Rhistmaege

The Door Opens

Something at the far end of Dovi's mind flapped like a ragged flag in the whipping wind. Some tattered fragment of membrane danced a tightrope upon the edge of darkness. What have I done to myself? Or was it something Tuck did to me?

It had been several days since Bisby's viewing. The excruciating throbbing at the back of his skull had finally ebbed away. The hint of something different, but unidentifiable had taken its place. I can't bear much more of this place. 

Bisby, staying true to character, had been at his side each time he phased back into consciousness. Figures, now that I'm strong enough, the little man is nowhere to be found. Dovi raised his head weakly and glanced about.

"Bisby," he called in a pathetic voice. He dropped his head back to the pillow.

"Bisby is currently predisposed. I've been looking after you," called Tuck from off to Dovi's right, the barest hint of concern in his voice. A shadow passed before the lamp shining in the center of the room. The feather mattress sagged at the far edge of the bed.

Dovi inhaled and let out a long wheezing exhale. Can't even stand to sit close to me. Good, I don't want to see his face.

"Have you a memory of what happened?" asked Tuck.

"A mem-ory?" How about how do I feel? "Oh, yes, thank you for asking. I'm feeling so much better now." Dovi's sarcasm bit hard. He closed his eyes.

The pressure at the edge of the bed lightened and footsteps circled the bed. "Have you a memory?" Tuck asked again, a higher urgency in his voice.

"YES- I saw my mother hog tied, split from chin to belly. Guts spilling to the ground. I saw my life burned before my very eyes. Saw all of them murdered. Is that what you want to hear? Is it? Why must you- No, forget it. Yes, I, have- a memory. I have a very good memory." Tears leaked from the corners of Dovi's eyes. He lacked the strength to wipe them away. You bastard. You sick bastard.

Tuck stifled a choking cough. He sniffed a few short times and cleared his throat. "I'm, very sorry."

The sincerity in Tuck's voice caught Dovi off guard. His mind darted this way and that way.

The mattress sagged once more, this time noticeably closer to Dovi's side. A hand touched his forearm.

"You must forgive me for how I've treated you up until now. My, unconventional approach, was a necessary evil. Let me explain so you don't think me some sick bastard."

Sick bastard? Oh my- Did he just read my thoughts? If he could read my mind this whole time...

"Before we could do any training with your Rhist, Craeve's block had to be removed. Unfortunately if I tried to do it myself, or instruct you on what to do, it would have ended up killing you- and no, I'm not exaggerating. Your heart would have stopped mid-beat with the slightest direct intervention. Craeve either wanted you for herself, or wanted you dead. I did the only thing I could, prod and poke at you until your mind lashed back at me. It was a risky maneuver. That's why I asked about your memory. We risked permanent damage to your mind. Anything odd inside your mind now?" Tuck's eyes narrowed.

"Yes, I have this feeling. It's like something is off. I can't put my finger on it."

"So it's as I feared. You've a small tear where Craeve marked your Rhist. Not the best scenario, but with a good amount of work, we can reseal it."

"A tear? I don't like how that sounds. What's torn?" Dovi squirmed beneath the sheets.

"Don't be alarmed. With diligent attention, this will be no different than recovering from a sprained ankle. A little rest, compression of the spirit and elevation of the mind, and you will be good as new. Of course, you've got to buy in. Choosing to ignore my offered help, will most likely lead to something akin to insanity. What do you say? Trust me?" Tuck blinked and his eyes changed to a crimson shade of red.