly, her concern grew with every passing minute. Sitting up, she moved her legs over the edge of the bed.  Breathing deeply she focused herself and tuned into the wounds she herself had sustained. Remarkably, the deep cut was almost completely healed. 

Looking around, she noticed that there were no clothes that she could change into. Using a simple conjuring spell, she fashioned herself a deep crimson gown made out of gossamer. Quickly dressing, Saleene slipped on her treasured sandals and began moving about the home, lighting different candles Nadrin had in stock. She then began boiling some water over the fire while adding herbs from her satchel to help promote a soothing atmosphere. She knew she would need every bit of help she could muster to save his life.

She had obtained information about the healer’s injury from Dartian’s own vision. She knew he was confused by her ability to talk to him mind to mind, but she didn’t have time to worry about it. 

“Oh well.” She whispered. “Now is not the time to reflect on that.”

With a quick glance around, she felt that she had everything needed. Turning around she heard a thud of the door as it opened. Standing in the doorway, filling it fully with his form, Dartian entered the home carrying the healer in his arms. The worry in his eyes was impossible to miss. The healer remained lifeless in his grip. 

“Bring him to the bed, Dartian, and let me begin my work. Pray we are not too late.” With calm instructions, and a steady gaze, she continued to give our what needed to be done. “I am sure I will be able to save him, but there is quite a bit that needs to be done. I may need your help. Are you willing?”

She knew her question held a two-fold meeting. The first one whether or not he trusted her to save Nadrin; while the second one was if he would condemn her to his people should he see something unknown to him. Deep inside she hoped that he would trust her enough to believe in her gifts. By the look on her face she believed she was right, that he would not turn her over to the council.

“I am here for you Saleene, you have but to ask. I know little about healing and will rely upon your expertise and direction in this area.” Even though the words were formal, she knew he meant them. He was trusting her with much more than himself, he was trusting her with the life of the village’s healer. One wrong move and he died, and she would be in more trouble than he might be able to get her out of. Although she was happy he had faith in her, she was terrified she might fail.

The determination and faith he gave humbled her. Turning her attention back to the situation at hand, Saleene began to walk around the room to secure the door. Chanting quietly, she removed a few candles from her satchel and placed them around the home. Lighting each one, she allowed the warmth to envelope the home as she began to chant.

Saleene felt the light begin to pool inside her, building with each passing breath. Centering herself, she gently laid her hands on the pulsating wound. As her fingers lightly touched Nadrin’s skin, the wind began to pick up outside. A rustle of leaves in the distance heralded the beginning of a storm. Unaware of the commotion outside, Saleene focused on her work. Her fingers moved with a will of their own, mixing herbs and oils together in time with the sound of the wind outside.

When she completed crafting the poultice she placed it on the wound on Nadrin’s neck. The area surrounding the wound started to glow a bright red then turn a dull orange. While the medicine worked on the poison, Saleene never stopped chanting, each word filling the room with warmth and energy.