Medice Ceres

Chapter 17

"Get up, Waithe! She will need you. I will need you. All of existence shall need you!"

The voice seemed far away and yet close at the same time. He willed himself to think, but coherent thoughts proved difficult. A shining light pierced the gray fog that engulfed his consciousness. He could not open his eyes, but he saw her in his mind. The woman of light. The same one who appeared to him, and him only, when Ceres and Sharm cured the Tainted land in Moeras.

He stood up in this featureless dream world. She moved toward him, floating gracefully, so like a Spirit. A clear sphere hovered beside her. The bright light encased her such that he could not make out the features of her face, only her form. She lifted her hand to caress his cheek. A soothing warmness spread from her touch.

He asked, "Who be you?"

Her smile conveyed as much warmth as her touch. "Someone you love, and who loves you."

His mind still seemed in a haze. "I do not understand."

"One day you may."

"What shall I do?"

"What you do best. Protect her!"

The woman of light floated away as another diffuse light brightened the fog. He blinked his eyes. As the mental haze fell, a dizzy throbbing headache rose. Eira sat beside him holding his hand, her eyes closed. She hummed quietly as Ceres would sometimes do. Anu's silver light hovered above and the shimmering white lights of Magic surrounded him.

Waithe's eyes widened. Was Eira healing him? Could a girl so young call a Life Spirit and access the Magic?

Such a hard blow to the head would have consequences. He had seen such on the battlefield. If it did not kill outright, it may soon. Or it may rob a man forever of tongue, agility, or wit. The headache faded and clarity of mind returned. He sat up. The Spirit Anu lifted away and the shimmer disappeared. Eira opened her eyes and smiled weakly. Waithe caught her as she slumped down.

He drew her into himself as they sat on the ground and pushed aside the long dark hair from her face. "Be you well, my dear Eira?"

She nodded and took a deep breath.

Waithe spoke softly. "The Magic will take your strength, but only for a short time. Rest now." She leaned back against him. "I thank you, my little girl, for your gift of healing. Extraordinary that be."

For a moment he wondered if his lost Aala would have been like her.

"Eira, did you see which way they took Ceres?"

Eira frowned as she pointed down the road to the North. Waithe surmised they went to Ashe to take shelter in the Overlord's castle. From there, who knows? Perhaps on to the House of the Order, ultimately to hand Ceres over to Lord Scias. He bristled at the thought. The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind streaks of orange and red. No more could he do tonight.

He spoke again to the girl nestled safely in his arms. "Let us rest tonight, little one. But what say you that early in the morn we seek out Ceres and return her to us?"

Eira smiled widely and nodded her head.

*****

Waithe and Eira entered the outskirts of Ashe on horseback. The Overlord's castle looked out on the bustling city, standing high on a hill near the Grand River. There Ceres would be. It was not hard to track her path. The platoon of sharply dressed Medice Guards escorting a bound young woman prisoner had drawn attention. Waithe rode by rows of houses, small businesses, and a lively market square for a closer look at the castle.