2024 J : Journalling in Redemption

 

Although journal has been used for the letter "J" in other A to Z Challenge posts, this one pertains to the gift of a journal. From Fire and Redemption, a gift of heritage. More on what that heritage is was already hinted at in Ancestry.

Brial sat and watched as the other woman pulled a leather-wrapped package from her bag.

“I didn’t know why I packed this,” the healer said. “I just had the overwhelming need to bring it.” A smile broadened her face. “Now I know why I had the feeling. My old teacher was whispering in my ear.” The smile vanished and she held out the package. “I believe she wanted you to have this in case the ancestors decide we will not have some time together.”

No sooner had the package touched her fingers than a shock ran up Brial’s arm. “This is magic.”

“Open it, Brial,” Betrys encouraged.

With trembling fingers, Brial gently untied the string binding the leather and unfolded the protective sheath. Inside lay a bound book. Ancient pages filled with a neat, tight script told of someone’s loving care. But not all of it, she realized. The paper in the front half of the book was new ... and blank. Without saying a word, she asked for an explanation.

The healer remained silent until Brial wanted to scream, “Tell me.”

The second excerpt tells more of the story behind her gift.

The book was the diary of the woman who taught Betrys, and the woman before her in what Betrys described as a long line of healers. Each bequeathed the book of their knowledge, research, and healing secrets to the next in line.

“But,” Betrys had explained, “old Iseldir had no kin. No one to give the book to, so she gave it to me to pass on to someone I felt could use it.” And when Brial had tried to give it back the other woman added, “I inherited my mother’s book, and when it is time, I will pass it along to Leri. So you see I don’t need this one.”

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the journal that would become Brial's special gift. The 2020 and 2021 posts gave insight into how I as a writer use a journal. The 2022 post related to the journal kept by the dragon slayer, Deneas.

~till next time, Helen

 

 

Fire and Redemption Available At These Sites (If you favorite site isn't listed, check back. More are being added.)

 

 

 

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants