The Whispers Of Trees

3. The Messenger Of A Goddess

Doing as they were told, to the letter, they spoke to no one as they followed their leader. They even remained quiet amongst themselves, no matter how excited they were to have Orym back, they dared not risk Achillia's wrath, especially with the delicate situation at hand.

Alea had been sparing enough to unbuckle her cloak and surround the strangers nude body with it and from what they could tell, it seemed to have been welcomed as he balled the edges in his fists and pulled it around himself, Orym pulling the hood over his head to Achillia's instruction.

"See to it that Darfin is in my office within the next five minutes" Achillia stated quietly, as to avoid the listening ears of the nightly-walking public, to one of the guardsmen who nodded sternly in reply and departed from the group, stepping off through the forest.

Darfin was the village's most requested healer, many waited for weeks to see him for their ailments, and some were extremely persistent in refusing the aid of other healers, seeing Darfin as the one bestowed with medical gifts, or so he seemed to think.

Orym never enjoyed his arrogant presence, Darfin knew he was skilled and would let everyone know about it, especially after a drink or two at the local tavern.

Stepping into the shadows of the great Birch tree, they proceeded into its tangling roots that formed small doorways draped with plants and vines.

They were led down a corridor and swiftly into the room at the end, Achillia standing aside behind her desk as the guards herded them in. The door slammed shut behind them, although the village leader did not take kindly to the loud noise, nor the lack of care, and was sure to fire an aggressive glance at the guard responsible who shied away.

Achillia turned to the man who stood conscious, but pale and supported and offered no patience or sympathy as her vindictive questioning began.

"Who are you? Where have you come from? And what are your intentions with Birchwood village?" she spoke clearly with her head held high.

Orym knew it was because she was scared of the unknown and what could come should others catch wind of the recent events that were so unheard of.

The man between Orym and Alea raised his head, his eyes peering curiously through his long, curling, raven locks.

"My name is Alimar," he said, the hood slipping back slightly as he spoke, his voice was delicate and almost held the same nature as Alea's.

Alimar's eyes became fixed once again on Orym as though he was suddenly aware of the man holding him up, it was as though his presence brought him comfort, especially when a guard arrived with Darfin, bag in hand holding an array of unknown instruments of medical practice.

Orym could feel panic and worry set in his chest, but it seemed distant like it wasn't his own, and looking at the man beside him, it began to add up.

"Achillia, it's good to see you," Darfin remarked, his voice already grinding on Orym's nerves.

"Darfin" she nodded with a brief smile "I am apologetic for your calling, however, your skills and knowledge are much needed in this instance"

Peering around the room, recognising the majority of the faces looking at him, Darfin turned back to Achillia "How so?" he questioned.

Achillia extended her hand in a gesture towards Alimar, and Darfin's eyes wasted no time in following suit.

He approached Alimar with care as he fumbled in his bag, drawing out a wooden tubular shaped object with a flattened end that he tenderly pressed between the parting of the cloak and onto Alimar's chest, the chill shock of the polished wood causing him to flinch and shuffle uncomfortably.