- Chapter 13 -

The Companion, Bardaric, watched the slender Healer from the corner of his eye as she settled under the tree without her being aware of his observation.  An advantage of the incredible panoramic vision Companions shared with horses.

She removed a slim volume from a pocket of her robe and settled back to read.

He didn't need to be an empath to know how much she loved Nico.  It was obvious in how she kept glancing at him with a small smile.

It was a pity she was a Healer.

Bardaric turned his attention to his son.  Nico was obviously happy, curious, intelligent, and loved, what more could he want for his son?

Nico finished nursing and, after checking on Afiona, ran off to chase the filly.

:Daric, what's bothering you?:  The mare who had nursed Nico asked.  :Is it because you didn't find your Chosen?:

:No, it is because I did.:  Daric admitted.

:Well, where are they?:  The mare asked.  :Why didn't you Choose them?:

:Because they are more needed where they are.:  Daric said sadly.

~ * ~

:Play!:  Nico urged, sticking his nose in Afiona's face.

:When are you going to start sleeping through the night?:  She groaned and rolled on to her side.

Nico hesitated only a moment before he bounced across the room to locate one of the rag doll Companions a Herald had made for him.  They were ideal for games of 'chase the toy' or 'hide the toy' that he delighted in.

He dropped the doll by Mama-Afi's head and returned to collect another toy.

:No.  Put them away and go to sleep.:  The night shrouded form ordered.

:Mama-Afi…:  He whined.

:No.  It is night, we sleep at night and play during the day.:  Afiona said firmly.

Nico huffed and settled against Afiona's back, his head resting on his doll.  :Night is dark.:

Afiona sighed.  :Of course it is dark, that is why we sleep at night.:  Slowly it dawned on her, Nico wanted her up because he was scared of the dark.  It was night, he had almost no vision at the moment and he was trapped in a room, his instincts were probably making him very nervous.

:Would you like a candle?:  Afiona asked.

:A big candle?:  He asked hopefully.

:Whatever candle we can find…:  Afiona reluctantly emerged from her bed, stepped around Nico and made her way to the door.  In the hall, on benches spaced every few meters, were night candles, thick and long burning, they were meant to provide illumination if an emergency should arise. 

She chose the candle directly across from her door and placed it on her own nightstand.  "Better?"

:Sleep now?:  Nico asked.

:Finally.:  Afiona slid back into her place between Demon and Nico and pulled the blanket over her eyes to block out the light.

She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.  Nightmares ambushed as soon as she was unconscious.  First they were only fragmentary images, fists, yelling, fear, pain, and images of blood.  Slowly they coalesced into images of her brother, towering over her, sadistic glee on his face.  His face was lit by a red light, giving him a demonic appearance.  She struggled against the nightmare before her body was frozen, as stiff as a statue.  She Felt first a sense of desperation and Saw a glowing blue light before the vision began.

She Felt herself pulled, the city of Haven passing beneath her feet and she flew southward.  She saw fields and forest flash beneath her, it was impossible for her to see the roads she was traveling so quickly.

When she figured she was about to reach Karse she finally started to slow.  A Valdemaran town with a garrison, most of the lights out passed beneath her feet.  The border guard's huts marked the current border, where she descended quickly to ground level, slowing until she finally stopped inside a camp.

There were enough tents for a small company stationed just inside the border.  The religious paraphernalia obvious on the few still awake told her these were Karsites, not bandits.

She stopped struggling against the pull and allowed it to draw her to the largest tent in the center of the camp.  It was well lit with several guards stationed outside.  The malevolence emanating from the tent left a bitter taste in her mouth.

 She passed through the wall like it wasn't there and found herself among four obviously high-ranking men of Karsite origin, one obviously a priest by his red robes.  Two lower ranked officers held a slumped form between them; a female, with her fall of brown hair hiding her face.  She was garbed as a low ranking Karsite female but Afiona could sense she wasn't Karsite by birth.  The need to help her was almost too strong for Afiona to resist. 

Afiona couldn't understand a word said by the Karsites, but it was unnecessary.  Their hostility towards their captive was obvious in their body language and to her Empathy.  Her healing gifts told her the woman was not near death despite being underfed and beaten but the most incredible sorrow emanated from her. 

The priest stepped forward and grabbed the woman's hair, pulling her head back.

Afiona's heart froze as the woman's face was exposed.  She had tended her Companion only a few months ago for a badly strained tendon.  He had injured it going over a jump on the obstacle course.

Oh, blessed gods.

