The Healer's Legacy (16 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Kira sat at the table in the little alcove off the kitchen. Across from her, Milvari busily jotted notes on a small bit of parchment. As Brilissa filled three large mugs with hot tea, Kira pulled a dark green, leafy plant with long thin tendrils out of the canvas pouch that hung at her side. “Most of the plants in the region are familiar to me, but this one I have never seen before. Do you know it?” she asked.

Brilissa settled into the chair beside Kira and examined the plant. “I’m not much for plants that aren’t used for cooking, but this one I know.” She promptly wiped her hands on her apron. “Demon’s Claw, I’ve heard it called. You should destroy it.”

Milvari stopped writing. “Why do we need to destroy it?”

“Eating it causes burning in the mouth and stomach, a heavy sickness of the bowels, headache and fever. Some describe it like being clutched by a demon, so I’ve heard. It will make a grazing animal sick to death for days.”

Kira drizzled a spoonful of golden honey into her mug. “I thought it might be poisonous. The deer have left the grass surrounding it uncropped. It’s a good thing I kept Trad away from the patch. Unlike wild deer, some grazing animals don’t know any better.”

“We ought to tell Harl,” Milvari said. She took a sip from her mug.

Kira smiled. In the past fortnight, Milvari had grown confident enough to speak openly to both Brilissa and Kira. Perhaps she could be pushed a little further. “I agree. You should tell him as soon as you’ve finished your tea.”

Milvari blanched. “Me?”

“You found it. Besides, I’ve work to do,” Kira cast a glance at Brilissa.

“But I—” Milvari set her cup down. She tilted her head forward as if to let the hair fall over her eyes, but her long locks had been pulled back into a thick braid. “I wouldn’t know what to say to him,” she mumbled.

Kira pushed the leafy plant across the table. “You know where the patch is and you can take this with you, in case he’s never seen it before.”

Milvari stared at the plant as if it were a venomous reptile.

“Go on,” Kira said. “Take it.” She bit the insides of her cheeks to keep herself from smiling as Milvari continued to stare at the leafy stalk.

“I’ve got to get back to the kitchen before something boils over or catches fire,” Brilissa said and bustled out of the room. As she passed by Kira on her way to the door, she covered her mouth to smother her amusement.

Milvari sat still for a long moment. “Couldn’t you tell him when you go out to see to Trad?” she asked in a plaintive voice.

“Milvari, this is something you need to do. I’ve told you before that the knowledge you’re gaining comes with a certain amount of responsibility. Someone needs to let people know of dangers like this. Sooner or later, you must be that someone. You know I won’t be here at Tem Hold forever.”

Milvari jerked her head up. “You always say that, but I thought you might change your mind. You like it here, don’t you?” Her lower lip trembled, and her eyes glittered in the flickering candlelight.

Kira’s mirth drained away. “I can’t stay,” she said with a wistful smile. “I wish that I could, but . . .” She reached over and gave Milvari’s hand a squeeze. “You can do this.”

Milvari pulled her hand away. “Fine,” she said, grabbing the plant. “I will tell Harl about the danger.” She turned and marched out of the room.

Kira sighed as the young girl’s angry steps receded. Had she pushed Milvari too far? She stared down at the dark liquid cooling in her mug, but unlike Heresta she had no gift of dreams or foresight, and no answers swirled into view.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Milvari paused inside the stable door, waiting as her eyes adjusted to the duskiness. The Demon’s Claw felt sticky and heavy in her hand. She listened for a moment to the rustle and scratch of the hay rake before taking a hesitant step toward the sound. As she stood, willing herself to take another step, a gate opened and Harl backed out of a stall, pulling a full wheelbarrow. With an expert twist he swung the loaded cart around and started toward the stable door. Milvari stood frozen in place.

Harl stopped. “Your pardon, m’Lady.”

Milvari realized she was staring and lowered her gaze. She kept her eyes on the ground and stuck out her hand, holding the plant up where he could see it.

“Do you want to feed that to the horses?” he asked.

Milvari frowned. “Why would I do that?”

“You used to—I mean—that is—”

Milvari’s mouth popped open in surprise, and she let her hand fall to her side. He’d seen her feed the horses? She thought she’d been alone. She’d been so careful. Her eyes narrowed. “How do you know that?”

The wheelbarrow wobbled and he set it down on its supports. “I saw you.” He wiped his hands on his breeches and shrugged.

Milvari peered at him. He seemed flushed. Had he been watching her, the way that she had watched him? She held up the plant once more. “I came to show you this.”

