Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize. Also, I'm sorry if anyone
feels this echoes their own plot. It was not based on anything except my
mind.
Chapter 2
Maegith's mother then pulled Cafell aside. "Can you do anything for her? I can't afford to loose another member of my family; in soul or in work!"
Cafell considered the other woman's plea. Then, she drew her outside so neither child could hear them talk. "There is one way, but it will come at a great price. And I have to be sure your child is worthy of it."
"What is the price?" Maegith's mother had turned pale with the mention of payment. However, she loved her daughter, and as she'd said, she couldn't afford to have one less worker.
"To you it may sound simple." Cafell's voice had gotten eerily cold. "All I require is a few minutes alone with the girl, and a guarantee you will not interfere, no matter what happens. If she consents to my treatment, do not re-enter the house until I have given my permission for you to do so. After the treatment, your daughter must become my apprentice. She will be able to send you money, and visit once in a while. These are my terms, but it is up to the girl to decide whether or not she will accept my help. She will die if I do not do this." She waited for Maegith's mother's resigned nod.
Cafell entered the house, chasing out Radella with a sharp "Out, child! There's nothing to see here!" Then, she moved to Maegith's bedside. Once more, her manner shifted and she was the gentle healer.
"Child? Can you see and hear me?" She was glad when the girl feebly moved her head. "You have the Bubonic Plague." The old woman was quite blunt about it. "Now, there is one thing, and only one thing I could do, but first, I need to ask you some questions. If you lived, would you devote yourself to the healer's art?"
Once again, Cafell was pleased to see the girl nod. "If you had all the power in the world, what would you use it for?"
This time, Maegith took the effort to speak. "I would use it to help people like my mother, Old One. People with nothing in this world. I would free serfs, because what makes the lords better than we are?"
Cafell raised an eyebrow in surprise. This would be the one. She already showed wisdom beyond her age and status. "I have found you worthy. Now, it is up to you whether I treat you or not. I will not try to push you one way or the other. Here are your options:
"I can treat you, and you will come with me as an apprentice. You will learn the healer's craft and practice it for the rest of your life. You will live an abnormal span of time, and live through death, suffering, hardship, and scorn. Or, you can decide that you have fulfilled your purpose in life and go because it is your time. Those are your choices. If you choose the second, I can give you a painless death. Choose wisely, child, for your decision can never be rescinded."
She looked sternly at Maegith. For some reason, Maegith found those few moments to be clearer than anything all day. Her choice was instantaneous. "I should want to live, Old One! I can bear suffering; what could be worse than how I live now?"
Cafell looked at her with pity. "So young... Perhaps I've made a mistake. Child, there is suffering in this world far beyond anything you can imagine. And responsibility beyond anything you've seen. Do not rush into your decision; we still have time enough. Now, sleep and think it over."
Cafell's words soothed like a charm, and suddenly Maegith fell into a deep sleep. It was hours before she awoke, and it seemed to her she'd had an important dream, however, it danced outside the edge of her memory. When she woke, though, her resolve was strengthened. She sat up as much as she could, noting that Cafell was still waiting patiently by her bedside.
"Mistress Cafell? I have made my decision." Her voice was strained, but proud. Cafell smiled, glad the dream worked.
"Oh?" Cafell inquired, though she knew what the girl's answer would be.
"I choose life. No matter how long or how hard, where there's life, there is hope. I would be proud to become your apprentice, and I hope to be worthy of your gift." Cafell beamed, glad she'd judged correctly.
Now, Cafell moved closer to the bed, and drew back Maegith's hair. "This will only hurt a bit." That was the only warning that Maegith got before Cafell leaned over and bit her on the neck.
Maegith's eyes widened in fear as she felt the two overly sharp canine teeth sink into her flesh, and she started to struggle. She was in such a panic that she never noticed the euphoria of too much lost blood. Finally, she lost consciousness, and a few seconds later, Cafell drew back, licking the hot, sweet liquid from her lips.
Then, Cafell drew a dagger across her own wrist and let the blood flow. She brought her wrist to Maegith's mouth, which was still open in shock. "Don't give up on me now, child! I've waited so long, so long..." She let the blood freely dribble down Maegith's throat, and finally felt the other girl latch on to her wrist.
At length, Cafell drew away. As blood flowed anew in Maegith's veins, Cafell was rewarded with the sight of the girl's flushed face paling and the swollen buboes covering her body disappearing. Maegith turned over and promptly fell back to sleep.
When Maegith woke once again, the sun was setting. Cafell still kept vigil at her bedside, and for a moment, Maegith forgot the events that had taken place that afternoon. "Mistress Cafell?" She felt oddly fuzzy, and slightly disoriented, as though she'd had too much alcohol. "I feel strange." Was this heaven? Why did she feel better?
Cafell walked over to the bed and looked down on Maegith with loving eyes. "No, dear. You're not in heaven. Far from. But, you are healed, and that is what matters." Maegith didn't notice that Cafell seemed to answer her thoughts, not her words.
Maegith sat up and felt the back of her neck. The sores were gone! "Was that magic, Mistress?"