The woman stilled.  :Who's there?:

:A friend.:  Afiona said hesitantly.  :I cannot help you, I can only watch.:

:Tell the king, they are preparing.  We have less than a year.:  The woman's voice Felt dead to Afiona's sensitive Gifts.

:Your Companion is dead.:  She said with sad knowledge.

:Just get the hell out and tell the King!:  The woman said desperately.

:Don't worry, I will, I am in Haven.:  Afiona tried to soothe her even though she knew it was pointless.

The Priest grabbed the woman by the throat and squeezed until she was about to pass out before he released her.  He yelled more questions at her but she didn't answer.

:How did you find me?:  The Herald asked as she gasped for air.

Afiona stepped between her and Priest and gently touched the captive's neck with a translucent hand, easing the pain.  :I was drawn here.  I think I was brought by your Companion.  I am Afiona.  Tell me everything you want relayed and I will see it is brought to the king's attention.:

:Tell him Karse is building their army and preparing their fortresses.  It will be at least a year, maybe two, before they will be ready to attack.  Their Son of the Sun has told them that the world must be purged of the infidels and Heretics.  They needed an outside enemy to stabilize the country.  And tell him, they have magic!  There are mages among the priests.  Make sure you tell him that!:

:I will.:  Afiona promised, their entire exchange taking mere seconds.  :Is that all?:

:Yes, now just tell him!:  The woman ordered.

Afiona hesitated only a second.  She had done this for animals hurt beyond mending before.  She touched the woman's chest and slowed her heart.

The woman's eyes widened and her eyes focused on Afiona's mist like form as it came into focus.

:Go with your Companion and find peace.  I will carry your message.:  Afiona assured the woman as she slumped in the officers' arms and Afiona finally stopped her heart completely.  A flash of wonder and peace and an impression of light crossed the healing bond before death severed it.

The men took several seconds before they realised their prisoner was dead.  Afiona was already being drawn back to her body as they tried to revive the Herald.

Again everything passed in a blur before she snapped back into her body.  It felt much like a joint snapping into place.

Demon was whining and liking her face, calling her and desperate since she didn't answer.  No matter how many times she fell into a trance he was always worried she wouldn't wake.  

Nico was frantic, his wide blue eyes were filled with fear.  His hooves accidentally striking her side causing bruises.  :Mama-Afi!!  Mama!:

:Don't worry love.:  Afiona stroked his neck, the movement difficult because of her total exhaustion.  :Mama is alright.  I just had to talk to someone far away.:

:Not again!:  Nico ordered and cuddled up against her with his head on her chest so he could watch her.

Demon calmed as soon as she scratched his ears.  He was satisfied she had returned and all was well.  Despite training her Gift of Farsight remained hard to block out.  Often nightmares triggered the visions where she would find herself in her brother's body, an occurrence that had occurred many times since she was a child.  She also would find herself pulled to the scene of an accident or other sources of great pain, either emotional or physical.  Normally those visions released her quickly but a few times, when she was too far to summon help, she would remain, she had discovered she was able to work a Healing in this state to a limited extent in the last year.

Most of the more distant visions were of Heralds or Companions, she would often be the only one in any position to help so she would set aside her preferences and heal the Heralds as well as the Companions.

Each session left her so drained it would often take a week to recover.

Afiona battled exhaustion that was pulling her back towards sleep knowing she had to get up.  If I can just sit up…

The deep mournful tolling of the Death Bell urged her further into wakefulness.

"I have to get up."  She reminded herself and slowly sat up.

:Sleep?:  Nico asked.

:Later.  I have to go talk to someone.:  Afiona struggled to her feet, her legs shaking as she slowly made her way to the garden door.

It was pushed inward before she reached it, revealing a Companion, Nico's father.

:Get on, I will take you.:  He ordered.

Too tired to argue Afiona tried to pull herself onto his back, only to slide back to the ground.  The stallion knelt carefully next to her, allowing her to pull herself across his back.

As they set off Nico trailed behind, his eyes on his mama. 

Bardaric stopped at a set of half hidden door that led to the Queen's chamber.  It was unoccupied as the current Queen preferred to share her husband's bed, but it was closest to the King.

Apparently word of her need to talk to the King had traveled as the door opened almost immediately revealing a white clad form.

Afiona nearly slid off into their arms.  "I have to talk to the king."

Someone picked her up and carried her inside, Nico following closely.

Afiona could feel the start of a reaction headache in her temples.  "I need to talk to the king."  She repeated as firmly as possible.

"Don't worry, I'm taking you to him."  Lance's voice assured her.

She struggled to open her eyes.  "What are you doing here?"

