157

There was a knock at the door. Theo glanced up as it opened, and flashed Jaqah a smile as she peered into his room.

"You're up," she stated.

"Trying to get a head start," he explained, gesturing to the various documents on his desk. "Hey…one of these days I really should get my own office."

She smiled slightly.

"I'll bring it up. Someone's here to see you."

Theo raised an eyebrow.

"Really? This early?"

He pushed himself to his feet to follow Jaqah out into the hallway. The Captain of the Guard glanced at him as they walked.

"I can't help but notice that you and Tolan…" she started, but Theo cut her off.

"I told him he can guard me again when he gets an attitude adjustment."

"Theodynn…I understand that Tolan can be a little much sometimes. But you need a bodyguard; you can't just go off on your own."

"I haven't been going anywhere on my own. But he's been worse than usual, Jaq. He's a grown man; he needs to figure it out. He can't just bully everyone else when he's having a bad day."

She was silent at that. They turned another corner.

"He was worried about you, Theo," she finally admitted, looking over at him again. "When your parents told us everything that happened in that realm…"

"I get that Tol was upset, but he needs to figure out how to show it without taking it out on me. Or anyone, for that matter."

Theo wasn't budging on the matter, and Jaqah finally seemed to realize it.

"Who is it that wants to see me?" Theo asked, changing the subject. Jaqah's expression clouded.

"The Master Healer."

"Master Hershel?"

Theo looked over at Jaqah in surprise. She gestured towards the greeting hall in response, and Theo frowned.

"Is he alright?"

"Seems fine. Well…"

Jaqah trailed off, and Theo realized she was probably thinking about Hershel's current condition. He felt his stomach clench as he remembered what Tolan had said to him. This would be the first time he had seen his old teacher since whatever accident had blinded the Healer.

Jaqah stopped walking, and Theo continued into the greeting hall on his own. He rounded the corner and suddenly, there he was. Theodynn realized he was expecting some dramatic shift in physical appearance; he was surprised to see that Hershel looked the same as always. A bigger surprise than Hershel's apparently normal appearance was the large sniffer that appeared to be sleeping at the Master Healer's feet.

"Master Hershel?"

The man turned. Theo started walking over, but he frowned when he realized that Hershel's gaze wouldn't focus on him. There was some kind of murky film over the Healer's usually deep brown eyes, and Theo immediately felt sick.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Hershel assured with a soft smile. Theo ran a hand through his hair, trying to figure out what to say. The Master Healer cleared his throat. "Is…Tolan with you?"

"Tolan? No, but I can go get him for you, if you want…"

"No. This is better."

Theo frowned and Hershel glanced away.

"I just mean he and Syn have been a little overprotective ever since…well."

He gestured at his eyes and Theo nodded. Then he realized his teacher wouldn't realize he was nodding and stammered. "Oh, yeah. Makes sense. Um…what brings you here?"

"I need your help."

Theo blinked. "My help?"

"Yes. You see, it's a little difficult for me to get around at the moment." Hershel stroked the sniffer's head, and it made a guttural purring sound in its sleep. "Baffa knows his way here, but he wouldn't be able to get me to where I need to go. So I figured you could help me."

"Sure. I mean, if I can." Theo was still at a loss, and he realized he had been staring at Hershel this whole time. He immediately looked away, chastising himself, and then felt stupid because Hershel couldn't even see him staring. "Where is it you're trying to get to?"

Hershel was quiet for a moment, his hand pausing on the sniffer's head. "Tolan and Syn mentioned that you all had to go to the south to visit Imgloss when you went to rescue your parents."

Theo frowned. "Yeah…we did."

"Do you think you could transport me there?"

The teen studied his mentor closely, but Hershel seemed calm. When Theo didn't answer Hershel continued.

"I could try to find another way there, but I just figured that this would be the simplest way…"

"Why Imgloss?"

Theo blurted it out, and Hershel smiled down at the sniffer at his feet.

"We have things to discuss. A meeting of sorts, but my current condition has left me with limited mobility. However, it's never good to have the other Healers see me as weak…even though it has been a struggle."

"Couldn't he come to you? Or, Tolan could take you. He knows the way," Theo tried, and Hershel's expression became strained.

"There's no time. But I suppose I could do that, if you are unable to help me."

"No time for what? Has something happened?"

Hershel stared past the young Heir, and the sight gave Theo goosebumps.

"Nothing critical for the realm. Just something critical to me."

It was vague, but Theo finally felt like he was catching on.

"You mean about your sight?"