Cafell smiled gently. "No, dearest. Now remember." Once again, Cafell's melodious voice triggered something within Maegith. Suddenly, the events of the afternoon came rushing back.
She cringed back to the edge of the bed in fright. "What have you done to me?" Maegith was screaming in fright. "I am cursed! Damned eternal! Why?" Pain showed in her eyes.
Cafell looked sad, but not surprised. "No, child. Not damned. Blessed. You said if you were cured, you would become my apprentice and heal for the rest of your life. Your word is binding. Do not fret; there is nothing to fear. Now, though, we must hunt, else you will die of starvation rather than plague." Cafell's no-nonsense sternness broke Maegith's terror- stricken cries better than if she'd slapped her.
"Hunt?" Maegith's lip started trembling.
"That's what I said, is it not?" Cafell's reply was tart, just short of snappish. "Now's no time to be squeamish, girl. I will not take a ninny as an assistant, nor a daughter. All will be explained in due time. Now, let us away and reassure your mother before she breaks in on us."...
Maegith came out of her reverie as the bus pulled into the bus loop in front of the school. She made her way to the front of the bus, careful not to push anyone too hard. When she got off of the bus, she waited for the girl she'd been sitting with. The other girl stepped off the bus and into the spring sunlight. She did not squint in the sun; didn't even blink at the sudden change in light. This was Sulene Vida, Maegith's best friend.
Sulene was a slight girl, only a bit taller than Maegith, who was just five foot. Her long, silver hair cascaded freely down her back, ending at the waist. Her blue-gray eyes could pierce the soul, when she willed them to, and she was heavily armed.
Sulene wore a beautiful silver dagger with an obsidian hilt on each forearm, a throwing knife in each boot, and a long dagger on her back. None could tell how formidable she was as an opponent by looking, though. A fighter's grace was the only outward sign of her years of Vida training.
Maegith had nothing to fear from Sulene, however. The two were good friends, and Sulene held her family's contempt for that fact with pride. Now, they remained outside to sit on a bench in front of school before the day started.
While waiting for their other friends, Maegith became lost in memory once more...
Author's note: Well, hope you enjoyed! Review, peoples! I do not mind repeat reviewers! (Hint, hint) Also, no one suggested anything about an old vamp to me, or reminded me of the organization. If anyone knows, I would really appreciate all input. To my reviewers:
Unknownsomeone: Thankees for being my first reviewer! You rock! Well, hope you're able to sleep with this chapter.
Spage: Thanks for your praise! I know it's a bit confusing. I just don't like revealing everything at once.
Cutlass: ^_^ Well, I listened. Thanks for reading!
Chapter 2
Maegith's mother then pulled Cafell aside. "Can you do anything for her? I can't afford to loose another member of my family; in soul or in work!"
Cafell considered the other woman's plea. Then, she drew her outside so neither child could hear them talk. "There is one way, but it will come at a great price. And I have to be sure your child is worthy of it."
"What is the price?" Maegith's mother had turned pale with the mention of payment. However, she loved her daughter, and as she'd said, she couldn't afford to have one less worker.
"To you it may sound simple." Cafell's voice had gotten eerily cold. "All I require is a few minutes alone with the girl, and a guarantee you will not interfere, no matter what happens. If she consents to my treatment, do not re-enter the house until I have given my permission for you to do so. After the treatment, your daughter must become my apprentice. She will be able to send you money, and visit once in a while. These are my terms, but it is up to the girl to decide whether or not she will accept my help. She will die if I do not do this." She waited for Maegith's mother's resigned nod.
Cafell entered the house, chasing out Radella with a sharp "Out, child! There's nothing to see here!" Then, she moved to Maegith's bedside. Once more, her manner shifted and she was the gentle healer.
"Child? Can you see and hear me?" She was glad when the girl feebly moved her head. "You have the Bubonic Plague." The old woman was quite blunt about it. "Now, there is one thing, and only one thing I could do, but first, I need to ask you some questions. If you lived, would you devote yourself to the healer's art?"
Once again, Cafell was pleased to see the girl nod. "If you had all the power in the world, what would you use it for?"
This time, Maegith took the effort to speak. "I would use it to help people like my mother, Old One. People with nothing in this world. I would free serfs, because what makes the lords better than we are?"
Cafell raised an eyebrow in surprise. This would be the one. She already showed wisdom beyond her age and status. "I have found you worthy. Now, it is up to you whether I treat you or not. I will not try to push you one way or the other. Here are your options:
"I can treat you, and you will come with me as an apprentice. You will learn the healer's craft and practice it for the rest of your life. You will live an abnormal span of time, and live through death, suffering, hardship, and scorn. Or, you can decide that you have fulfilled your purpose in life and go because it is your time. Those are your choices. If you choose the second, I can give you a painless death. Choose wisely, child, for your decision can never be rescinded."
She looked sternly at Maegith. For some reason, Maegith found those few moments to be clearer than anything all day. Her choice was instantaneous. "I should want to live, Old One! I can bear suffering; what could be worse than how I live now?"
