Chapter 33

Lance shook his head when he found Afiona asleep at her desk for the third time.  His second day here they received word that a Senior Healer was coming to inspect Afiona's methods since she was not following the norm.  She had Healers training with the soldiers both on foot and on horseback, which had not been done before.  She had more make-do supplies than Haven shipped supplies.  Her entire command structure was informal allowing for more flexibility.

It simply wasn't how things were done.

That was two days ago.  Since then Nico hadn't even had a chance to get his promised bath.

"Afiona?"  He said softly and touched her arm to find she didn't respond.

:I think she's in a trance, again.:  Carmia suggested.  :Now, the question is, did she do it deliberately or by accident.:

Lance searched her desk and found a slip of paper with directions.  :Deliberately.  This looks like directions on where to watch.  I didn't realize they were communicating with her so openly.:

:They aren't.  They contact her via Companion and that's how she reports back to them.  Fast and effective.:  Carmia explained.

Afiona groaned slightly and sat up.  "Gods, my head hurts.  Lance! What're you doing here?"

"To see if I can help."  Lance explained.  "I haven't seen you for more than a few seconds since the other morning anyway."

Afiona blushed and smiled.

"So, what do you need me to do?"  Lance asked.

"I need medical supplies."  Afiona said bluntly.  "The beds are clean, the wounded are tended to–I just don't have medicines for a camp this size."

"The Heralds haven't come back yet?"  Lance asked.

Afiona shook her head.  "Not yet but they'll be here soon.  They've got some, as much as the others could spare."

"They're probably letting their narrow-minded prejudice get in the way."  Lance suggested with disgust.  "How can they call themselves Healers after how they've treated you?"

Afiona shook her head.  "They would never short me medicines in revenge.  That would hurt the patients. 

"Still, making you scrimp and scramble to get anything is rather petty."  Lance grumbled.  "This is all a rather backhanded promotion if you ask me.  They're treating you like you're some sort of necessary evil, rather than a fellow Healer."

"They're still wondering how I can be a healer and ignore someone in pain.  They're going to watch me carefully for any misstep.  I'm sure they are questioning my former patients and the young Healers that move on to other camps."

Lance tried sitting on the corner of her desk only to have it groan and quiver under his weight so he stood back up.  "So, you expect them to be critical."

"Honestly, yes."  Afiona admitted as she started straightening her desk.  "I can't blame them."

Lance rolled his eyes.  "Well, I can.  You're doing good here."  He leaned over her shoulder to see what she was trying to hide with her paper shuffling and caught a glimpse of a list of things to be done.

"I need to get to work.  I need to make a good impression."  She stopped fiddling with the papers.  "I'm sorry I don't have more time but with the inspection…"

"You're nervous."  Lance observed pulled a chair around and sat next to her.  "Don't be.  The majority of your underlings think you're wonderful.  The patients praise you to the Havens.  You have a small contingent of Healers willing to risk their lives to pull wounded off the battlefield.  You have even managed to give the new healers experience."

Afiona leaned forward and kissed him quickly.  "Thank you." 

"If you really don't need me, I think I'll go join some of your wounded for a hounds and hinds tournament."  Lance said.

"Remember, some of them are drugged so go easy on them and no drinks."  Afiona ordered.

"Yes ma'am."  Lance laughed and left her to her endless lists. 

Afiona collected the list of 'we absolutely need these' and glared glumly at it. 

"Healer?"  One of her patients poked his head in.

"Come in."  Afiona invited.

He only limped slightly as he entered and rather than the plain tunic and loose pants they gave the patients to make accessing their wounds easier he wore the uniform of a major.  "I wanted to thank you."

"For what?"  Afiona asked curiously.

"You saved my leg, did you not?"  He asked.

"Any Healer would have done the same."  Afiona assured him.

"No, on the front they wanted to amputate."  He said with a wince.  "I fought to keep it."

"If they had amputated you probably wouldn't have had such a severe infection."  Afiona pointed out.

"Healer, a soldier must have all his limbs to make a living."  He countered.  "Because of you I can go back to my men."

Afiona decided not to argue with him.  "You're welcome then.  Try not to end up back here, alright?"

"I'll work on it."  He laughed.  "Listen, some of my men captured a caravan that got lost a couple weeks ago.  It had medical supplies, could you use them here?"

Afiona gaped.  "Of course."

"Good, I already suggested the wagon end up here.  I noticed you are a little short on some meds."  He said.