Hershel nodded and Theo exhaled.

"Oh. And you think Imgloss can help?"

"If anyone can, it would be him," Hershel said dryly, and Theo wasn't quite sure how to interpret his tone.

"I hope he can," Theo offered. "But he's not the kind of person who gives help easily. He's the kind that always requires a price…"

"Don't worry, Theodynn. I'm well aware of Imgloss's character. Will you be able to help me get there this morning?"

Theo knew that Jaqah would throw a fit if he was to leave without a bodyguard. He thought about tracking Tolan down—surely the lanky guard would be happy to hear that there could be a cure for his brother-in-law's sight. But Hershel had seemed like he didn't want Tolan to know about him being at the central fortress. It occurred to Theo that Tolan had probably been just as impossible with Hershel and his family as he had been to him these last few days. Perhaps the Master Healer was as fed up with Tolan's snarkiness as Theo was.

"Do you need me to wait around so I can take you back home?" he finally asked, and he saw Hershel smile as he realized that Theo was agreeing to help him.

"I appreciate the offer, but that shouldn't be necessary. When my business is completed with Imgloss, I should be able to return on my own."

Theo nodded."If you're sure…."

"I'm positive, Theo. I just need a bit of support in getting there."

"Alright. Are we bringing the sniffer?"

Hershel glanced down at the snoring animal and laughed softly. "No. Baffa will be able to find his way home."

Theo shrugged and looked around. There wasn't anyone else in the greeting hall, so he finally allowed aura winds to build up around him. He figured he should be able to transport to Imgloss's…the old ancient had left a negative enough impression on him when they had gone to him for help finding the Isle of the Ancients. Theo reached out to take Hershel's arm.

"Alright…here we…"

He trailed off when he caught sight of the glowing markings around Hershel's wrists. He blinked and glanced back at the Healer's murky eyes.

"Is everything alright?" Hershel asked, and Theo nodded slowly.

"Yes. I just…I was just wondering how it was you lost your powers. How you became blind…Tolan wouldn't tell me. He told me to ask you directly."

Hershel was quiet a moment.

"It was a mistake…one that stemmed from a misunderstanding. With any luck, I will be able to get it rectified soon enough."

Theo wanted to press further, but then he remembered what Tolan had said about how talking about it made Hershel more depressed. The Healer didn't seem very depressed right now—just determined. He didn't want to ruin that, if Hershel was finally in a place of hope.

"I hope that Imgloss can help you," he finally said again, and Hershel nodded.

"I hope so as well. Theo?"

The winds were getting ready for the transport and the teen looked over.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for doing this. I knew I could count on you to help."

Theo gave his old teacher a soft smile.

"Anytime, Master Hershel."

The large flash woke Baffa, who jumped and then whined. The sniffer immediately went to work trying to seek his charge out with his wet nose, but when his search proved fruitless, he sat on the ground and howled.

158

It was the first time Hershel had transported without his own powers in over a decade. The trip left him nauseous, and the blindness didn't help. He would have struggled to stay upright if Theo hadn't reached out and steadied him.

"You ok?"

The teen sounded worried, and Hershel tried to smile and put him at ease.

"I'm alright. First time transporting in a while…"

"Take it easy. I can see Imgloss's tent from here; it won't take long to get there."

Hershel nodded, taking a moment to breathe deeply.

"Help me to the door," he finally instructed. "But then you need to leave."

"You sure?" Theo asked, and Hershel forced himself to straighten, ignoring the last of his travel-sickness.

"Healers can be rather finicky about who can and can't be present during their meetings. I appreciate you bringing me, but once I get to the doorway, you'll need to transport home."

Theo was silent, and Hershel felt uneasiness mixing with the guilt already knotting in his stomach.

"Alright, Theodynn?"

"Alright," Theo finally agreed. "I just don't want to leave you stranded."

"I'll be ok." He gave the teen another smile, hoping that he was facing in the right direction. "You just have to trust me that I can take care of myself from here."

Theo's grip tightened on Hershel's arm.

"I do trust you, Master Hershel."

The guilt twisted deeper, but the Master Healer forced it away.

"I'm feeling better; help me get to the door now."

"Alright…the path's kinda rocky. Be extra careful…"

It took a frustratingly long time to make it up the incline to where Imgloss's tent was no doubt waiting. It was the first time Hershel had gone somewhere completely unfamiliar since losing his sight; he didn't even have a mental picture to help him out. Eventually, however, Theo was murmuring again.

