Star Dust

Chapter 17 ~ Katie

The forest is so full of life, croaking Zefren lie in wait to the west with little respect to the rules of predator and prey and the need for silence, but without their croak life here would be dull.

 Other creatures stir when the breeze rolls in lazily, bugs float from tree to tree and howling can be heard from a distance, probably from the vicious Hiltropan's. They are vile creatures who feast on everything still alive, they know nothing of pain and have no enemies, people who go hunting and never come back are likely declared dead because of these dark ash grey creatures. They have no fur but a thick hide covers their strong bones and their eyes, a merciless pit of glowing yellow upon yellow. 

 I stop beside the plant I need and using my knife dig out the delicate roots, but when I stand up something is wrong the forest has gone still, and the noises have ceased. Wiping the blade carefully on my loose fitting pants I back away in the direction I came. The farther I go the easier it is to let go of the fear that something was watching me, and soon the glow of a fire can be seen between the thinning undergrowth.

 Walking into the clearing everyone draws their weapons except my patient and Dylan who only raises his fists, clearly without a weapon of his own to wield, but I don't stop, instead I continue towards the warmth of the fire. I hadn't realized how cold I was until I saw flame licking upward into the night, so I went to it and stuck my hands as close as possible. Finally warm my unstiffened hands get to work washing the dirt from the entire plant and whittling away at the clear roots. Next on the list, the bulbs flesh and pulp had to be mashed into a thick paste.

"I need to know names" I point to Arm Watch.

"Andrew" he gestures to birdy "Gryphon" she waves, such a friendly gesture for such a hostile stare.

"I'm Matthew" says Grey and pointing to my patient he says "Mystery" I nod to each inturn.

"again, I'm Katie"

 Now that introductions were over I can go back to chopping and separating the rare plant. Once everything was prepared each part was placed into the pot of boiling water and I could turn around to check my patient but found that four pairs of eyes were watching intently for my next move. Ignoring them I walk over to the still form of my patient and Dylan, all the while I was trying in vain to help from noticing how Birdy's claws slide in and out of her fingers much like a cat anticipating a kill. 

 Turning my face to my patients who is now awake "find food, take one of Katie's hunting knives" she whispers. Reluctantly I hand one over to Dylan who disappears to the east of the camp "we must be swift" and I stare at her "you need to rest" she laughs weakly "yes sir, doctor Katie sir" she raises her hand to her forehead in salute and I can't help but laugh too. 

 Back to work and all serious I call to the only other people in camp "Andrew find a way to make more light and don't touch the bugs" he nods then goes into the one pack they brought with them and produces an empty clear water bottle. He stalks off in search of light. I turn to grey " Matthew stir the pot slowly" emphasizing the last word as if to a child, then I turn to Gryphon. She waits expectantly for her command but hides it well as she glares daggers at me.

 "don't make me do something stupid" she says hands raise defensively, I shake my head "I need your help". 

 Gryphon walks over to us and sits on the opposite side of Mystery and I begin to speak step by step "turn her on her left side" and we turn her over and Mystery gasps obviously still awake and in pain. Next I get her to fetch the hot pot of mush and send Mathew off to help Andrew, as I inspect the three long gashes that were raked from her right shoulder to the left side of her hip.

 I haven't seen wounds this bad, I've only cured minor injuries and illnesses, this is whole levels of doctoring above what I know. I'm panicking now, breathing deep and heavy bad signs for someone like me who needs to remain calm. Gryphon comes back with the steaming pot and a bite my lip and begin the treatment having Gryphon help me bandage her with the three rolls of gauze we found in the pack.