Afiona glanced upward, thanking whatever gods were blessing her, then at him.  "You, Major, are a saint."  She informed him.  "Do you have any idea when it will get here?"

"It's part of the next shipment of wounded most likely."  He shrugged.  "Thank you again Healer."

Afiona watched him walk away before she practically ran to the main Healers tent.  Shain was sleeping on a cot next to the door.  She was starting to wonder if he had given his tent to someone else.  "Shain!"

He bolted up right and stared at her bleary eyed.  "What?"

"We are getting some meds courtesy of the Karsites."  She explained excitedly.

"Karsite medicines?"  He repeated.  "Why?"

"They captured a caravan that was lost and got too close to the border."  Afiona explained.  "It should be here with the next load of wounded."

"The medicine is useless unless we have someone who can tell us how to use it."  Shain pointed out.

"I can do that."  Afiona assured him.  "Now when is the next shipment of wounded expected?"

"They were supposed to leave the other camp yesterday, so probably today or tomorrow."  Shain guessed.  "Depends one how swiftly they can move with those wagons or if there were any changes in plans."

"Wonderful."  Afiona sat back on her heels and nibbled on her bottom lip.  "Talk to those on your shift that are from this border, see if they're familiar with any of the medicines.  I'll talk to the others."

She hurried off leaving the grumbling Healer to either get up or return to slumber as he chose.  She thought that if he didn't want to be pestered he should move back to his tent.

:And how do you plan on learning how to use those meds?:  Daric asked.

:Can you loan me a bit of power?  If I can watch the Karsite Healers, then I can learn exactly how to use their there medicines.:  Afiona explained.

:And exactly when are you going to do that?:  Daric asked in exasperation.  :Soul-sister, you can only do so much.:

Afiona paused outside to look up at the brilliant blue sky.  :I know, and I'll be damned if I'm going to do it half way.  I can help these people, I can watch the border, and I can watch and learn.  I can even do it waking so long as I don't have to focus completely on something here.:

Daric heaved a mental sigh.  :No one in their right mind can say you don't pull your own weight.:

Afiona continued to her office.  :Did you hear, when the front is pulled back we won't move.:

:What!  Where did you hear that?:  Daric demanded worriedly. 

:About a candlemark ago from Dagin.  Notice the' when'?  He didn't say 'if'.:  Afiona said.  :Which makes this sudden inspection make sense.:

:There is no way he could remove you from the reins, you haven't lost any patients to that were within your abilities to save.  But if more Healers come here will you still be Senior Healer?:  Daric asked.

:Yes, once a camp is assigned to a Healer they remain in command unless the Healer requests removal or proves unable to handle the job.:  Afiona explained.  :Which means I am going to probably have double or triple the number Healers under me and gods know how many patients.  I better requisition another couple cooks and a big mess tent before they're dumped on our doorstep.:

:They'll be bringing their cooks from the front.:  Daric reminded her.  :Thankfully you don't have to worry about housing them.  They'll have their own tents unless they have to move quickly.:

:I need to know how many they have on the front!  And which camps retreat to us.  All I get is 'when we retreat you won't be pulling back' and I have a camp full of children!:  Afiona complained.

Daric's mind chuckle made her bristle.  :They're hardly children.  You treated them like capable adults and they rose to the occasion.  They are as efficient and hard working as any other group out here.  They are also easy going and have an excellent relationship with their patients which is just as important as healing them.  Shain's idea of the games is positively brilliant, instead of spending time contemplating dark thoughts they are active and at least keeping their minds active.:

:Shain has been a godsend.:  Afiona said with fervor.  :Still a pain in the rear at times, but a godsend none the less.:

:Perhaps he has been trying to impress you.:  Daric suggested.  :You could have two men vying for your attentions.:

:Don't even think that around Lance, he's been jealous enough of Shain already.  Shain does not desire me.:  Afiona said with confidence.  :He probably thinks I'm too old.:

:Well, you think he's still wet behind the ears so I suppose it's fair.:  Daric said with obvious amusement.

Afiona sighed and shook her head.  Daric was also convinced a good number of Heralds were courting her, which she considered highly unlikely.  :I wish you'd stop seeing romance around every corner.:

:You have Lance so you do have a romance.  I'm not imagining it.:  Daric huffed.

Afiona chuckled dryly.  :Love, in case you weren't paying attention, he leaves the day after tomorrow and we've had one night together!  I have been too bloody busy to even cuddle!:

:You should be able to get off early tonight, right?  You've done everything you can to get ready.:  Daric said, obviously thinking she should grab a night for herself before things went to hell.