He stepped forward and stared at the cutting. “What is it?”

Milvari’s hand began to tremble as he drew closer. “It’s a . . . poisonous plant . . . we . . . I found.”

Harl reached for the plant, his rough fingers brushing hers as he took the leafy stem. Milvari drew back her hand. Her cheeks grew hot.

Harl seemed not to notice. He turned the cutting over in his hand and flattened out one of the dark leaves. “I’ve seen this before,” he said. “You’re right that it is bad for the animals, but I can’t remember what it’s called.”

“Demon’s Claw. It causes mouth and stomach pain, fever, headache, and—” Milvari stopped, embarrassed. Harl was watching her, a lopsided smile on his face.

“And other complications,” he finished for her, his face contorted into a comical grimace.

Milvari giggled and covered her mouth to keep from laughing. “Yes,” she said. “Other complications.”

Harl chortled. Milvari tried to contain herself, but his mirth was contagious. Soon they were both laughing out loud.

“Harl!” the stable master called from the back stalls. “What are you doing, boy? These stalls won’t clean themselves.”

Harl gave Milvari a sly wink. “Yes, Master Jarrett. I was just conferring with Mistress Milvari about a patch of Demon’s Claw she’s discovered.” He winked at her.

“Demon’s Claw, you say?” The stable master’s swift approach surprised Milvari. She had never before seen him move at such a rapid pace. He wore heavy boots and breeches of canvas, and his uneven gait seemed to slow him down most of the time. She had watched the stable master from the shadows, but not as much as she had watched Harl, she realized with a warm rush.

Master Jarret’s round face was ruddy with exertion.  He held out a gloved hand and Harl placed the plant in it.

The stable master flattened the plant out, prodding it with his fingers. “Hmmmmm . . . long tendrils, yes . . . yes, dark green leaves with narrowing tips. It’s Demon’s Claw, all right.” He looked up at Milvari. “Where did you say you found it?”

Milvari stared at him her eyes wide. He saw her. He was speaking to her.

Master Jarrett leaned forward. “Mistress Milvari?”

Her mouth opened and closed, but words refused to form.

Harl stood watching her. He nodded encouragement, but Milvari stood mute. Harl took a step back so the stable master wouldn’t see him, pointed at the plant and grimaced. She had to purse her lips together to keep from laughing. She opened her mouth once more and the words rushed out of her. “North of the hold, about three leagues distance. On the western edge of the big meadow that lies inside a circle of frost berry trees.”

The stable master squinted his face in thought. “Three leagues, yes . . . big meadow . . . circle of trees, yes, yes, yes. I know the place. Harl, we’ll need to be sure to tell the herdsmen. They’ll have to avoid the place. Yes . . . then we’ll need to speak to the holder. He’ll want to send someone out to destroy it. But not till winter. Maybe spring. It will have to be burned, and it’s too dry to risk a fire now.”

“It’s a good thing Mistress Milvari found the patch, isn’t it, Master Jarrett?” Harl grinned.

Master Jarrett’s face smoothed out. “Yes, yes, it is. Very good,” he said. He handed the plant back to Harl. “Make sure this is properly burned, my boy,” he said. “Wouldn’t want any of the animals getting a lip on it. Yes, indeed.” He went back to his work, his gait slowed now by the dragging of his left leg. His foot twisted at an odd angle, swinging out with each step. Milvari had often wondered if he’d always had the limp, but had been afraid to ask anyone about it. She wanted to ask Harl now, but she didn’t want Master Jarrett to overhear her. She wouldn’t want to embarrass him.

She signaled frantically for Harl to follow her and turned to leave.

“Yes, of course, m’Lady,” Harl said louder than necessary.

Milvari tried to shush him, but he only smiled and called out louder. “Of course, we’ll take the plant and burn it right away.” He followed her out of the stable.

Once outside he gave Milvari a conspiratorial look and she let out a relieved laugh. “I only wanted to ask about Master Jarret’s leg,” she said. “I’ve never heard him speak of it. Was it injured somehow?”

Harl gave her sidelong glance. “Has no one ever told you?”

“Told me what?”

Harl hesitated. “Perhaps they haven’t,” he said. “No one speaks of it much.” He looked around. “Come on. We’ll take this to the ash heap and burn it.”

* * *

Harl stared straight ahead.

They stood before the mound of ash, watching the small pile of dried sticks catch fire. The leaves and tendrils of Demon’s Claw curled and withered atop the burning twigs, emitting a bitter smoke that stung Milvari’s nose and eyes. “They say he nearly gave his own life trying to save Holder Kamar,” Harl said in a low voice.

