Presenting an excerpt from Hatchling's Curse using the keyword,"Healing." When in their dragon form, the dragshi have the ability of dragon fire. Orange-yellow form can turn an object into a pillar of fire. However, blue fire is healing and can save lives and heal wounds.
To set the stage, Anastasia's dragon soul twin is newly awakened. A winter illness has struck the region and she has just completed her first task as a dragshi, a solo flight to deliver needed medicine to a remote hold. The excerpt takes place the following morning after she successfully landed at the distant village.
A soft knock awoke Anastasia. Sunlight streaming past the curtains indicated she had slept through the morning. She stretched and looked around the room. It was not the quarters she shared with Branin. The sound repeated and with it came the knowledge of her surroundings—Coneighre. “Enter,” she called loud enough to be heard beyond the door.~till next time HelenPeigidh and her son entered. The eight-year old carried a tray laden with a covered dish and a pot with steam escaping the cooling vents. “Good morning, mistress. Carys will be here shortly.”
True to her word, the healer arrived just as Anastasia finished her second cup of tea. Worry emanated from the woman. Instead of accepting the offer of a chair, Carys paced the room. “Morning, my lady. I thought you would like to know the results of your efforts. All but one of the elderlies has responded to the medicines you brought. Eirian is older and weaker than the rest, but I believe his stubbornness will sustain him until the elixir kills the fever in his body.”
“But?” Anastasia prompted.
Carys clenched and unclenched her hands several times before she answered. “The medicine didn’t help a young girl, barely a year old. Nothing in my book, nothing I’ve ever learned helps. I know you’ve traveled far and need to rest. But, maybe afterwards?”
Anastasia rose to her feet and took the healer’s hands in hers. “Of course, I will help. Is the child strong enough to be taken outside?”
“Yes, mistress.”
“Then, prepare her. I’ll be down momentarily.”
Despite the shortness of the walk from her room to main hall, it still gave Anastasia too much time to think. She had never used healing fire. Could she? Will I harm rather than heal?
The crowd outside in the square gave Anastasia pause. It looked like half the village awaited the exhibition of dragshi skill. Or my failure? But the sight of the small fur-wrapped figure held in Carys’ arms strengthened Anastasia’s resolve to do what she could—no matter the price to herself.
“My lady, I apologize for my people,” a quiet voice said at her ear. “Most have never seen a shifter and are curious at the legend that walks among them.”
Turning, Anastasia saw the broad-shouldered man from the previous night. Since he had disappeared so quickly, she thought he was just one of the local men rather than the village ruler, Olwydd. The misconception became apparent at his words. “I’m sorry I could not be there last night. I hope Carys and my wife, Peigidh, made you comfortable?”
“Yes, Olwydd. They made sure all my needs have been met.”
He leaned in close and lowered his voice to a mere whisper. “I know that you are the youngest of the dragshi and newly come to your rank.” After a pause, he added, “If you prefer, I can send everyone away.”
Yes, send them away, Anastasia wanted to scream. Instead, she focused her gaze on Carys and her precious bundle. I can do this. I will heal the child. “Thank you for the offer, Olwydd, but it is not necessary. Just move the people back so I can shift forms and keep the area around Carys clear.”
“Very well. As you wish.”
Even though his tone did not reflect it, Anastasia sensed his desire to stay. Failing in front of one is not any worse than failing before many. The intended reassurance did not work, so she tried another tact. Branin and Eirwen would not fail, neither will I—I am a dragshi.
Her confidence bolstered, Anastasia gathered the shimmering symbols of change. As always, the strength and serenity of her soul twin surged through Anastasia. I will heal the child.
Carys stepped forward. Her lips tightened, but it seemed in concentration, not in fear of the red dragon that now towered in front of her.
Anastasia recalled Branin’s patient instruction, and those of Dealan, for the older dragshi had a special talent for healing. Drawing down a deep breath, Anastasia released it not as a gasp, but a stream of cold flames. The white fire flowed over her fangs and surrounded Carys. Determination kept the healing going much longer than Anastasia thought she could. Finally her breath ran out and the flames flickered into nothingness. Silence filled the air. Not a single person moved. The only sound Anastasia heard was the pounding of her heartbeat.
A hungry mewling filled the air.
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