:Actually, I have lots to do tonight, and we are expecting more wounded today or tomorrow.  On top of that I have to spy on the Karsite Healers to see what they use to for pain and such.:  Afiona sighed.  :We should send Nico back soon.:

Daric sighed.  :I know.  But how are we going to explain why he has to go back without us.  And I am staying with you no matter what.:

Afiona smiled at his stubborn declaration.  :I didn't think you would'd leave me.  I've noticed Companions place their Chosen above their children.:

:It's not that we put our chosen above our children.:  Daric protested quickly.  :It's that we know that the others will love and raise our children as their own if something happens to us, but if something happened to me there is no one for you.:

Afiona sat at her desk and stared out at the bustling people.  :And you wouldn't have anyone without me.:  She said softly.  :It's worth it though.:

Daric's mind presence colored with pleasure.  :I'll join you when you go spying, you should be able to last longer then.:

:What about Lance?  I want to spend sometime with him if I can.:  Afiona nibbled on her bottom lip.

:You are going to be in a trance so it wouldn't be all that polite to invite him.:  Daric pointed out.

:You're right.:  Afiona admitted.  :I'll see you tonight.  Down by the river?:

:Perfect, see you there.:  Daric said as he let the connection go.

~ * ~

Afiona opened her eyes and stretched slowly Daric raised his head and stared up at the starry sky.  He was currently acting as her backrest.  Scratching his neck she sat up.  :That took less time than expected, anything happen?:

:No.  It was nice having you here.:  Daric told her.  :After this, the war I mean, when we tell everyone you're Chosen, we will be able to spend more time together like this.:

:After the war we'll have more time for pretty much anything we wish.  I want to go to the Mavelan lands one last time.  Maybe burn the bloody place to the ground.:  Afiona shifted so she could rest her arm and chin on his back.  :Banish a couple ghosts.:

Daric snorted.  :True ghosts or just memories?:

:Memories.:  Afiona clarified.  :I used to think it was a prison.  Now I know that the only prison was my fear.:

:Let's not ruin a beautiful night by dwelling on the past.:  Daric suggested.  :I have it on good authority your new wounded won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon and that other Healer not until the day after.  Why don't you get on and we steal a few candlemarks to pretend there is no one else in the world to worry about?:  Daric suggested.

Afiona had removed her robe earlier to enjoy the cooler night air so she had no betraying greens on, just a light dress that was several inches too short already.  Daric gracefully stood and allowed Afiona to swinging onto his back before he cantered away from the camp and into the darkness.

Afiona wove her fingers into his mane and closed her eyes, savoring the rare chance to run together.  She could Hear the nocturnal animals going about their business.  It was rare she actually stopped to listen to animals now that she knew how to shield them out.

Daric's powerful feet pounded on the earth as they forgot the worries of the recent days and just reveled in the bond of Companion and Chosen.

Afiona nearly shrieked when another Companion fell into to step beside them.  Reluctantly, Daric slowed and Afiona turned to the other pair.

"Beautiful night for a ride."  Lance observed stiffly.

Afiona blushed and stroked Daric's neck.  "It is."

"Why didn't you tell me?"  He demanded.

Afiona looked away.  "Tell you what?"

"That you were Chosen."  Lance bit out.

Afiona didn't need to see his face to know he felt betrayed.  "I haven't told anybody.  Except Tashir."

"Why not?"  Lance demanded.

"Because I wouldn't be here if I had."  Afiona snapped.  "If I told anyone I would have been put on the rolls as a Heraldic Trainee and at this moment I would be back in Haven studying history or something while everyone else was down here doing what they could to keep us from being run over by Karse.  As a Healer I am down here doing what I can to help.  Daric and I decided that until the war was over I would remain a Healer.  He even held off on Choosing me until I resigned from the Healers."

"So, you were Chosen before I even left."  Lance said in disbelief.

Afiona winced at the hurt in his voice.  "I didn't tell anyone, except Tashir."

"We spoke almost every night there for a while.  Why didn't you tell me then?"  Lance asked.

"Because some things I didn't want to say while you were staring at the ceiling."  Afiona snapped.  "You couldn't even see me!"

"And that bothered you?"  Lance asked.

"Of course it did.  I could see you, even touch you.  It felt unbalanced."  Afiona worried her bottom lip.

"Well, I'm here now."  He pointed out bitterly.  "Anything else you need to say?  Like you have a lover or something?"