His flick eyes toward Milvari. She focused on the burning plant and the thin wisp of smoke that rose into the pale blue sky.

“My mother never speaks of it,” she whispered.

“You must miss your father very much.” Harl snapped a twig into small pieces and fed them to the flames.

Milvari wrinkled her brow. “I was very young when it happened,” she said. “But I do have a few recollections of him. Most of the time, in my memories, his arms are strong and warm, but his face seems hazy and distant.”

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“What about you?” she asked. “I’ve never seen your parents. Are they—?”

“Alive? Yes. Being so far from our own croft though, I rarely see them.”

“Don’t you miss them?”

“Sometimes.” He sighed. “But there were far more of us then the croft could support. All boys, too.” He picked up a stick and poked at the fire. Sparks jumped and rose with the acrid smoke. “Being the youngest, I’d have gotten the smallest share of land, if any share were left to have. I didn’t really want to be a crofter, anyway. When Master Jarrett offered to take me as his apprentice, I made ready to go without another thought.”

“Do you like being an apprentice?”

“I like working with the animals.”

“I like animals, too.” Milvari blushed as she remembered the feel of the comb as it slid through the horses’ manes and they way they listened when she talked to them.

“Being apprenticed to a stable master is a good position and Master Jarrett is one of the finest. A person could do worse.”

Milvari thought about that for a moment. “I should like to be an apprentice,” she said.

Harl turned his gaze on her, his eyes opened wide. “But you’re a lady! You’re bound to marry a rich holder and go live in some far off region. Isn’t that what all fine ladies dream about?” He added with disdain.

Milvari’s face became fever hot. “Not all,” she said harshly. She stared at the smoldering fire. “Besides, according to my mother, I’m not much of a lady.”

“I think you’re a fine Lady,” Harl said, the scorn gone from his voice. “The horses think so, too.”

Milvari glanced over to see if he was teasing her. He refused to look at her. His ears had turned deep scarlet.

They stood in silence and watched the fire dwindle.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Kira led Trad outside and eased the stable door shut. Frost twinkled under bright moonlight, breath rose in steamy clouds, and boots and hooves crunched on frozen ground. Shorter days allowed less time for hunting and outdoor lessons as Winter Turn approached, and each morning Kira set out earlier. But no matter the hour, Brilissa was in the kitchen before her, a bundle of provisions and a cup of hot tea at the ready. Kira was grateful for the tea and food, but she wondered if the woman ever slept.

The main gate stood open and a rider astride a black and white dappled horse waited in the predawn moonlight outside. Kira paused as a sensation washed over her. Not fear, something else. The gatekeeper stood outside the gatehouse, waiting to close the gate. He made no sign that anything was amiss. The tingling struck, trickled along her scalp and ran down the back of her neck.

The figure on the horse nodded. “I bid you good morn, Hunter.” Though he spoke quietly, the holder’s voice carried clear on the wintry air. “Although, it is still some while before the sun will wake the land with a new day.”

Kira drew up her hood. “Good morn, Holder Tem.” She stepped into the stirrup and casually pulled herself into the saddle. Trad ambled through the gate and Kira drew up beside the holder’s horse. A bow and a quiver of arrows were slung on his back and a long blade hung from his waist. His presence at this hour surprised her and wariness folded itself over her as the heavy gate swung shut behind them.

“Are you traveling today, Holder?”

“A short distance, perhaps.” He stared up at the night sky where silver stars winked against indigo. “As they will be wintering on my land, I think it is time I met your companions.” He gestured in the direction of the forest.

Kira sat still. A small worry gnawed her. She wondered how he would react to the sight of Kelmir. Would he change his mind about allowing them to stay? She pushed the thought away. What was it Heresta would say? To worry about what may come is to throw away the moment. “As you will, Holder Tem. Do you know the small glade southwest of the ravine?”

“It is long since I spent much time in the woods.” He shifted in his saddle. “I’m sure you know the way better than I.”

Trad snorted, steam rising from his nostrils. Kira nudged him to a slow walk and the holder followed. They made their way across the wide swath of cleared land separating the hold from the forest.

When they reached the edge of the woods, Kira paused. With daybreak still some way off, darkness held the land and filled the spaces between the trees. She knew Kelmir waited not far inside the tree line, ready to lead the way deep into the heart of the forest where game was plentiful, but Kira was afraid his scent would frighten the holder’s mount.

“Is there something amiss?” The holder sounded concerned.