"I take turns at royal night watch."  Lance told her as he carried her down the hall and stopped before two blue clad guards.  "Open the door."

The guards obeyed with out question, admitting them into the Royal apartments.

"What's wrong?"  A semi-familiar female voice asked. 

"She says she needs to talk to the king and has been drained almost completely dry."  Lance set her down on something soft.  A pair of gentle hands enfolded hers and she felt a rush of energy, not enough to replenish her, but enough to help her win her battle with oblivion.

A dark hair young woman about her age was staring at her from next to the couch she lay on.  Beyond was the man she had seen only from a distance before this.  The king looked more mournful than regal but she still recognized him.

"The Herald.  I spoke to her."  Afiona said bluntly.  "The one who died."

"How is that possible?"  The young woman asked.

"I was…drawn to her, she was in Karse, a prisoner.  Her Companion was dead.  She says Karse is building their armies slowly.  In a year or two they will move on us.  She said they have mages among the priests.  It is going to be a holy war."

"Are you sure?"  The king asked.

"She is telling the truth."  The woman said in her defence.  "And considering she is still likely to collapse, you should save your doubts for later, love."

"Very well.  May I ask who you are?"

"She's Healer Afiona, the one who specialises in Companions."  Lance answered for her.

"I have heard of her, Healer Carthan mentioned her, she doesn't like working with humans."  The woman stood and exchanged a worried look with the king.  Afiona could sense an exchange between the pair.

She must be Herald Jisa, Afiona observed as she rubbed her temples.  The throbbing was becoming intense.

Lance pulled a chair next to the couch and sat next to her.  "Are you going to be alright?"

"I have yet to hear of someone dying from a headache."  She said dryly.

:Mama-Afi!:  Nico wailed, his fear obvious in his sending.

Afiona struggled to her feet and hurried to the door and opened it, half hanging off the door.  Nico stood staring up at the door that kept him from his Mama-Afi, the guards were trying to usher him back down the hall and eventually outside.

"Come one Nico, love."  She held out one hand to the colt.

Not needing a second invitation he bolted towards her, sending her tumbling to the ground with his impact.

"What on earth…?"  Jisa trailed off as Nico rubbed his head on her chest.

"Great Gods, my head is killing me."  Afiona bit out as she cradled her head in her hands.

:Mama-Afi, you not go away!:  Nico ordered as he pressed himself against her.

"Nico, Mama-Afi's head hurts."  Lance tried to soothe him.

Nico stared at him in confusion.

"It's alright."  Afiona sat up and draped an arm over his thin shoulders.  "I'm just fine."

Nico cuddled against her, and stared up at the strangers.

:Remember, Lance is grandma's Chosen.:  Afiona reminded him.  :And those two are his friends.:

"I better get back to my room.  Nico needs to get some sleep."  She struggled to her feet and started slowly to the door.

"Sleep here, you are in no shape to go anywhere."  King Treven insisted firmly.  "Jisa is right, you are obvious exhausted and I bet no little of that has to do with your little friend."

She started to protest but the concern from Lance and the others was enough to convince her to give in.  "Very well."

In moments blankets were gathered and she found herself and Nico bundled up and placed in a corner.  The royal couple dressed and left to discus her revelations, leaving her in Lance's tender care.

Nico was fast asleep when Lance brought her a mug of painkilling tea.

"Should I send someone to tell Medren not to expect you back?"

"No, he is bunking with Stefen tonight, they are leaving in the morning."  She grimaced as she sipped the tea.

"To bad he couldn't stay longer."

"I am the one chasing them out the gates.  Stefen needs a break."  She admitted.  "Why are you jealous?"

"What do you mean?"  Lance said with no infliction in his voice.

"I am an empath and it costs too much in energy to keep shields right now."  She managed to down the last of the tea.  "Blessings, that is awful."

"How did she die?"  Lance asked softly, changing the subject.

"I stopped her heart."  She admitted.  "She didn't deserve to live through what they had planned."

"She was my student.  She got her Whites only a year ago."  Lance confessed.

"I'm sorry."  Afiona said simply.

"I'm keeping you awake."  Lance stood and picked up the discarded mug.

"You aren't."  Afiona assured him as she crept further under the blankets, resting her head on her arm.

She was asleep before he could respond.

~ * ~

The sun had barely crept over the horizon but Nico was awake and eager to play.  The sound of his hooves on the stone as he explored the room, waiting for Afiona to wake, summoned Lance, who was still standing guard.

"Nico, you should be sleeping."  Lance whispered, this time remembering to broadcast in mindspeech as well.

:Play?:  Nico asked eagerly as he pranced towards Lance.