"We're here. Reach out; you can feel the tent…"

Hershel obeyed. Sure enough, a dusty tarp appeared under his touch.

"Very good. Thank you again, Theodynn. I can take it from here."

"Hershel…"

The Healer turned toward the Heir's voice again.

"We're having a little get together in a few days for my birthday," Theo was explaining. "Not really a party or anything like in the past; don't feel like you have to bring anything. It's just a get together really. There'll be a big dinner and maybe cake, if anyone's willing to eat it this year…"

Hershel didn't say anything for a few moments, just staring. Theo had trailed off, no doubt unnerved by Hershel's lack of response. When the Master Healer finally did speak, his voice was hushed.

"I will have to see what my circumstances are."

Theodynn didn't say anything. Hershel wished he could see the younger Oni's expression.

"Are you going to go in?" Theo finally asked, and Hershel steadied himself as he pulled out of Theo's grasp.

"Yes. As soon as you get back home. I don't want to keep you, Theo; Jaqah and your parents will be worried if they can't find you. I've taken enough of your time as it is."

"I was going to wait for you to get in there…"

"It'll be better if Imgloss doesn't know you're here," Hershel cut in. Theo didn't respond and the Master Healer smiled at him again to reassure him. "He tends to remember that he wants things when he sees people. I wouldn't want him demanding something from you; he's a bit of a busybody that way."

Theo laughed, but it sounded a little unsure.

"Yeah, I guess. So…I'll just head back then."

Hershel watched expectantly with sightless eyes. After a moment he could feel aura winds, and then a stronger gust. He had no way to see or sense a flash of light, so he called out.

"Theodynn?"

There was silence, and he hoped that Theo really had left.

"Theo… are you still there?"

He waited for a few minutes longer, but there was no sound but the wind on the mountains. As convinced as he could be that the Heir really had left, he turned and moved to open the doorway of the tent. As he couldn't see anything, the first thing he noticed was the warmth and the smell. Someone had been preparing Nuctern root…it was a distinctive aroma. He wondered how long he would have to wait to get Imgloss's attention and moved carefully into the room, reaching out. He had no prior knowledge of what the layout would be. It turned out he didn't have to wait long; Hershel looked up at the sound of rustling.

"I wondered who on earth was making all that ruckus outside my tent."

Hershel didn't reply, staring steadily in the direction of the voice. He couldn't see the short healer, but he could picture his ever-present scowl well enough.

"Must say I'm surprised you managed to find your way here…with how you are now."

Hershel still kept quiet, standing still and quiet as he continued to fix Imgloss with a sightless gaze. The other Healer finally scoffed.

"What is it you want?"

"I want you to get it over with."

Hershel's tone was both calm and angry, and he wouldn't be surprised if Imgloss was confused. Sure enough, the short man laughed once.

"Get what over with, boy?"

"Whatever it is you've been waiting for," Hershel said simply. "If you want me punished…lost…dead. Just get it over with already."

There was silence now, but Hershel could hear the other Healer approaching. He stood his ground, waiting. He wondered if Imgloss really would just run him through, right then and there. Or perhaps use some other way; surely ancients new dozens of things that would bring about a swift end…

"You think I want you dead?"Imgloss was close now; close enough that Hershel could smell his musty scent. It occurred to him suddenly that Phos had smelled that way too. Was it a Healer smell? Or an Ancient One?

"Don't you?"

Imgloss didn't answer and Hershel's hands formed fists. "Isn't that why you insisted on punishing me? Don't you want me dead so you can be the Master Healer? Isn't that what you've been hoping for these last ten years?"

There was silence, and then Imgloss was laughing. Wheezing. It made Hershel all the angrier.

"So you've come to be put out of your misery?" Imgloss sneered, the amusement obvious in his voice. Hershel's eyes narrowed.

"I'm done waiting in my tent for you to either decide I'm good enough or worthy of death. If you want me dead, Imgloss…than just kill me already. Stop dragging it out."

"Mmmm…what a rare thing."

Imgloss's voice was softer now…he was obviously intrigued.

"A Master Healer who gives permission to kill him. A shot free and clear…not even punishable by Ancient Law. I could kill you right here and be free of the consequences."

There was the sound of metal leaving a sheath, and Hershel's blood ran cold as he suddenly felt the tip of something cold and sharp against his neck. The survival instinct in him told him to fight or flee, but he was tired of delaying what seemed to be inevitable. So he didn't move…he didn't even flinch. He waited for Imgloss's next move, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Not even afraid to die, boy?" Imgloss muttered, and Hershel didn't say anything as he waited. He was afraid, but even more than that, he was determined. Imgloss scoffed as he seemed to sense his feelings.

