A Healer's Duty

Here is another writing prompt for my friend Cameron Montague Taylor's website. You should check her out. She is an amazing writer.

This is really long, as it is from a chapter of a book I'm currently working on, only from a different POV.

Prompt: Forbidden Magic

Ardisia sighed in resigned annoyance at the urgent rapping at her door. Her dreams had warned her who awaited behind the wooden portal and the consequences should she allow them entrance. But what choice did she have? There were consequences for turning them away, as well. While it may prolong her life to send them packing, her connection to Mother would suffer for her selfishness. She took a steadying breath and threw open the door, glaring at the people standing in front of her home. Her intense green eyes landed on her cousin, “What is this intrusion, Godwin?”

“I’m sorry, Ardisia. We needed help, and I didn’t know where else we could temporarily hide out.”

She glared at him, her eyes flashing with anger, “You understand my feelings about strangers in my home, especially entitled ones.” Her eyes snapped to the young man, leaning heavily against another. “Even the ones who wish to renounce their birthright.” The ghostly pale noble flinched and hissed in obvious pain. Ardisia’s eyes softened, and she sighed, moving aside, “Bring him inside before he collapses on my stoop.”

Godwin breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you, Ardisia.” He gave her a quick kiss on her cheek as he passed through the door, leading the two young men and an older woman into the small house.

She gestured toward the center of the room. “Put the young lord in a chair near the fire. I’ll have a look at him.” The man and woman did as she asked, as Ardisia rushed about the kitchen gathering herbs and putting water into a kettle. When she had the kettle hung above the fire, she turned and let her eyes fall to the uninjured man. He looked as haggard as the nobleman, and she could feel the turmoil raging within him as he knelt next to the broken man. “You, boy. My bed is behind the curtain. Take your leave and get some rest.” He opened his mouth in protest, and the woman snapped, “Do not argue with me, little one! You are of no use to your boyfriend in your current state.”

The noble snickered as the man’s jaw dropped and his face lit up in a deep red blush she had had only ever seen adorn the visages of innocent maids. The other woman grabbed the boy by the shoulders and ushered him off to bed, a grin playing at the edges of her mouth. “I’ll send Darien to you straight away when she is done with him. Now, get some sleep before I drug you into unconsciousness.”

Ardisia turned her attention to the noble as he watched the woman shove his partner across the room. He gulped at her intense stare when he returned his attention to her. She let her gaze bore straight into his soul reading his present and past in a mere moment.

“Hmph,” she grunted as she turned to pull the kettle from the fire just as it screamed. She waved at Godwin, and he scrambled to gather the cups as she placed the kettle on the table. “Why did you bring this boy to me, Winnie? You are aware of my opinion on life. What he did is a grievous sin.”

Godwin cringed as he whispered, “Ardi, please. His father is cruel. He nearly killed the boy the day before the incident.”

“It wasn’t a conscious decision.” Ardisia turned at the woman’s voice, watching as she placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder, having returned after putting the other man to bed. “It was a poor one, yes, but one made of desperation. The duke attempted to beat him again. He originally meant to defend himself with the weapon.”

Ardisia handed the woman a cup of tea and turned to the nobleman. “But his father’s cruelty was only a small part of it.”

The young man blurted out, “It was a misunderstanding. I didn’t…” She cast him a withering stare that choked off his words.

“Why should I waste my time and energy on an entitled brat who would throw away the greatest gift the creator bestowed upon us?” She glared menacingly at the noble until Godwin took her arm and turned her to him.

“Could you live his life completely alone, Ardi?”

She huffed and turned away, “And what makes you think he won’t do it again when his life gets too tough for him?”

“Because he’s trying to find a better life away from his father’s cruelty.” The woman’s voice was low and carried a heavy sadness. Ardisia turned and studied the woman for a moment. She continued, “I should have taken him from that place long ago, but I believed denying him his title would do more harm than good. I had hoped that our presence in his life would give him balance, and he would have a safe place to turn to when he needed it. I didn’t realize the extent of his misery.”

“Foolish woman, you cannot blame yourself for the decisions made by others. You chose your son over another’s but that is a mother’s place. Do not feel guilty for it. You had lost enough at the hands of Duke Drayvell.”

The older woman flinched at Ardisia’s words, and the healer felt something twist within the nobleman. She turned her attention to the boy, sifting through the complex flood of emotions whirling within him. Sorrow, curiosity, gratitude, guilt, love, understanding, resignation, acceptance. He held no resentment toward this woman, only familial love.

