Daughter of the Healing Witch

Unusual Happenings

"King Garsea told me that you saved twelve of my men," the man said. I nodded. He let out a roar of laughter. It startled me so much that I summoned my wand. He only noticed this after slapping me on the back and laughing again at some joke that he told the King that I did not understand. He then put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"What are you intending, Miss," he growled. I did not know what else to do, so I laughed. At both the situation and at the notion that I would spell a king.

"Do not act so surprised. I mean you no harm, but you did startle me, and it is to be expected that as a warrior would pull his sword I would pull my wand," I smiled at him for what felt like the first time in weeks. I sent it back to my coin purse. I stuck my hand out and introduced myself for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

"I am Léonie Brodeur. And no, before you ask, I am not Océane," I said as he shook my hand. He smiled. It was terrifying, but strangely comforting.

"I am General Suero Giantcleaver," he smiled. I realised then why he looked familiar.

"Are you of any relation to Andrus?", I whispered amused. He heard me and started cackling . I placed my hand on his arm. He immediately went silent. "These men are trying to heal. Is there somewhere else that we can talk?" I asked.

"I will leave you two to talk there is a meeting that I have to attend with the war council. Goodnight Miss Brodeur," King Garsea said as he slipped away.I was momentarily confused, I had not heard of war. I came to my senses and nodded as The General clapped me on the back again.

"Andrus, told me that there was a woman claiming to be a descendant of your mother. I did not believe him. I will walk you to your mother's old home if you'd like," he offered.

"Is there anyone else that could come with us?",I asked offhandedly.

"What are you implying?", he shot back trying and failing to keep his anger at bay.

"I am new to this town. People do not know me but in hearsay and my mother's reputation. If we are seen alone at night walking towards my lodgings, even the people who know us could be suspicious," I lied through my teeth. I was implying that very thing, he was at least two times my size and there would not be anything that I could do to stop him if he tried anything. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a stone. Moments after that Nikol walked into the infirmary.

"I assume that I am accompanying you both you your dwelling?",he asked smiling. He offered me his arm and the three of us walked out of the palace. They ended up having an argument and I let them trail ahead of me. I walked past humming a song that my mother had sung whenever we were facing difficult times. My breath hitched in my throat as I caught myself. I scrubbed away the tears that swelled in my eyes. This placed swelled with my mother's magic. I could feel her as if she were standing right next to me. I had not realised that my own steps had halted, until Nikol cleared his throat.

"You must excuse me. I have gotten lost in a daydream," I lied very obviously. My voice was thick in my throat. My eyes glimmered with tears yet unshed. I prayed to The Morrigan for guidance and that we would reach my mother's old home before my grief claimed once again. I prayed for my path to brighten through this thicket.

The General grunted and continued. Nikol looked to me still and raised his brow for a sign that I was not completely collapsing. I smiled like the treacherous wretch that I was proving to be. He must have found something in my face that assured him, for he continued to walk. I followed. We stopped before a door that looked to be wrought of vines. Upon closer inspection it was made of very lifelike iron. Nikol pulled out a key and placed it into the lock. Before I could warn him, the door ate his key. I couldn't help myself from cackling. Nikol looked abashed and slightly shocked. The General looked as if he was torn between dying of laughter and ripping off someone's head.