"Well…where's the fun in that?"

Hershel gave a start as the Ancient suddenly pushed him backward. The back of his legs hit something and forced him to sit in the chair he didn't even realize was behind him.

"Take a seat, boy. I'll pour the tea."

Hershel was taken aback. He hadn't really known what to expect…but it wasn't this.

"Don't you want me dead?" he finally asked as he heard Imgloss rustling around. The Healer was muttering to himself, and Hershel couldn't help but wonder if he was planning on poisoning him instead of just running him through.

"Do you want to be dead?" Imgloss retorted wryly, and the Master Healer frowned. He didn't, he realized suddenly. His heart ached as he thought of Myrah, Syn, and little Pippa. Even Tolan.

"No."

Imgloss gave another short laugh.

"Could have fooled me…"

"I don't want to die," Hershel cut in angrily. "But I don't want to be a slave anymore."

There was the sound of something being poured.

"Slave…"

He waited for Imgloss to laugh again, or sneer at him. Hershel was fully expecting the other Healer to mock him; he had left himself open for a variety of insults. Instead, Imgloss came over and pressed something warm into Hershel's hand.

"A good way to put it."

Hershel was shocked, and he listened to Imgloss walk away and lower himself into a chair of his own. Hersh made no move to drink the tea, and the Ancient's voice became patronizing.

"Go ahead and drink it, boy. I wouldn't waste my poison on the likes of you."

Hershel wasn't sure if that made him feel better or not, but after a moment he took a cautious sip. He recognized the blend, though it wasn't as strong as how Phos used to make it.

"Slave…" Imgloss repeated, sipping his own cup as he seemed to be thinking to himself. "So you've finally learned, then?"

The Master Healer was thoroughly confused. "Learned what?"

Imgloss chuckled again, but without humor. "That as long as you're a Healer, you'll never be free."

The statement hung in the air. Hershel stared, wishing he could see Imgloss's expression instead of the ever-present inky darkness.

"You mean…as Master Healer?" he finally asked, and Imgloss huffed.

"I mean as a Healer…any healer. All of us tied to these ancient chains…"

"Chains?"

Hershel leaned forward.

"You're not in chains…you, Pazzol…the other Healers. You hardly have…"

"Still so naïve!"

Imgloss's snap cut into Hershel's question as the short Oni grumbled.

"Don't you get it boy? This band of Healers—this oh so prestigious company—we were shackled from the beginning into a meaningless life. Back when the First Ancients made that oath with Kahzym the first, dooming us all to this hollow path. We are banned from influencing the realm in any meaningful way."

"But…"

Hershel couldn't help but cut in.

"You've spent centuries as a healer…and you obviously wanted the Master Healer position. You claim I stole it from you, that's why you all hate me!"

"We hate you, yes. And the Master Healer position is enticing in its novelty. A change from the drudgery of the eternal every day." Imgloss's voice became bitter as he snapped at Hershel. "You think you're a slave? You've had a decade, boy…try doing this for centuries."

Hershel didn't know what to say. It was like he was being let in on some secret…a secret that even after ten years of being the Master Healer of the realm, he had never been privy to.

"You feel trapped?" Hershel finally asked quietly, and Imgloss exhaled through his nose.

"It's a strange thing, never having to fear death. And yet part of you starts to crave it as the days and weeks and years roll by. As an Ancient, death could be chosen. It merely takes a trip to the Isle of the Ancients, a single spell…and whoosh. Departed Realm at last."

"Then why don't you?"

There was silence for a moment.

"Because as tantalizing as it becomes…there is always a stubborn part of life that refuses to choose death. The part that clings on to the hope that tomorrow will bring something worthwhile…something interesting. Something worth living for."

The man chuckled darkly to himself, as if lost in memories.

"And sometimes tomorrow does bring those things. A woman crazed with the need for revenge, asking for a Tuayata root. The chance to become Master Healer…the opportunity to use the Law of the Ancients. Entertainment for the moment…but then those moments pass. The days stretch on, uniformity returns…and you find yourself starved for meaning once again."

The Master Healer felt sick and he lowered his cup of tea.

"That's why you've done all of this? Nearly killed Tolan with that poison…took that chest…tortured me? Because you needed some twisted form of entertainment?!"

"Don't you dare condemn me, boy!" the Healer snapped angrily, and Hershel felt a stirring of aura winds. "No one is above seeking such things; those lists that Archtivus so meticulously put together were evidence of the same desire in each of us. No one is perfect…not Archtivus, not even you."