“No, only that it would be better to skirt the woods until dawn,” Kira said, turning Trad eastward. She sent out a quick thought.
Kel, meet us at the cave
.

Holder Tem reined his horse around to follow her lead. “I wondered how you meant to traverse the forest in the dark.”

Kira pushed Trad to a faster walk, but held him from breaking into a trot. The holder, an adept rider, brought his horse up to keep pace beside her.

Milos Tem was a somber man, but he did not seem to be a threat. It had been a long time since she’d ridden with someone who wasn’t a snarling guard. Kira found herself smiling as the two animals matched stride. She relaxed in the saddle and loosened her grip on the reins.

Ahead of them, the stars dimmed and the sky lightened, as if a doorway to a lit room swung slowly open. Kira gave Trad his head and he loped into a slow trot. The other horse kept pace.

The sun crested the mountains as they reached the eastern edge of the forest, and the holder slowed his mount. Kira pulled Trad to a halt and waited as the other horse and rider drew up even with her.

“The sunlight looks like liquid fire when it glances off the mountains,” he said.

His beautiful words astonished her. Kira glanced over. His face was ruddy and she caught herself admiring the strong contour of cheek and jaw. She pulled her eyes away and turned Trad southward.

Within a league of the northern edge it was light enough to enter the forest. The cave was still some distance south, but they needed to cross the ravine where it wasn’t too steep.  Kira had just the place in mind. She paused at a narrow deer track that led into the woods.

“Holder Tem,” she began, eyeing the sturdy-looking stallion with its black and white dappling, “how bold is your horse?”

“Zharik is a valiant animal,” he said with certainty. “If you are concerned about him being alarmed at the first sign of the Moon Cat, you may rest your mind. He has been with me through worse than the scent or sight of a dangerous animal.” He gave the horse’s shoulder a firm pat and the animal raised its head and let out a short bluster. The holder smiled.

The warm sense of pride he exhibited toward the animal surprised Kira. She led the way into the woods and followed the winding animal track to the edge of the ravine, where they picked their way down the slope. The water streamed shallow, and they dismounted and let the horses drink their fill.

Kira pushed back her hood, then unrolled the oilcloth that held the day’s provisions and passed it to the holder.

He tore off a hunk of bread and handed the rest of the food back to her. “Thank you, Hunter.” While chewing the bread, he opened a worn saddlebag, polished with age, and pulled out a brandy flask and some fine white cheese, offering them to Kira.

She took a portion of cheese, but refused the flask. “Nay, Holder. My thanks, but I have game to hunt this morn.”

He nodded and returned the flask to its place. “Wisdom is a welcome guide,” he said, taking a drink from his water skin.

Kira heard Heresta in his words. “I know of at least one other who would agree with you,” she said as she slid back into the saddle.

* * *

When they emerged from the trees, the glade was awash with flaxen light and Kelmir sat on his haunches in the midst of the clearing, his mottled fur reflecting the sun. Holder Tem held his mount steady. With slow movements, he slid down from the saddle, keeping a wary eye on the big cat.

Kel, please stay still
. Kelmir’s tail flicked almost imperceptibly.

Kira dismounted and dropped Trad’s reins. “Holder Tem, this is Kelmir, my long-time companion.”

They heard a loud screech and the holder’s horse gave a nervous nicker.

“Easy, Zharik.” The holder stroked the animal’s neck.

Kira stepped away and extended her arm.  A multicolored flutter flashed from above as Vaith swooped down and landed on her wrist. “This is Vaith. A prince among wyverns.” Vaith flourished his wings before folding them.

“A dazzling display,” Holder Tem said. He stood with his hand over his horse’s nose to keep him calm.

“Yes.” Kira smiled. “He does like to show his qualities.”

“How long have they been with you?”

“Kelmir has been my friend for more than ten turns. Vaith I’ve known for only five, but he is the best of his kind.” She ran a finger over Vaith’s head and he arched his long neck moving gracefully against her touch.

“May I?” the holder asked.

“Of course. Shall I take Zharik’s reins, or do you prefer to tie him?”

He watched Kelmir, who sat unmoving. “I think he’ll do best tied,” he said. He led the horse to a tree and looped the reins over a sturdy limb. He reached into his saddlebag, brought out a small apple and gave it to the horse. Trad raised his head at the crunching sound and gave a questioning blow. The holder extracted another apple, walked over to the grey and offered the treat on the flat of his palm. Trad lipped the apple into his mouth and bit into it with a small sigh.

When the horses were settled, the holder walked back toward Kira, arm extended and a youthful eagerness on his face.

