Soul Healer

Chapter 2 - Wistaria

>>> CHAPTER 2 <<<

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Picking up pace he walks faster. Worried eyes lock on you face, when he hears a low gasp of pain.
After having walked several miles, getting increasingly worried, the village is finally within reach. Approaching the village, he is stopped by some Centaur warriors. "Ares", one of them speaks. "You are not welcome here. Leave!".

Angry Ares answers, "I do not request shelter here. But I bring an injured female warrior. At least take her. If you do not help her, she will die." With a frown he continues, "What is the name of this place? Tell your leader I will not leave before we have made a deal. Help the female, and your village will be under my protection."

A tall warrior steps forward. With a salute he says, "I am Bane. The chief of Wistaria. You must leave, we do not want the human here. She will bring trouble. Why else would she be injured.".

Eyes blazing, jaw clenched, trying not too loose his temper, Ares speaks. "You will take her. If you do not, I will kill you all!" A low gasp of pain, makes him instantly turn his attention on your pale face. He has never begged in his entire existence, but now he finds himself utter aplea. "I beg of you, help me save her," he says with desperation. "She saved the dragon pup from a band of Ceenaq".

Tilting his head, Bane steps closer, to take a closer look. Staring at you a horrified sound escapes his lips. "No, no, no. It's the Dragonmaiden", he cries. "Come this way, quickly!"

Anxiously Ares follows Bane. Entering the city he gently carries your blood-covered body in his arms.

Hearing Banes words all citizens form a circle looking at you. Amazed Ares stares at their tear-covered faces.
"By the sacred clover" an old woman cries. "Who did this? The Dragonmaiden is hurt".

Calming everybody, Bane then guides Ares to his house. Showing him the way to his bedroom. Kneeling by the bed, Bane examines your wounds. Tears run down the formidable warriors cheeks, as he whispers "Terrible wounds. So much blood. I fear she will die'.

With a furious roar Ares grabs him by the throat, pushing him aside. 'No! She must live'. Whimpering sounds from the little dragon, makes him release his deadly hold. Desperately the little dragon ever so gently tries to wake you from your deathlike state.

'Istaq she can't hear you', Ares whispers with sadness. With a loud shriek the little dragon refuses to listen. Strange sounds emerging from the dragons throat. Astonished he observes a glowing flame flow from the dragon and touch your lips. 'Istaq, you can't help her'. Reaching out, he tries to remove the dragon pup.

With a furious growl the little dragon snarls at Ares. Then it quickly turns it's head and looks at you. With a heart-rendering wail, it presses it's tiny head against your cheek.

Deeply moved by the dragons unusual behavior Ares whispers. 'Istaq let her rest'.

With a cry the little dragon gently licks your cheek. Then it stares at you green eyes so very worried.

Fighting you open your eyes. Unbearable pain flows through your veins, as you gasping try to sit up. With almost supernatural strengths you suppress the pain. Looking at the dragon you whisper "Morrowind, never have I met a more obtrusive being. Not even humans are that annoying and persistent."

Purring the little dragon looks at you with such affection, Ares feels his very heart quiver. Confused yet delighted he stares at you. No human could know that Istaq is also known by the name Morrowind. How can you possibly know the name. Dragons are very secretive creatures, and take great care before they allow anybody to know their name.

Staring at Bane, your gasp 'Ah no, not you again! Let me die. It's all gone. The truce is no more. It was all a lie. When I close my eyes I cannot rest. All I see is blood, all I hear are screams. People and loved ones dying'. With dead eyes you sink back, your face turning even paler.

'Dragonclaw, we need you', Bane stutters. 'The Amazons will start a full-scale war against the Ceenaq, if you do not stop them. Queen Marlaren will turn the rivers red with blood, if she hears you are dead. Your the only one that can stop this insanity'.

Amazed Ares stares at the mighty Centaur warrior. Never has he seen a Centaur behave with such humility before. Kneeling Bane implores 'Majesty we need you. Please tell me how to heal your wounds. You must live!'. Lowering his head, the proud warrior stares humbly into the ground.

For a few moments purple eyes stare at the kneeling warrior, a grim expression on your face. Your eyes hold no emotion at all. "Smarten up horseflesh" you growl. "All are dead! I no longer have an army to command. I may know how to wield a sword, but I cannot take on the hole Ceenaq nation on my own. Leave me be. I am so tired. Tired of the constant battles. The slaughter, all the innocent lives lost".

Lowering his head even more, Bane begs, refusing to be offended by your harsh words. "Majesty, you alone can make sure no Ceenaq walk the earth. We will help assemble the army you need". With a husky whisper, he continues, You were never one to take the easy road. Don't you want revenge?"

Meeting your eyes, he quickly lowers his gaze. Purple eyes no longer dead, stare at the Centaur. "Very clever", you sigh. Accepting his plea you continue, "Pushing me with words of valor. Very clever indeed. You want me to live forever then?" With an oath you continue, "So be it. Find some nightshade, deadly nightshade, hogweed and laburnum'. Gasping with pain, you close your eyes with a dark chuckle. 'You better hurry, or there will be no blood left in my body'.


With a terrified expression Bane looks at Ares. 'Highly poisonous herbs. They may heal the wounds, or they may kill her'. Turning Bane rushes out to find the herbs you mentioned.

Staring at your pale face, Ares kneels by your side. 'Why do you fascinate me so? You must live. I must know why I feel this overwhelming urge to protect you'. Hearing you unconscious gasp in agony, Ares hastily leans closer. Worried he touches your cheek 'Brave purple eyed tigress, you must live'.