Hershel scowled and Imgloss leaned forward.

"Searching for meaning…for happiness. Is that not why you were tempted by a pretty face, hmmm? Why you were willing to break our most important Healer law…"

Hershel glanced away, and Imgloss huffed in victory.

"No one is beyond reproach, little Master."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

Silence again as Imgloss seemed to be taking a long sip of tea. "You've proven that you aren't what we all feared you were."

The younger Oni scoffed in confusion. "What are you talking about? What could any of you possibly have to fear from me?"

But when Imgloss answered, his voice was quieter. Hershel suddenly wasn't sure if the Ancient was talking to himself or addressing him.

"That Archtivus would adopt you into his line was blindsiding…truly unprecedented. He broke so many laws himself, and he was punished for them greatly. You may begrudge your blindness…but your old Master was cursed out of his choice for death…doomed to live in this realm to guard it from his mistakes as Master Healer. He wasn't allowed to die until those mistakes were finally corrected.

"The old fool cut off all ties when Regulous named him Master. We were happy enough to be rid of him, and we certainly didn't mourn his death when he heard about it. But imagine our surprise when we learned that he's been training an apprentice…raising children. We mocked his attempt at spicing up his own mundane existence, but even now I'm forced to admit that perhaps the old fool was on to something. An apprentice would give meaning to the common everyday, that's for certain."

Imgloss's voice had become dark. Hershel suddenly remembered the short Ancient's insistence that Pippa be given a new master. The blind Healer spoke up, trying to change the subject.

"That doesn't explain what you would have to fear from me. You claimed I wasn't what you all feared I was…"

"Perfect, you infernal boy. We feared you were perfect."

It didn't make any sense. "What…"

"Archtivus had obviously kept better track of us than we would have liked. Sure, we've all broken rules in our lives. Those like Pazzol were driven by ambition. For others, such as myself, we bent the rules because we need to do something with this life we were cursed with…and our options are so heinously limited. We didn't fear our mistakes coming back to bite us because the only person who could bring them up would be someone who hadn't made any mistakes themselves. But then here you were…this youthful paragon; hopeful, humble, selfless. Everything the Healing trade was ever meant to be…the impossible standard some of us have been failing for centuries. So yes…we hated you. Stealing in to take the role that many of us had hoped for while gloating a perfect record we assumed was impossible."

"Is that why you relished my punishment so much?" Hershel cut in bitterly, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. Imgloss chuckled cruelly.

"That was truly one of the more rewarding nights I've had in a long time…"

Hershel glared murderously, and Imgloss tutted. "Don't look at me like that, boy. You did something wrong…you can't claim you didn't."

"A heavy punishment for a kiss," came the acidic reply, and he could picture Imgloss rolling his eyes.

"I didn't punish you boy…the First Ancients did. Just as they doomed us all to our current meaningless path."

Hershel was still seething, but he had to admit that he did still have questions.

"What do you mean, meaningless? We're healers, and there will always be more people to heal. Aren't we suppose to help people?"

"Oh yes," Imgloss sneered sarcastically. "Helping common Oni cure the common cold. We all possess great power, ability to actually affect the realm. But we are required to merely exist, watch…endure."

Hershel was quiet as he processed everything Imgloss had said. His mind was churning with some idea that was still out of reach. Imgloss sighed.

"The First Ancients were meant to protect this realm. But it seems they reached a point where even they didn't even feel the need to go on existing here. They created the Island as a means to reach the Departed Realm, and claimed that those who needed them would be able to connect with them there. But as your friends discovered, the Isle has developed a mind of its own. Those who seek help more often become its victims…"

It made Hershel shudder, and Imgloss continued.

"At any rate, you had it right when you said you are a slave. We all are; slaves to tradition, forced to live the rules established by those who have long since abandoned this world."

He went quiet at that, and they sat awhile in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Something kept nagging at Hershel. The conversation he had with Pippa days before came to mind.

But if none of you have apprentices, doesn't that mean the Secret Healer Group is gonna disappear? What happens if there is just nobody part of it anymore?

It may just die off

Isn't that bad?

Maybe it would be for the best.

"But what if we weren't?" He spoke the last thought out loud, and he heard Imgloss shift in his seat.

"Weren't what, boy?"

"Slaves. What if we could…could break the chains?"

Imgloss snorted. "You mean just break all the rules? What…have everyone promise not to snitch on each other?"

The short man's tone had become as grating and patronizing as ever, and Hershel shook his head.