Kira lifted her arm and Vaith leaped up, flew once around the glade, then landed on the man’s forearm. Holder Tem held Vaith up and examined him. “When we were boys we tried everything to trap and tame a wyvern. How did you manage it?”

Kira hesitated. No one but her parents and Heresta had known about her abilities. Her secret was now hers alone. She was beginning to like this man, but she had no reason to trust him. She gave him the lie that wasn’t a lie. “He was a gift.”

The holder continued to inspect Vaith. “A handsome treasure to be sure.” Finally, with some reluctance, he stretched his arm toward her. “But I am keeping you from your work, and I would still like to make better acquaintance with your cat.”

Vaith, go and scout. Fowl or small game today
. Kira made a low trilling sound and Vaith unfurled his wings and swept up and away.

The holder watched as Vaith launched himself out of the glade, a bright arrow of color that was gone in a moment. “Is it sound he responds to?”

“And some words. We manage to understand each other.” Another partial truth.

Kira turned to Kelmir, who sat in the sunlight, still and patient. “As for Kel, we’ve been together so long he often seems to know my mind.” Kira smiled as much at the double meaning of her words as her feelings toward Kelmir. She went over to where he sat and stroked his fur.

The holder moved a few paces nearer and halted, keeping a close eye on the cat.

“He’s no threat to you as long as you’re no threat to me,” Kira said. Kelmir closed his eyes and pushed his head into her hand, and she scratched behind his ears.

Holder Tem stepped forward, arms down at his sides, clearly alert for any sudden movement. As he approached, Kelmir opened his eyes and turned his calm gaze on the man. “How well does he listen to you?” the holder asked.

“Kel, lie down,” Kira said. With slow careful movements Kelmir stretched out his front legs and sank down onto his belly.

The holder shook his head. “I would not have believed it if I hadn’t been witness to it. And they hunt for you?”

“We work together.” Kira nodded. “Would you care to join us?” The words left her mouth before she realized she would have more half-truths to tell, but it was too late to take them back.

He replied without hesitation. “Yes.”

In the past she and her companions had always hunted alone. Another person would have questions about their methods. So be it, she thought. “Trad is practiced in following Kelmir. He knows his scent,” she told the holder.

He smiled at her, untied his horse, and stepped into the saddle.

She picked up Trad’s reins and remounted.
Kel, Vaith is headed southwest. Let’s make a short morning of it.
“Kelmir, find Vaith,” she said aloud. Kelmir swept to his feet and loped out of the clearing.

* * *

The morning sun warmed the open spaces and the early frost that had clung to branch and limb had dissolved. They stood beside their horses at the edge of a large clearing. Six fat brush hens hung from Trad’s pommel and a brace of rabbits were tied to the holder’s saddle strings.

Kira was satisfied with the morning’s catch, but Holder Tem was enthralled by the hunting tactics of Vaith and Kelmir. He sat motionless as Vaith soared overhead searching for more small game. “I still have no idea how you managed to train him to signal with a tilted wing, nor how the cat could possibly learn such a signal,” he murmured.

Kira shrugged. She had chosen to spin a complicated story rather than expose her gift. “I merely used what came naturally to the wyvern,” she lied. “I noticed the action each time he sighted just before he dove and struck, and I used it to my advantage. As long as he keeps to the air, the game stays still, frightened that movement will attract his attention. It distracts the prey so Kelmir can more easily sneak up.” 

Vaith spotted another rabbit and tugged her attention away. She let herself become a gateway between the two animals. A moment later, Kelmir emerged from the brush, a large rabbit in his jowls.

The holder gaped. “Do they ever miss?”

“Rarely,” Kira said. She knelt and took the rabbit from Kelmir. The holder bowed his head as she held the animal out on the palms of her hands, moving it in a circular motion and giving thanks for its life. Then she tied a loop around its back legs and handed it up to the holder.

“I find myself captivated by their abilities,” he said, tying the rabbit to his saddle.

“I need to call Vaith in to rest,” Kira said. “And to eat. He’s always hungry.”

“As well they both should be after so much effort. I’ve grown hungry myself merely watching them work.” He tied Zharik to a sturdy branch, then opened his saddlebag and drew out two large rolled cloths and the flask he’d offered Kira earlier.

Kira whistled high and loud.
Vaith, Kelmir, come eat
. She drew off her cloak and spread it out on a dry patch of grass in the dappled sunlight at the edge of the trees. From her pouch she took out the rest of her morning rations and sat on the edge of her cloak, leaving room for the holder.