The man looked up to find her watching him again. “Hmph.” She placed a hand to his forehead, then closed her eyes as she moved her hand over his injuries but never touched him. Her scan revealed extensive bruising and tissue damage, torn muscle, broken ribs, several broken bones in his right wrist, and a severe laceration that severed tissue, muscle, tendons, and blood vessels alike. It was a miracle this man was alive. Had his father successful beat him, it is very likely the boy would have succumbed to internal injuries. The boy’s attempt to end his life saved him from the slow death he would have sustained otherwise. She finished and stood, hands on her hips. “You never bring me simple work, Winnie.” She shook her head.

“Oh, come now, Ardi. You know you love the challenge.”

She backhanded the captain in the chest, and he laughed. “This will take several days, maybe longer. The wrist and ribs are simple enough; the laceration will take the most to mend.” She knelt in front of the nobleman, pulled out a small knife hidden within the folds of her skirt, and sliced away the bandages around his right forearm. Simultaneously, the other woman grabbed a bowl and drew water from a basin Ardisia pointed to, then grabbed clean linen from a medical bag. Ardisia took the items and cleaned the blood away. She studied the area intently, mumbling, “This is exquisite work. Who did the stitching?”

“Genevieve and her son,” Godwin answered quickly.

Ardisia nodded, “You are quite gifted as a healer. I hope you haven’t been wasting your talent on his father.”

Genevieve laughed, “Not in many years. I was never one to sit quietly while he abused those around him.”

“Hmph. You are lucky you didn’t end up swinging from the end of a rope.”

“My friendship with the duchess afforded me protection, at least until she discovered Darien’s feelings for my son.”

Godwin chuckled, “That explains her turn of favor.”

Ardisia gave Darien a solemn look, “What I am about to do will completely heal your wounds, save for your forearm. It will take several sessions to complete that task as it is a severe wound. It will be extremely uncomfortable for you, but you cannot move. Is this understood?”

The man watched her blankly, then looked to Godwin, “What does she mean?”

“Ardisia has a gift that is rare and no longer practiced openly. She is a healer like Genevieve, but she can also use her own energy to help mend and heal the body much faster than conventional medicine. The ignorant call it black magic.” He scoffed and gave Darien a stern look as the young lord blanched.

Genevieve gave the boy’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “Ignorance to people who are different is the reason your mother banished the man you love from his home, Darien. I was a child when the soldiers drove the last of their kind from their homes. The only violence they ever committed was in defense of others. Most would not defend themselves, which led to many deaths as the soldiers ‘made examples of them’.” She shook her head, “A healer is a healer, no matter what form they take. I’m sure Godwin would not bring us here if she were not trustworthy.”

Ardisia gave Darien a reassuring smile. “The only reason they allowed my cousin within the walls of your city is because he was not born with my gift. It’s against my beliefs to harm any creature accept in defense of others or my home. Godwin lived similarly until his appointment as guard. Our views differ somewhat, but we are still kindred spirits who believe in balance and free will. I won’t even heal you if you refuse to allow it, except under life-threatening conditions where you are incapable of giving consent.”

Darien looked between them all, then glanced toward the curtain where Thaxton was hopefully fast asleep. Ardisia felt his guilt, helplessness, and concern, which quickly shifted to resignation and acceptance. He looked back at Ardisia. She was watching him with a knowing smile, and he softened beneath her gaze. “Alright. If it will ease the burden on everyone else, then I’ll allow it.”

Ardisia let her eyes slide to Gene, “Genevieve Ward, never doubt the influence you’ve had on this boy. You’ve raised two remarkable sons.” Darien’s face heated as her eyes settled back on him. “Are you ready?” He gave her a quick nod. “Remember, stay still.”

She took both his hands and closed her eyes. She reached deep within herself and gathered her energy, forcing it out through her hands and directing it to Darien’s broken bones. She used the energy to shift the bones into place and encourage new growth to mend them. Once bone was set to rights, she moved to the muscle and tissue surrounding them. She flooded the areas with energy, willing it to mend the muscle, repair the veins, and absorb the pooled blood causing the bruising.

Ardisia opened her eyes. The boy’s face was filled with relief and there was a slight tremble in his hands. She gave them a light squeeze and whispered, “That was only a taste of what is to come with your forearm. The damage is more extensive and the feel of your flesh knitting back together will be acute. The respite between sessions will benefit us both. I will need time, rest, and nourishment to replenish the energy I’ve expended, and you will need to recover from the experience.”

Darien released a shaky breath, “I’ll be fine.” She threw him a smirk and closed her eyes, moving her other hand to cover the lacerated forearm.