Cafell looked at her with pity. "So young... Perhaps I've made a mistake. Child, there is suffering in this world far beyond anything you can imagine. And responsibility beyond anything you've seen. Do not rush into your decision; we still have time enough. Now, sleep and think it over."
Cafell's words soothed like a charm, and suddenly Maegith fell into a deep sleep. It was hours before she awoke, and it seemed to her she'd had an important dream, however, it danced outside the edge of her memory. When she woke, though, her resolve was strengthened. She sat up as much as she could, noting that Cafell was still waiting patiently by her bedside.
"Mistress Cafell? I have made my decision." Her voice was strained, but proud. Cafell smiled, glad the dream worked.
"Oh?" Cafell inquired, though she knew what the girl's answer would be.
"I choose life. No matter how long or how hard, where there's life, there is hope. I would be proud to become your apprentice, and I hope to be worthy of your gift." Cafell beamed, glad she'd judged correctly.
Now, Cafell moved closer to the bed, and drew back Maegith's hair. "This will only hurt a bit." That was the only warning that Maegith got before Cafell leaned over and bit her on the neck.
Maegith's eyes widened in fear as she felt the two overly sharp canine teeth sink into her flesh, and she started to struggle. She was in such a panic that she never noticed the euphoria of too much lost blood. Finally, she lost consciousness, and a few seconds later, Cafell drew back, licking the hot, sweet liquid from her lips.
Then, Cafell drew a dagger across her own wrist and let the blood flow. She brought her wrist to Maegith's mouth, which was still open in shock. "Don't give up on me now, child! I've waited so long, so long..." She let the blood freely dribble down Maegith's throat, and finally felt the other girl latch on to her wrist.
At length, Cafell drew away. As blood flowed anew in Maegith's veins, Cafell was rewarded with the sight of the girl's flushed face paling and the swollen buboes covering her body disappearing. Maegith turned over and promptly fell back to sleep.
When Maegith woke once again, the sun was setting. Cafell still kept vigil at her bedside, and for a moment, Maegith forgot the events that had taken place that afternoon. "Mistress Cafell?" She felt oddly fuzzy, and slightly disoriented, as though she'd had too much alcohol. "I feel strange." Was this heaven? Why did she feel better?
Cafell walked over to the bed and looked down on Maegith with loving eyes. "No, dear. You're not in heaven. Far from. But, you are healed, and that is what matters." Maegith didn't notice that Cafell seemed to answer her thoughts, not her words.
Maegith sat up and felt the back of her neck. The sores were gone! "Was that magic, Mistress?"
Cafell smiled gently. "No, dearest. Now remember." Once again, Cafell's melodious voice triggered something within Maegith. Suddenly, the events of the afternoon came rushing back.
She cringed back to the edge of the bed in fright. "What have you done to me?" Maegith was screaming in fright. "I am cursed! Damned eternal! Why?" Pain showed in her eyes.
Cafell looked sad, but not surprised. "No, child. Not damned. Blessed. You said if you were cured, you would become my apprentice and heal for the rest of your life. Your word is binding. Do not fret; there is nothing to fear. Now, though, we must hunt, else you will die of starvation rather than plague." Cafell's no-nonsense sternness broke Maegith's terror- stricken cries better than if she'd slapped her.
"Hunt?" Maegith's lip started trembling.
"That's what I said, is it not?" Cafell's reply was tart, just short of snappish. "Now's no time to be squeamish, girl. I will not take a ninny as an assistant, nor a daughter. All will be explained in due time. Now, let us away and reassure your mother before she breaks in on us."...
Maegith came out of her reverie as the bus pulled into the bus loop in front of the school. She made her way to the front of the bus, careful not to push anyone too hard. When she got off of the bus, she waited for the girl she'd been sitting with. The other girl stepped off the bus and into the spring sunlight. She did not squint in the sun; didn't even blink at the sudden change in light. This was Sulene Vida, Maegith's best friend.
Sulene was a slight girl, only a bit taller than Maegith, who was just five foot. Her long, silver hair cascaded freely down her back, ending at the waist. Her blue-gray eyes could pierce the soul, when she willed them to, and she was heavily armed.
Sulene wore a beautiful silver dagger with an obsidian hilt on each forearm, a throwing knife in each boot, and a long dagger on her back. None could tell how formidable she was as an opponent by looking, though. A fighter's grace was the only outward sign of her years of Vida training.
Maegith had nothing to fear from Sulene, however. The two were good friends, and Sulene held her family's contempt for that fact with pride. Now, they remained outside to sit on a bench in front of school before the day started.
While waiting for their other friends, Maegith became lost in memory once more...
Author's note: Well, hope you enjoyed! Review, peoples! I do not mind repeat reviewers! (Hint, hint) Also, no one suggested anything about an old vamp to me, or reminded me of the organization. If anyone knows, I would really appreciate all input. To my reviewers:
Unknownsomeone: Thankees for being my first reviewer! You rock! Well, hope you're able to sleep with this chapter.
Spage: Thanks for your praise! I know it's a bit confusing. I just don't like revealing everything at once.
Cutlass: ^_^ Well, I listened. Thanks for reading!