"Not breaking the rules. Dissolving the rules."

There was silence.

"Insanity."

"No…think about it. The community may have had a purpose when it was first created—this secretive Healing Organization. It even had a purpose back when you all were trying to keep people from dying in the war…or stopping people like Evynn. But now it's worthless…like you said. There's no point in having it."

Imgloss just snorted, and Hershel leaned forward as his tone became more determined.

"If these last decades have shown me anything, it's that tradition can be broken for the better. I've spent my life being obedient…because I thought that's how I had to survive. What had to be done to protect those I love. But I'm not survivingI'm drowning. I'm losing everything I've ever cared about for what?! And if I'm not the only one feeling this way, then what in Ancient's name are we all doing following tradition?! None of us have apprentices. It's already bound to die out, so why do we have to stay chained to it?!"

There was silence after his outburst. He waited for Imgloss to jeer at him and call him naïve again.

"Don't you see, boy? As long as there's an Ancient alive, there's no way to truly let it die out."

The Ancient sounded almost defeated, and Hershel's fists clenched.

"Then maybe something needs to be done to help it along…if we're in chains, maybe it's time we freed ourselves."

Imgloss scoffed.

"You're talking about bringing down an organization nearly as Ancient as History itself for this realm. I would be in my right to kill you just for suggesting it."

He sounded threatening…more threatening than he had during the entire talk. Hershel's heart pounded as he stared towards where he knew Imgloss was sitting. Then, inexplicably, the Ancient started chuckling.

"Tell me more."

159

"Pip says you haven't been eating."

Syn called out as she lugged in the large basked of different crops. She came into the back of the tent and glanced towards the mat. Hershel wasn't moping on his bed…must be in his chair, then.

"So I'm going to stay today and I'm not leaving until you eat every last drop of soup, got it?"

No answer. Brooding, no doubt.

She put the heavy basket on the work counter and sighed as she stretched out her back.

"Hershel…it's rude to ignore people," she snapped. It made sense that he was upset…but he needed to pull through this. Yes, he couldn't go outside. But that didn't mean he had to just stew all day long. There were plenty of things that needed to be…

Syn had walked into the front of the tent, but she froze when she realized it was empty. After a moment she cursed, her heart immediately pounding.

"Stupid…stubborn…"

"Uncle Hershel!"

Syn turned as she heard Pippa coming into the back.

"We brought food! I told on you, and mom said…"

Syn came into the back.

"He's not here, Pippa."

The young girl blinked.

"He's gone out to collect stuff, then," she said with a shrug, but Syn was scowling as she raked a hand through her hair in frustration.

"He can't go and collect things. Something could happen to him…"

"I think it's good," Pip argued as she fished a tuber out of the basket to snack on. "He's not just sitting all day staring at nothing like a crazy person."

Syn shot her daughter an angry look, and Pippa smiled innocently as she tucked the tuber clandestinely into her pocket.

"We need to go after him," the curly-haired woman decided.

"He's got Baffa, Mom. He'll be fine."

Syn shook her head, already going to the doorflap to see if she could catch sight of them.

"I'm going to have to move back in full time," she muttered. "Just to make sure that he doesn't kill himself doing one foolish thing or another…"

Pippa went to sneak another tuber, and Syn smacked her hand without even looking.

"Get some water boiling; we can at least have something he can eat while I rip into him."

They worked for a little while to make a hearty stew. Syn continued to glance to the door throughout the time, her nerves becoming worse and worse.

It's fine, Syn. He's an Idiot, but he's got Baffa. He'll be back soon…and Pip's right. Maybe getting up and leaving is better than just sitting there day after day, hopeless…

But the memory of how hopeless her brother had been sent a shot of panic through her rather than relief. She found herself promising she wouldn't even yell at him if he would just get back already.

Eventually, the stew was done, and Pippa hung on Syn as she begged for a bowl.

"There's plenty!" the six year old whined. "And I'm hungry; it's lunchtime…"

"Pip, we have to wait for…"

There was the sound of a Sniffer howl, and they both turned to the front door. Syn sagged in relief while Pippa smiled in victory.

"See? They're back. Now can I have some stew?"

But Syn was already at the front door.

"It's about time…" she started, but then her blood ran cold. Pippa came up after her, but stopped when she realized as well.

"Baffa!" she called, and the lone sniffer turned towards the child as she ran towards him. "Where's Uncle Hershel?"

The sniffer didn't answer, and Pippa's little eyebrows were furrowed as she looked up towards the horizon, as if expecting her Uncle to come walking up at any moment.

