CHAPTER 13
Kevyn adjusted Sherri's still form on his lap. They were a less than a day out of Haven and he was eager to get her into the House of Healing. Sherri was swathed in a summer weight gown of a light blue fabric with embroidery on the edge of the skirt of little leaves and tiny white flowers he knew was Maiden's Breath. He had spent most of the time riding behind Sherri so that she could be strapped into his saddle but they had still made very good time.
It had been ten days since he left the keep and she had not made a single sound in that entire time. He had kept up a running dialogue most of the time but there was only so much that could be said with no response.
:There is Haven. I can smell the city. Shall we ride around to the other entrance?: Nick asked hopefully.
"It would take about the same amount of time, especially at this time of day. Let's spare our poor country bred senses."
Nick turned on to a side road and made his way to the eastern gate.
They were unchallenged until they reached the palace grounds. The guard waved them over.
"Well, Herald, who is our pretty guest?" The guard asked, eyeing Sherri.
"Careful, she is the Queen's cousin." Kevyn warned. "You are lucky she isn't awake.
The guard looked at the woman again. "She looks plum worn out. Was she Chosen? Why are you bringing her in? Just remember I have got to ask these questions."
"We wanted to get her here fast. She wasn't Chosen. I vouch for her as does my Companion."
:Just so long as she doesn't Read me we will get along just fine.: Nick teased, trying to lighten his Chosen's mood.
The guard made some notes on the paper. "That's good enough for me. If you can't trust a Herald, who can you trust?"
Kevyn urged Nick into the great courtyard that fed the Collegia and Palace. As always he was struck by the variety of colour here. The jewel tones of the courtiers, the more sober tones of the trainee uniforms, The distinct Greens and Reds of the Healers and Bards, the four pages about to launch a fresh mud pie at the young lords, the scent of the summer flowers, the music wafting from the gardens nearest the Bardic Collegium, and ever present blue of the Guard.
This place was his home.
He waved a Healer over before dismounting.
"What have we here?" The grandmotherly healer with the will of iron said as she peered at Sherri. "My goodness, what has happened to this girl?"
"She was locked in a haunted room for a candlemark about two months ago and has never woken up."
"Haunted? By who?" The Healer said as she led him to the imposing House of Healing.
"Her mother. She committed suicide when Sherri was a month old and has haunted that room ever since. I have seen that room and the depression that hangs in that room would drive someone with potential out of their mind."
Once the Healer had Sherri on a high narrow bed designed for examinations she studied her more closely using her gift. "It is a wonder she is still alive. The poor girl. Exactly what Gift is that?"
"True Sight."
"What is that? I haven't heard of it."
"She can see, hear, and feel the thoughts of others. It doesn't matter if she is touching them directly or just an object they touched. She can't block it out."
The healer nodded. "Herald Talia should see her as soon as she has time. There is nothing physically wrong with the girl that a few good meals won't solve but it is like she isn't there at all. I assume you know the girl. I want you to stay with her as much as you can. She will probably be scared stiff when she comes round."
"Of course I will."
The Healer studied him for a moment. "She is lucky to have such a loyal friend."
"Being her loyal friend is going to get me killed. Her uncles all want my blood for some odd reason."
The healer laughed. "With a face like that I am surprised it doesn't happen more often."
~ * ~
Sherri was feeling oddly stretched. She stood and wandered around the clearing a little trying to ease the feeling.
"Hey Sherri. Shouldn't you be getting back to the Keep." Stef suggested once again.
Sherri paused. "Not the keep…"
Van, 'Fandes, and Stef exchanged odd glances.
:Perhaps they moved her.: Yfandes suggested. That could be what is causing the restlessness.:
"What if she can't find her body?" Stef asked quietly. "We have no clue how long she has been here. Maybe they sent her to someplace that cares for the mad."
"Gods, I hope not." Van sighed. "What haven't we tried yet?"
:I doubt there is more we could do. This time it is in the hands of the living.: Yfandes sighed sorrowfully.
~ * ~
Talia released the cold hands. There was nothing there she could 'call' back. At least nothing within her reach. Once or twice she thought she Felt a response but it vanished so quickly she dismissed it as wishful thinking.
"I don't think there is anything more I can do." She admitted. Selenay had shared Sherri's witty letters over the years and they had both enjoyed the fresh, unpolluted view of the formidable young lady. She had alerted them to trouble spots within her area and had taken care of doling out aid to the people in the area.
"Damn." Kevyn cursed softly. "We have tried everything and she is only getting weaker."
"Maybe we should give up." Talia hated to suggest it. "She is beyond my reach."
Kevyn rubbed his forehead. "I hate to admit it, but you are probably right."
"I wish I could have met her."
Kevyn sat on the edge of the bed. "Her uncles are not going to take this well."
Talia shook her head. "I know. I will tell them."
"I know there is more to what happened than what they told me but I don't dare confront them."
"That would be unwise." Talia agreed. "I'll go talk to the healers."
Kevyn slid his arms under Sherri and carried her outside. They had decided to keep Sherri away from others as much as possible because of her Gift. They had even used magic to cleanse her room of every possible trace of other people, since then only Kevyn, Talia, and her healers had entered it. The formidable uncles were unwilling to face the determined healers so had remained outside in the hall pacing for days on end.
"Stay here for a while." He ordered the body needlessly.
~ * ~
Sherri tried desperately to focus. She felt so weak and spun out. The world around her seemed more like it was made of mist than of solid trees. When the others spoke to her it was like hearing them over a great distance.
:Sherri, will you return to us?: A strange male voice asked. :We will keep you safe. I won't let anyone harm you.:
:Who are you? Where are you?: Sherri asked.
:Sherri, if you don't return now you will never be able to.:
:Now?: Sherri asked confused. :Who are you? Are you in the forest.:
Sherri felting a tugging. The same tugging that had bothered her on and off for a while. She wasn't certain how long. She resisted the urge to follow it.
:Sherri?: The voice called again.
"Sherri? What's wrong?" Stef's voice echoed.
"Do you hear him? He is calling me."
"Who is calling you?" Van's voice asked. "Do you feel safe to follow the voice?"
Sherri hesitated. The voice didn't Feel threatening but neither had the other, female voice. "I don't know." She answered to both questions.
"What is it saying?" Stef pressed.
"He says he won't let anyone harm me. That if I don't return now I won't be able to return." Sherri's voice trailed off.
:Go kitten. He is telling the truth. If you don't go we will all lose you.: Yfandes urged.
Sherri felt the tugging become more urgent.