Trials Read Free Page B

among the Healers: she had used her own vital strength. Aliana never thought twice: she was not going to let her friend die, even at the risk of her own life. They had both survived, but Aliana could feel she had gone too far. That path led inexorably to death, and she must avoid it. The next time she would have to hold back. She could almost see Mother Healer Sorundi’s disapproval . Oh, how I miss her! How I wish I were beside her at the Temple of the Order of Tirsar! Walking along my beloved cliffs looking for healing herbs, using bow and arrows with the Protectress Sisters… Oh, so many good memories…
    She came back to the present, got to her feet and went to see Kendas.
    Asti looked up, “I take good care,” she said with a nod.
    Aliana smiled at her. The Usik had looked after him well, and the Lancer was recovering favorably. Even so, he would still need a few days of rest to finish healing, as Sorundi used to tell all the healers of the Order: “Nature always demands time to heal the human body. The Gift has its limitations and does not perform miracles.”
    “He’ll recover, he’s strong,” she assured Asti with a smile.
    The Usik nodded and smiled, and her shy face shone bright for a moment.
    Suddenly, out of nowhere, a pair of intense emerald-green eyes came to Aliana’s memory and made her start.
    “The warrior, Komir… the others. Where are they?” she asked. She looked uneasily around, aware that they were not there.
    Asti nodded towards the outside of the cave.
    “Woman with hair like fire watch outside,” she said. Then she turned her gaze to the nearby woods towards the east. “Big warrior like bear, he hunt. Warrior like a panther look for water.” Aliana nodded and looked out until she saw the woman in white armor beside the horses.
    “I must look for some healing herbs to brew a restoring tea for Kendas. Look after him, I’ll be back soon.”
    “I look after,” replied Asti, and she retreated behind her mask of shyness.
    That girl was a mystery. Aliana was aware that behind that frailty and withdrawal there was a story she had to discover. Guessing it had to be a deeply sad one, she felt sympathy for the young Usik and wished to know her better, help her if she could. But this was not the right time to look into Asti’s past. There were more pressing things to do. She looked around for Kendas’ bow and arrows and saw them leaning against the wall of the cave. Taking them, she slung the bow across her back with the same skill a Protectress Sister would have shown. She stepped outside and headed for the woods on light feet.
    A woman’s voice stopped her.
    “Where are you going, Healer?”
    Aliana turned and saw the redhead in her white armor.
    “Aliana, my name is Aliana,” she said with a smile, “and yes, I am a Healer of the Temple of Tirsar.”
    “A pleasure, Aliana,” said the other with a small bow. “My name is Kayti, Knight of the Custodian Brotherhood.”
    “The pleasure is mine,” replied the Healer in a friendly manner.
    “Are you heading to the woods?” Kayti asked, still a little curtly.
    “I am. I need to gather some healing herbs for Kendas.”
    “I see… I wonder whether you know how to use that bow at your back.”
    “I do, and quite deftly, I should say.” Said Aliana, a little upset by the other’s tone.
    “I’m glad to hear that. Although I must admit I find it strange that a Healer should know how to use a weapon.”
    “I assure you I can.” Aliana said.
    “Oh, I believe you. But I’ve been charged with your protection, so please allow me to escort you.”
    “As you wish,” said Aliana, not wishing to generate more tension.
    They walked together, eyeing each other as they went, until they reached the first fir trees.
    Kayti pointed towards the east inside the woods.
    “A little further in there’s a stream and a small pond. Be careful, and if you find yourself in danger, shout. I’ll come at once. Hartz is hunting to the west and Komir