"Where is he, Baffa?" she whispered, worry starting to invade her generally optimistic mind. "Where's my Uncle Hershel?"

Baffa just whined, rolling over for a backrub.

"Pippa…"

She turned to see her mother coming towards her.

"Baffa doesn't know where he is, Mom…."

"We have to look for him."

Syn's voice was both determined and scared.

"Where would he be?" Pippa asked.

"The caves…or anywhere else where he could gather things. Maybe he thought he could get to one of the closer ones without help."

Syn didn't voice her true fear; that Hershel had started off on his journey with the sniffer, but now something dreadful had happened that left him unable to get home. She stared at the beast, willing it to lead them to where it had left her brother, but it seemed content to roll in the dirt and sneeze.

"What about the Western Fortress? Doesn't Myrah live there?"

Syn gave a start at her daughter's suggestion. She gave Pip a hard look.

"Why would you suggest that?" she demanded. "Has…has Hershel talked about Myrah?"

Pippa shrugged, biting her lip.

"I dunno. He doesn't talk about anything really."

Syn knelt, her voice stern.

"Pippa…has he talked about Myrah?"

"Only a little," the child admitted finally. "I asked him if he still loved her. I…I think he does."

Syn's heart was racing. Surely he wouldn't have gone there…right? How could he have even made it that far on his own?

"Do you think he went there?" Pip asked, her voice small. Syn swallowed hard.

"I don't think so. Go check the caves, Pip…I'll head to the marsh. He's probably just gathering things."

"He's strong…remember?" Pippa said as they stood. She sounded like she was trying her hardest to be sure, but there was definite uneasiness in her manner. "He can take care of himself…"

"He doesn't have powers, Pip…or his sight…or a weapon."

Syn felt sick as the consequences of her brother's stupid choice hit home.

"We need to find him Pippa…as fast we can."


"A meeting might do it…I suppose you're within your rights as Master Healer to make this kind of decision."

Imgloss sounded too excited about this, giving Hershel the first warning in his mind. He was glad that the Ancient seemed on board and wasn't about to kill him, but he had almost agreed too readily. Hershel sat lost in thought a little longer.

"So you think it can be dissolved with just a vote?"

"Well, for all intents and purposes…"

"The First Ancient's Law wouldn't consider it dissolved, whether or not we vote on it."

There was silence again and then Imgloss scoffed. "What are you so worried about the Law of the Ancient's for?"

"I'm blind. Powerless. You told me this punishment wasn't permanent, but it will be if I put myself forever at odds with the First Ancients."

"You're the one who doesn't want to be in chains any longer," Imgloss argued. "You can't have it both ways. You cannot please yourself and the Ancients."

"There's no point in me moving forward with this plan if I'm going to remain crippled."

He could hear Imgloss becoming irritated, and wondered if he shouldn't be trying to get on Imgloss's bad side. But it was true—what was the point in risking everything for these changes if it wasn't even going to help him in the end?

"Can you remove the punishment?" Hershel finally asked coldly. "You are the one who enacted it."

"The Ancients must revoke it." Imgloss sounded both annoyed and resigned. "In using the Law of the Ancients, I may have been the one to bring you to trial…but the First Ancients condemned you. Only they can remove their curse."

Hershel was silent as he processed Imgloss's words. He had been building a hopeful case after the Ancient had opened up to him, but now his hopes were dashed.

"So how am I to get it removed?" he asked bitterly.

"Following the rules," Imgloss said smoothly. "Following tradition, doing as you're told…for who knows how long."

Hershel pounded a fist on his chair and the Ancient scoffed.

"You're in a corner, to be certain. But tell me boy…which do you want more? You can earn your sight at the cost of your freedom, or you can be free to live the life you choose with the woman you love, despite the blindness…"

For some reason, Imgloss mentioning Myrah struck a nerve. Hershel pushed himself to his feet, the anger and determination that had driven him to this tent in the first place making itself known again.

"That's just choosing between two forms of captivity," he hissed. Imgloss's tone was cold and collected.

"Then what would you like to do? There is no way to have everything."

Hershel was silent, an idea forming.

"Perhaps there is," he murmured, and the Ancient was quiet. Hershel continued, his fist clenching with resolve. "I just have to go to the source."

"What source?"

He looked up, and Imgloss must have interpreted the expression because he scoffed in disbelief.

"Go to the first Ancients?" Imgloss scoffed in disbelief. "Are you mad?"

