Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
The inn came into view, and he hurried them inside. The warmth of the hearth met them first, along with the faint scent of stew. The common room had emptied for the night, only a few men lingering over mugs of ale. Bella greeted them with a broad smile and led them to their room upstairs, a small chamber with a single window, a narrow bed, and a fire that burned low in the grate.
Elara slipped out of Dar’s embrace and crossed to the window, pushing aside the curtain. The village slept peacefully, too peacefully, and she wondered what lay beneath that peace since there was more, much more to this village than the eye could see.
Dar shut the door behind Bella after she pointed out that extra blankets were in the wooden chest beside the bed and that a bucket of fresh water would be left outside the door come morning.
Finally, alone, he asked, “What did the healer tell you?”
Elara hesitated, then turned. The firelight flickered over his face, highlighting the blue flecks in his gray eyes and she had the nonsensical thought of rushing into his arms for comfort, but only briefly. She had to stay strong, rely on herself, trust herself, her instincts. He was a wanderer and could leave her anytime. It wasn’t wise of her to rely on him. And yet she had done just that.
“As I said, she believes the healer exists. But she also believes that she will reveal herself when the time is right.”
“Did she seem believable to you?”
That was a good question though she didn’t know how quite to answer it. Dea had known about Elara’s visions, which proved what? Was she a healer or sorcerer? A healer she could trust, but sorcery? That came from the forbidden land.
“That you don’t respond quickly tells me that you struggle with the answer.”
She rubbed her arms against the lingering chill, though the room was warm. “I am not sure what to believe. She spoke as if the healer were part of every healer, igniting knowledge. The strange part is that healing has had a rapid growth of knowledge these past few years. Discoveries have been made with plants that offer relief to many.”
“And you think it is due to this particular healer?”
She shrugged, puzzled. “I have no idea. Herb-scribes learn from the forest and the animals. How the plants grow and what ones the animals eat and what ones they avoid. We share and combine the knowledge, which can bring great strides. So, it is difficult to say it is the work of one when there are such benefits from the work of the many.” She took a breath. “Dea mentioned another healer. An old woman named Feena who has lived far beyond her years, longer than any healer should. Dea said her mind holds the memory of things long forgotten, and that she might know more about the healer who defies death.”
“Where does this Feena live?”
“Barloch,” Elara said, “a small village tucked against the northern wood, close to the king’s home. But if Feena remembers the old ways, she just might know something no one else does.”
He frowned, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening. “Hunters swarm that region. It’s the last place we should wander.”
“What choice do we have? We must go to her.”
He scoffed. “And here I thought Wedderlie was reckless.”
“Truth is seldom found where comfort reigns, or so I’ve been told.”
“Aye, wife, and it seems my simple wandering life fled the moment I met you.”
“That is good, for now you have direction.”
“I need no direction and do not change the subject. Tell me what else Dea had to say?” he said, sensing there was more to her conversation with the healer.
Elara hesitated. She wanted to tell him everything, the way Dea had looked at her, the strange sense that the woman had seen something. But the feeling of dread she had gotten from her vision of being bound by a ring to Dar had her holding her tongue.
“Nothing of use,” she said quietly. “Nothing but nonsense.”
Dar moved away from the door and crossed the room. “Nonsense can hide truths.”
She took a step away as he approached. “Nonsense is usually nothing more than that.”
He closed the distance between them quickly, standing so close his body brushed hers and she felt the faint brush of his breath.
“What is it you won’t tell me?” he asked, taking hold of her chin to keep her from turning her head away from him. “Something you wish to hide or too fearful to say. I cannot keep you safe if you hide things from me.”
Her pulse quickened, though she forced her gaze to remain steady. “I hide nothing from you about the healer.”
Dar looked puzzled. “Then what do you hide? And I will wait as long as necessary for an answer.”