:We have to be quiet.  Mama-Afi needs to sleep.:  Lance scratched the colt's ears.

:See if he is willing to come outside.  I will play with him.:  Lance's Companion, Carmia, suggested. 

:Go see Grandma?:  Lance suggested.

:Grandma come in too?:  Nico asked, stepping closer to Afiona.

:No.  Grandma is too big.:

Nico looked thoughtful.  :I stay.  Mama-Afi play.:

Lance sat on a couch.  :Mama-Afi is tired.  She needs to sleep.:

"Our little guest is up already?"  Treven commented as he entered the sitting room.  "Why is she raising him?"

"I am not sure.  Another great Companion secret."  Lance shrugged.

:Play?:  Nico looked up at the king.  :Hide and seek!:

Before they could say no he scampered off to hide behind a chair.

:Find Nico!:

"His energy is exhausting."  Treven whispered and sat down.  :Are you hungry?:

Nico stuck his head around the chair.  :Hungry.:

:Let's go eat.:  Treven stood and beckoned the Companion to follow him.  :Lance will watch your Mama.:

:Mama-Afi sleeping.:  Nico hesitated before following Treven outside.

Lance waited until Nico was gone before he stood and crossed the room to Afiona.  He gently tucked the blankets around her and watched her for a long moment.

:Stop staring.:  Carmia interrupted.  :She doesn't need a lovesick Herald stalking her.:

Sighing he stood.  :Why did a Companion bring her here?  Has she been Chosen?: 

:No.  Bardaric hasn't Chosen yet.  He is nearly as old as I am and I think he is starting to despair.:  Carmia sighed.  :He is Nico's father so I think he has decided to try and take some of the load off of her.:

"Good morning."  Afiona said sleepily, making him jump.

"Treven just took Nico out for breakfast."  Lance assured her.

"I know.  I was awake.  Well, at least a little."  She yawned and rolled on to her back and pulled the blankets tighter around her.  "Tell him thanks when he comes back."

"Are you getting up?"

"Unlike Heralds, we Healers firmly believe that sleeping in occasionally is good for the soul.  Speaking of sleep, shouldn't you get to bed?"

Lance gave into temptation and sat next to her.  "Not yet."

Afiona finally opened her eyes.  Shadows were still evident under her eyes.  She studied his face thoughtfully.  "I can Feel you again."

"Why don't you put your shields back up?"  He asked uncomfortably.

"Medren is my closest friend and for the longest time he was my guardian.  Occasionally we have been lovers but not because we are in love."  She blushed a glowing red.  "I…like the intimacy."

 Lance flushed.  "What ever you saw, just remember, they are just thoughts."

"I know.  I am sorry to ask this, but could you make some more of that tea?  My head feels ready to burst."

"No problem.  I even have honey to sweeten it this time."  He strode to the teapot of hot water that had been left on the hearth and added some of the tealeaves.  "We sent word to the Healers that you were called away on an emergency and we are keeping you for the time being."

"I doubt they would have worried.  I have only a few patients to deal with, a dog with a broken spine and an ornery Companion."

"You need to eat something, any preferences?"  Lance asked as he let the tea steep. 

"Something sugary would be best."

"Candied fruit?  May as well as take advantage of being the King's guest."  Lance suggested.

"Good enough."

~ * ~

Medren poked his head in the empty room, surprised to find only Demon sleeping in the tumbled blankets. 

"Odd."  He muttered. 

"Maybe she has taken Nico to nurse.  Her life is ruled by him."  Stefen pointed out.

"She would have left a note."  Medren said confidently.

"Are you looking for Healer Afiona?"  A young voice asked from the gate behind them.  A girl loaded down with many books shifted her load impatiently.  "She's with some Herald.  Some emergency came up and the Heralds are keeping her until she is able to return.  I think that means she has used so much energy she collapsed."

"What Herald?"  Medren asked with concern, ready to hunt her down and discover the source of the emergency.

"Herald Lance I think.  They said not to worry, it is nothing a little sleep wouldn't cure.  I have to go."

"Are you going to hunt her down?"  Stefen asked, he was obviously worried too.

"No.  Lance won't let any harm come to her."  Medren relaxed somewhat.  "Nico is probably her emergency.  She looked like the walking dead yesterday so she must be desperate for sleep."

"So you don't want to wake her."  Stefen said, still confused.

"Not just that, I like Lance and he is completely in love with her."  Medren grinned mischievously. 

"Matchmaking again?"  Stefen said tiredly."

"Just hoping for the best."  Medren corrected.  "I'll send her a note from Brightcreek, she will understand."