The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 5 - The Female Swordmaster

The call of a raven sounded outside several times, echoing across the mountainside. Nasira suddenly jolted up and awake at the raven's call and jerked her gaze about her surroundings. It took her a few moments to realize where exactly she was. When she finally clued in she fell back down onto the ruffled cushions and placed an arm over her face. She allowed herself to breath and calm down before she once again sat up. The sheet at the end of the mat was draped over her, something she didn't remember doing but shrugged and guessed she did it in her sleep sometime. Rising her arms into the air she stretched and yawned, her shoulder ached and felt rather stiff which brought her to remember her injuries as well.

Pulling the sheet back and rising to her feet, her leg not feeling nearly as sore as her shoulder. Reaching down she grabbed her sword belt and buckled it around her waist. She left the knife belt and her upper robe behind, just keeping the sleeveless kimono on. Moving to the door she pulled her boots on, pulling her pants over the tops of the boots and opened the door. Nasira poked her head out, seeing no one down the hall she stepped out and closed the door behind her. She glanced around, taking note of where exactly her room was so she could locate it later on, then to the left and right. Going through her memory she turned right and began to walk down the hall.

Stepping out of the hall she came across a courtyard she remembered to be the entrance where her and Altaïr first came through. Several of the Brothers were walking about, talking amongst one another, they seemed to be unaware of her presence which she was perfectly fine with. Nasira glanced to the huge building she remembered stepping into to speak with the Master. Standing there she remembered the Master's words telling her to seek a healer when she awoke and Altaïr's directions.

She caught sight of small building slightly off to the side of the larger one and guessed it was the one Altaïr told her about. Stepping forward she walked to the building and once at the entrance she poked her head through. For a small building it contained enough space to hold quite of few of the injured or sick. Thankfully, most of the cots were empty, only a couple people resting in them. She took a step forward and glanced around, wondering if perhaps no one was around at this particular hour.

"Hello, you must be Nasira." Said a feminine voice that caused Nasira to jump slightly.

Nasira glanced quickly to her right and her eyes fell upon an older woman dressed in a simple grey robe. She had long greying hair that was tied back in a tight bun. Her eyes were a soft gold in color. She smiled softly to the black clad girl and seeing the woman made Nasira happy there were at least some women other than herself on the hillside. Nasira bowed her head, "Yes I am ma'am."

The woman chuckled, "No need to be so formal child, you may just call me Ameena. Now come, Altaïr has told me of you and your injuries. I will see to them now."

Ameena walked over to an empty cot and motioned for Nasira to sit. Nasira obeyed and sat down upon the cot and watched Ameena gather some fresh bandages, and a couple of vials. Placing them on a small table beside the cot she went back and grabbed a large bowl. Placing the bowl on the table as well Nasira glanced to it and her brows rose at the ugly green paste within the bowl, the smell was atrocious. Ameena giggled upon seeing Nasira's wrinkled nose.

"Do not worry, it looks deceiving but it will help soothe the pain and relieve the muscles."

Nasira only nodded. She trusted the woman knew exactly what she was doing. Ameena dipped a cloth in some warm water and moved to the girl, "Show me your shoulder wound. I was told it was the worst."

Nasira pulled down the right half of her kimono to reveal the barely stained bandage. Ameena promptly began to unwrap them and tossed them into a basket off to the side. She examined the wound with an appreciative look, "Hmm, he did a good job on cleaning and drawing out the poison." She huffed, "I have taught him better than expected it seems."