"If that's the only way…"

"You really do have a death wish, don't you boy?"

Imgloss sounded angry, which didn't check out to Hershel.

"Why should you care? You can't claim to care what happens to me. Why should it matter if I go to the Isle of the Ancients to dissolve the organization?"

"Because if you fail, we will all remain shackled, fool…"

"Then you will be in the position to choose a new Master Healer…or take the role on yourself. Then you can be free to have your vote."

"I'm trying to help you boy," Imgloss hissed. "You think that it's easy to survive the Isle of the Ancients?"

Hershel said nothing, and he felt the shorter Healer poke him viciously in the chest.

"Not everyone made it off that Island during the last great adventure taken by fools…"

"Theodynn is fine," Hershel pointed out smoothly, and Imgloss laughed once in his face.

"I wasn't speaking of the Heir," he sneered. "Pazzol has yet to return."

Hershel frowned. "Pazzol?"

"Never made it off the Island. You see…the first Ancients do not take kindly to those who break their rules. Why would you be stupid enough to flaunt your own mistakes in their territory? To voice your plan to those who would disagree with it the most?"

"We don't know that they'd disagree. Perhaps they'd understand the need for…"

Imgloss laughed again, and Hershel felt the man grab his collar, yanking him down so they were face to face. Or at least…Hershel assumed they were face to face. He could feel Imgloss's hot breath on neck.

"They will kill you, boy…or worse. Listen to me: cut your losses. We'll dissolve it on the surface level, with the living. There is no need to bring the First Ancients into this."

Hershel took a moment to calm himself.

"I've spent my life helpless," he finally admitted softly. "But not anymore. I intend to do something for myself for once in my life."

There was silence, and Hershel could only assume that Imgloss was studying his face. Most likely trying to decide if it was even possible to dissuade the Master Healer from his new plan.

"You do this, and you lose your chance to live."

"Can you get me to the Island or not?"

Imgloss exhaled slowly and finally released Hershel's collar. "Fine. If this is the path you want. You won't have anyone to blame but yourself when you truly lose everything. I would rather not have to be the one to propose this inane plan to the other healers…but I suppose if I go through the effort, it will get dissolved in the end." His tone became darker, as if a realization just struck. "And when it is all dissolved and the law no longer applies to us, there will be nothing stopping me from making an apprentice out of your little niece after all…"

It took all Hershel had not to lunge for the man's throat.

"If you touch her, I will find a way to kill you...even if I have to leave the departed realm to do it."

Imgloss just chuckled. "We shall have to see, hmmm? Perhaps you're right; perhaps the first Ancients will see the error of their ways…"

He was walking away now, laughing, and Hershel was shaking slightly.

"So, you'll take me, then?" he finally clarified. Imgloss called back from across the room.

"I'll take you, if this is what you insist on. But in your final, dying moments…remember that I tried to talk you out of this madness. That I tried to save you from your own stupidity…"

"More likely I'll remember that you were the one who blinded me and made the entire process necessary in the first place," Hershel retorted coldly. Imgloss didn't answer, but there was the clanging of pots. Hershel frowned.

"What are you doing?"

"If you insist on a suicide mission…might as well start it with a final meal."


Even after hours of searching, they hadn't found him. Syn pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to hold herself together for Pippa's sake. But there was a horrible feeling of dread that had filled her.

"Where is he, mom?"

Pip's voice was soft as she hugged Baffa on the floor of the tent. Syn took one last shuddery breath. There was only one last place to look, really. She just had no idea how Hershel would have gotten there.

"When did Hershel talk about Myrah, Pippa?"

Pippa frowned, her hug tightening around her sniffer. Baffa whined in annoyance.

"Last time I saw him," she admitted softly and Syn exhaled shakily.

"Stay here with Baffa," she ordered as she stood. Pippa was at her mother's side in seconds.

"I want to come!" she demanded, and Syn shook her head.

"No. I'm going to the Western Fortress to check and see if your Uncle is there. You need to stay here in case he returns…and keep him here."

Pippa scowled, but after a moment she seemed to realize that it made sense.

"When will you be back?"

"As soon as I can be," Syn promised, giving her daughter a quick kiss on the head. "Stay safe, alright Pip? There's plenty of stew to eat if you need it."

Pippa didn't seem encouraged by that thought, but Syn wasn't really sure when she would be back and wanted her daughter to have what she needed while she was on her own. She pushed out of the front door, heading in the direction of the Western Fortress. Her fists clenched as she thought about what was probably waiting for her…but there was a growing inner fury that helped power her on.

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