Of Swords and Needles

Chapter 1: The Tale of a Plague and a Doctor

The plague. A universal word that defines disease, death, and sickness. There have been numerous plagues over the centuries, all of which have been cured thanks to doctors. Although trials and tribulations were endured before, during, and after those trying times for the people, doctors, plants, and animals. Adapting over time to live and fight these diseases. During some plagues, certain doctors roamed the streets in black cloaks. Some people saw them hope in bleak times, others saw them as the reaper on their doorstep. Plague Doctors. These men used their tools and words to aid those in need to the best of their ability. Some doctors who couldn't get a license in the old days did this. Meanwhile numerous people also held the title of Plague Doctors and, despite their limited to no knowledge of medicinal practices, asked for a tumultuous amount of coin. It was them who gave Plague Doctors a bad reputation.

However, that is where we are from. This story takes place in a time that is much different than our own. Medieval times were always seen with knights, squires, kings, queens, peasants, supposed mages, the likes. A sprawling time where people were just starting to get their footing to the society we know today. There were towns, shops, and locals who would trade coin to get supplies. There were also bandits and those who proposed to practice in black magic. Even though most of the practices of the arcane were falsified, there were some counts that claimed it to be as real as anyone else. However, during these times, plague doctors were also scarce. At least, for us. The story we tell today is of a world vastly different than ours. Sprawling and luscious, almost like it was ripped out of a fantasy. Open spaces, small towns that housed locals, kingdoms that ruled the small towns. A place where the only time you can see the dark and bleak parts, is if you forcefully look for it.

Born into poverty, Alex had very little in her life. She lived in an unknown settlement, had no parents, and had an interest in alchemy despite lacking the necessary equipment to practice it. She scraped on the streets to survive, yet always had the dream of helping others, especially when a plague hit. It wiped out many people and the plagues properties required the locals there to wear specialized masks in the shape a raven's head: a plague mask. Alex remained on the streets until she was twelve, when a new school opened up. A school that taught medicine, and Alex knew this was her chance. However, the school only allowed males into its doors. Alex, easily able to hide her small breasts with a binding cloth, snuck in the school and managed to gain a doctorate. And, despite originally thinking of reverting back to a she, Alex decided to become a full male. Not just because Alex had committed to the bit, but because they had liked being a male.

Around two years after Alex became a certified doctor, he started to help out around the village albeit not with medicine. He worked in a clinic as a receptionist and a clerk, helping those who have the plague while the doctors there try their best to cure them. The plague had been around for a little over fifteen years and the king held off on bringing people in until the plague had been reduced. Solely in case a knight or squire contracted the plague and brought it back to the kingdom. Alex had hopes of curing the plague, and the doctor's also hoped that they could cure it too. People were getting desperate, and the doctors could see it. One day, one of the citizens ran out past the guards and stormed out the gates. One of the guards, a man in a black leather trenchcoat and a steel plague mask with a pointed beak tried to stop them, but couldn't.

"If that person gets to the kingdom, we won't be part of it anymore." The guard spoke, fear in his voice. He saw Alex and pointed at him. "You, doctor. Get that man now!"

Alex, worried for both the man and the people, complied and ran after the man. Alex wasn't exactly the most athletic, nor was anyone who was in their town, yet despite that he and the other man ran to the forest. The man, slightly older than fifty, ran to a secluded part of the woods, a place where very few, if no, animals dwelled. Along the way, the man cut himself on a branch as he ran. Alex didn't notice the blood, only focusing on getting the man. Once they got the secluded area, the man fell to his hands and knees, crawling around to find something. Alex caught up to the man, only in time to see his body fall dead to the grass next to a strange flower. Alex approached the body and saw an open book next to the man which fell out of his pocket as he collapsed. He saw from the book that the man was studying alchemy and had discovered a temporary cure for the plague. All thanks to a strange flower. Alex examined the flower, it was bring green in it's petals, yet had a blue stem. The seed pods inside were sharp as thorns and there seemed to be only one. Alex warily grabbed the flower and the book, rushing back to the settlement.

As he ran faster and faster, finding hope that the plague would be rid of (despite being temporary), he once again failed to notice the blood on the branch. The blood had been dripping down to a leaf that a small caterpillar was eating, and the blood was about to be its next bite.

A/N: Hi everyone, this is a bit of a strange book but it's one that someone requested of me. I don't often do this, but I am enjoying writing it and may do more requests in the future. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this book and have a good day/night. :)