Destiny Written

Chapter 15

Searing pain torched down the left and right sides of his body. Burns never bothered him, but Arden finally realized what fire felt like. He could feel them on his left and right sides.

A muddy, brown cloth shield was the ceiling. He sat up, wincing and bearing down, but as he did, his hands brushed his chest, feeling woolen bandages. Who bandaged him up?

Light feet scraped in the dirt and the tent opening flew open. Light flooded his eyes as he squinted. A girl came into view. Small and petite with long red hair that hung to her waist in braids.

"You're awake," she said tartly.

"Who are you?" snapped Arden.

"Maris," she said in dry disdain. "You're welcome."

"For what?"

"Saving your life." She mumbled under her breath, scoffing as she did. "Lay down."

Stubborn as the heat of the sun, Arden refused the command. "Where's Corvera and Ten?"

With no hesitation or fear, she held her ground. It almost impressed Arden since she looked barely older than fifteen. "They're with my cousin Oak, eating breakfast."

Her folded arms were etched with light brown markings, similar to gold. They looped in random lines, riding up her arms. Florentian.

"I'm from Florentia." Maris seemed to read his mind. "We found you and your friends last night. I saved your life. You're welcome." Her words were clipped, each syllable almost forced between her teeth. "Now, lie back."

Arden wanted to disobey. No one tinier and younger than him should ever order him around. She pressed her palm hard against his chest.

"I need to continue healing you, so lie. Back." She poked him for good measure.

Arden held back the growl that rose in him. Biting his pride, he laid back onto the floor. Maris knelt beside him and began to undress his wounds. He bit the inside of his cheek, jaw flexing as it stung with each peel.

The night before flashed in his mind. Lightning and wind berated him. He thought they were going to die, but as sure as that thought, there was something more miraculous that occurred. The lightning tried to avoid them. The searing sword of the sky would bend away from him. A few had hit, but it seemed to shy away from him.

It allowed them to escape far enough across the river until Arden couldn't fly anymore from exhaustion and wounds from the few bolts that struck him.

Maris's hands began to glow as she rubbed her palms together. He watched in curiosity as a warming glow emitted from her palms. She pressed them against his side. Arden hissed and nearly bucked off, but she laid her other hand to steady him.

Ignis healed fast. The fire within burned away all wounds, but whatever she was doing, it was catalyzing the process.

"What are you-"

"I have the gift. The giving of life and healing." Her bark had lost its bite. Maris's voice was softer now, tight and pinched, while her brow was knit together in concentration.

The gift of healing. A coveted gift of the Florentians that was passed down through the female lines of their families. The ability to transfer one's own health to another, mimicking the power of Via, the legendary healer and warrior they had once followed.

Arden bore through the pain. He wondered why she didn't completely heal him in the beginning. The pain still remained, slightly numb now. Maris pulled away the bandages and wrapped them in a soiled bundle.