Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Twenty-Three: Healers Can be a Nasty Line of Work

The next few weeks were a blur. War efforts were in full swing now that news of the North pushing further into Southern territory. Three towns on the border had been burnt to the ground and their people taken as prizes. Lorcán had mostly locked himself in his office answering letters and setting meetings with his courts. Theo stayed by Noah's side most days. Occasionally he would venture to the library or go to the stables. He hadn't gone back into the city since that night.

Noah had awoken about a week later after the incident. The healers had all decided it would be beneficial to keep him asleep for a time so his body could rest and heal. Most of the swelling had been minimized by the specialty potion mixed up with the healer that was keeping watch over him. He still had some nasty bruising but they would go away in time. Noah couldn't recall anything from that night but Theo told him everything he could.

Gabriel and Ciro were in and out of the infirmary checking in on the boys. Theo had taken over one of the beds to be with Noah then in a large bedroom alone. Gabriel and Ciro had taken over training for the new soldiers coming into the city. Noah and Theo would see them from time to time for short periods, but for the most part, they were in and out of meetings and councils. Theo knew that it was only time until they all became busy, but he occasionally missed those times together traveling.

Noah was sitting up reading something that Gabriel had brought him. This was only about the third time sitting up without his ribs causing him shooting pain.

Theo came walking in from breakfast carrying two large muffins. "I was talking with the healer and she said you probably could leave today," Theo explained.

Noah laid the book he was reading down beside him. The bruises were now faintly discolored and he was beginning to look like regular old Noah. "Great! Gabriel said as soon as I was cleared, he'd start training me."

"Training?"

Noah took a bite of the muffin. "Said he'd teach me how to shoot a bow." He said muffled.

Theo looked down at his muffin. "Do you think he would train me?"

Noah paused eating. "Why wouldn't he?" He had a look of curiosity.

"I don't know." Theo sincerely answered. Everyone was busy with preparations; he didn't think bow lessons were the top priority. "Busy I guess."

Noah placed his muffin to the side and went to sit next to Theo and placed his arm around him. "I'm sure Gabriel would be more than happy to have you there too."

Theo nodded and leaned into his brother's embrace before standing up and stretching. "I hope so."

Noah nodded. "We'll show him up at his own game."

Theo laughed. "Right."

"You don't think we will?"

"I know we won't." Theo rolled his eyes.

Noah shoved Theo playfully. "You're no fun."

Theo stood and stretched as he shoved Noah away. "Right. Well, I think I'm going to the library for a bit." He grabbed his muffin and turned to Noah.

"Why's that?" Noah peered up. "Are you getting scared of taking on Gabriel in a shooting contest?"

"No. Just thought I'd see if I couldn't find some stuff on some of the spells in the spell book I got."

Noah picked his book up again. "You have fun with that. I'm going to finish this muffin and book and see if I can't get out of this place." They both chuckled at the last little bit.

Theo said his goodbyes to Noah and the healer who had just arrived and headed to the library.

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