Belford's Heart

Chapter 16: Rebirth

The climb back into the sanctuary felt much shorter than the descent. Perhaps it was the brightening voices of the girls walking with them, or the thought of their families who await their return. As Belford forced the stone platform back into its place, Philip provided the girls with water and bread as they attuned themselves back to the light again. The sun shining onto the courtyard told Belford that Evening approached them. While these girls were now safe, it remained true that the man, or men, responsible for their capture were still somewhere within Dania.

Philip accompanied them, walking with Grifford behind the girls who followed close to Belford. The stares he received now were less at the size of his body, but for the torn trouser leg tied around his waist, and the exposed skin of his large left leg. Evelyn wanted to take credit for the apparent groundbreaking discovery in goliath legwear, but the wandering eyes of the women in the street frustrated her more than she cared to admit.

City center came upon them. Philip acted as an excellent guide to the city, and Belford was again thankful for him. For the few unpleasant moments they shared upon meeting, the man had quickly proven himself compassionate and brave. Belford wanted to ask him about the flames he was able to conjure from within. The All-Knower always spoke of men's magic, but assured Belford and the other young goliath that they were merely stories to make themselves seem bigger. Seeing the power firsthand, Belford once again felt small. Oddly, he thought it was a good feeling.

City center turned out to be a large, circular building of light stone and dark wood. Similar to the courtyard outside Philip's temple, the street was a continuous loop surrounding the large building at the center. Entrances stood freely open in all directions. Jurgen's eyes were wide as Belford approached. His side was covered in blood, both fresh and dried, and it had soaked into the shoddy wrapping that applied pressure. Between them and Philip, all six of the missing girls smiled as they approached.

"By her love, is that the goliath?" Jurgen's voice echoed through the city clearing surrounding them and the city center.

Belford smiled, ignoring the continued sting of the pain still present in his wound. "Belford, but yes. We have done as you asked."

Holgren appeared from behind Jurgen. "Lights above." He stood silent for a moment, guilt flooding over his face as Belford stood close with Evelyn. "I beg you forgive my ignorance, goliath."

"Again, you can all call me Belford." Belford turned to reveal the girls who, other than Milly, had not seen the light of day in weeks. The girl on his back peeked her head out from behind Belford's head to complete their count of six. "And these girls are all safe. I ask that you have them remain here for tonight, should you be able to do so."

Jurgen nodded. "They shall be cared for." He eyed Belford's wound. "As will you. Come, allow our healers to have a look at you."

Belford did not question, continuing forward with the girl clung to his neck until they entered the high ceilings of the city center's first floor. Beds were laid out joined by medical instruments and cloth for bandages. The girls were all taken to their own bed by healers, and each were immediately put to work in assessing their ailments. Belford was far too large for the bed, but he was able to sit as another healer joined him. The woman smiled sweetly at him as she reached for the makeshift wrapping made from his trousers.

"May I remove this?" The woman held her hands above the trousers with a pair of steel shears. Belford nodded, and she cut quickly through the fabric. The released pressure allowed for more blood to flow from the wound, but she moved her eyes along its length to check for infection. When none was found, she turned to retrieve a jar of liquor and a cloth. Unlike Evelyn's more direct approach, she tipped the liquor quickly while holding the cloth at the end. Once it was wet with liquor, she pressed the wound firmly and worked her way down the length. Belford winced, but she remained calm and consistent with each press. Once she made it to the bottom, she grabbed another cloth and submerged it in water from a nearby bucket. The remaining blood to course its way down his body slowed as she firmly cleaned him. She slowly began wrapping his body beginning at the pit of his arm all the way to the start of his waist. When she was finished, Belford felt relief as the pressure of the bandage was at a perfect balance all throughout and the stinging pain had nearly left him. "How does that feel?"