She forced the energy back into his body, centering it around the severe wound. As the mending began near the bone, she felt the expected recoil of energy as Darien subconsciously pushed against the pain caused by the reparations. She redoubled her efforts, compelling the energy to ignore the host and continue its work. After several moments, she began to feel surges within herself as the young lord forced himself to relax. Then, an overflow of excess as his entire body slackened. She worked quickly guiding the energy to stitch muscle and sinew back together.

Ardisia felt her power waning and pulled her energy back into herself. She opened her eyes to find Darien in a deep meditative state. She took a moment to watch him, letting her senses probe around a bit. She couldn’t help the small smile that curled her lips at the overwhelming feeling of love, contentment, and bliss. She shook his shoulder, bringing him back to the present.

He looked around confused as Ardisia awarded him a proud smile. “You did remarkably well. Most find it difficult to disconnect from the sensations enough to relax. The tension fights against the healing energy, causing it to take longer and for me to use more strength to mend it.”

“I’m used to pulling myself away from the pain.” He looked miserably to the floor.

“Well, the good news is we will only need two more sessions. I worried that it would take closer to five.” She stood slowly with Godwin’s assistance, “Thank you, Winnie.”

Darien blanched at her words, and Ardisia stated, “No worries, young Lord. Each session will be easier as the wound is not as grave.” He released a sigh of relief and let Genevieve take his arm to rewrap it. “What you need now is rest, food, and lots of tea and water.” She forced a cup into his good hand, still splinted. “Drink up and then rest. We will try again day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Ardisia.” She waved away his appreciation, and Darien turned to Genevieve. “Will you need to restrain it again?”

She lent him a bright smile. “Only when you’re up and about. It would have taken weeks to get to this point.” She tied off the bandage and held his hand. “Squeeze my hand. Good, good. Now, push down. Perfect.” She pulled her hand from his and held out her arm, “I want you to wrap your fingers around my wrist and lift my arm.” He did, but with a fair amount of difficulty. “That’s good. It will take longer to build up the muscles for that. Try not to do too much though, you can still damage it,” she stated as she removed the splint that was no longer needed from his left wrist.

“He will be just fine after the next session. The final one is to heal the flesh wound left behind. It will cause him less discomfort than his broken bones.” Ardisia shooed him from the chair, “Now, go get some sleep before your boyfriend discovers you’re not by his side. I think he might have a fit if he did.” Darien chuckled, and she watched as he made his way to the curtain.

Ardisia turned her attention to Godwin once the boy had settled. “You and I need to talk, dear cousin.” He nodded and followed her as she retrieved a lantern and left the cottage. She led him to the carriage and once they were both inside, shut the door. She heaved a great sigh as she settled onto the small, cushioned bench. “You have no idea what trouble you have brought to my door, Godwin!”

“You know I would not risk it if I had any other choice, Ardi.”

“I know, Winnie, I know.” She gave him a pitiful look. “Do not blame yourself for what is to come. Know that I love you and forgive you.”

Godwin blanched and leaned forward, “What do you know, Ardi? What can I do?”

Ardisia shook her head. “There is nothing you can do. They will come for me because I chose to heal him and will protect you as you escape this forest.”

He studied her for a moment. “You knew before you let us in.” She nodded. “Then why?”

She smiled ruefully. “You know why. I cannot turn down those who come to me in need of healing, Winnie. There are rules and consequences for what I do. My life is in service of others and so too shall be my death should Mother ask it of me.”

Godwin shook his head, a tear sliding down his face. “There are too few healers left, Ardi. Are you truly asking me to look the other way when I brought death to your door?”

“You brought a boy to my door, my dear cousin. He is a good man, in love with a boy that can heal the damage done to his soul by a rotten father. A man that can take his father’s place and heal what is broken in this land, should he so choose. Your place is by his side. Protect him and protect his heart.

My path has been decided. I knew my fate before I opened that door and chose it knowingly. I chose it before I witnessed the goodness in him and the man he could become. Mother hid it from me to see if I would choose this path willingly, and I am grateful for my unerring devotion as it saved a worthy life. I, as a daughter of Earth, will give my life to protect that worthy man and those who would give their lives to protect him just as I have sworn to do.

Now, my dear cousin, you need to go inside and rest. You have much to do in preparation for your escape, and I believe there is a small group of men who are awaiting your arrival at sunrise.”

“You are too good for this world, Ardi.”

“And I have little time left in it.” She placed a kiss to his cheek before exiting the carriage to prepare for her duties to come.