Afiona slid off Daric and walked over to Lance.  He watched her in confusion until she grabbed his tunic and hauled him to the ground.

"If you two don't mind…"  She said meaningfully and both Companions melted into the darkness.

Lance got to his feet and brushed himself off.  "What was that for?"

"Because I don't like audiences."  Afiona said as she turned back to him.  "Have a seat."  She gestured to a spot under a tree.

Lance obediently sat with his back against the rough bark with his legs stretched out and waited for her to take a seat beside him.  Instead she sat on his thighs, her face inches from his.

"I missed you."  She said softly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"  Lance asked again.

"It sounds stupid, but because it was special."  Afiona admitted.  "When I wanted to tell you, you were gone.  Don't get me wrong; I loved talking to you like that.  But some things I just felt should be said face to face."  She brushed a lock of hair off his forehead.  "Like I love you."

Lance stared at her.  "Pardon?"

Afiona sat back.  "I love you."

"You do?"  Lance said in disbelief.  "Carmia said you would never be able to trust anyone enough to love them."

"She's wrong."  Afiona informed him.  "I trust you completely."

"Really?  At best I was hoping for enough to let me in your life from time to time."  Lance admitted as a grin spread across his face and his shoulders relaxed.

Afiona settled against his chest with her head on his shoulder.  She smiled slightly to herself.

Sometimes Empathy was a wonderful thing.  She showed him she meant every word.

Lance gasped, his eyes wide and his arms tightened around her.  "That's you?"

Afiona nodded.

"I love you, too."  He told her.

"I know."  Afiona grinned and sat back.

"Of course you do."  Lance said in good humor.  "Where do you think the Companions are?"

"Just out of sight," Afiona glanced over her shoulder.  "And still watching, of course."

"Let's go."  He said as he helped her stand.

"Go where?"  Afiona asked curiously.

"Your cabin."  Lance said bluntly as the Companions trotted out of the shadows.  He picked her up around her waist and set her on Carmia's back then swung up behind her.  "And this time I'm locking the door behind us."

:I'll go see to Nico.:  Daric said as he cantered towards the herd of Companions.

As they dismounted in front of her cabin Afiona sensed someone within.

"Just a moment."  She said and hurried inside.  Someone snatched her arm and she felt someone hold a blade to her throat.  "If you slit my throat I can't heal you."  She said to the darkened interior."

The blade fell away and he attacker sank against the wall beside the door, still in the shadows.

"What's going on?"  Lance demanded.

Afiona lit the small lantern.  "I'll talk to you later, I promise."  She said as she closed the door in his face.

Turning to the intruder she found a Karsite watching her warily.  "Relax, I have everything here I need."  She said.  "Now sit before you fall down."

He reluctantly sat on the ground with his back against the wall.  "A woman?"

Afiona shrugged.  "Hey, we all have our faults.  Now hold still."

"You aren't going to ask me anything?"  He said in confusion.

Afiona used a small knife to cut his shirt away from his shoulder to reveal an arrow wound.  "No.  I assume you were told to come to me if you were injured."

He nodded.

"Then that's enough."  She said calmly.  "That's quite a mess you have there."  She commented as she opened the healing kit.  "You're going to be staying put for a couple days."

"I have to go before they realize I'm missing."  He hissed as she held the edges of the wound together.

"Since they shot at you it probably isn't a good idea to go back."  Afiona said, not looking away from her work.

"How do you know it is not one of your arrows that did the damage?"  He asked.

Afiona raised an eyebrow at his phrasing.  "Because our arrows have leaf shaped tips to make for easier removal.  Only a barbed head would cause this much damage.  I'm sure we can find a suitable excuse for why you have been wandering for a few days.  Perhaps you detoured to avoid a Valdemaran patrol or something."

He nodded thoughtfully.  "I am a messenger.  Such would be expected of me."

"There you go, I can tell you where the patrols were so your story will have the ring of truth."  Afiona said as she started probing the area for any infection.  Some dirt and debris had accumulated in the wound but with the light from the lantern and her gifts she located them and removed them.  Finally she carefully stitched the shoulder shut with small even stitches.  "There's a cellar you can hide in until you're ready to head back."  She said.  "I am often disturbed in the night by the Healers but they will not see you."

"How can you be certain?"  He asked warily.

"Simple, I am a Mindhealer as well, I can make people see only what I wish them to see if necessary.  There is a cot and blankets down there, no candles but it's cooler which is better than my bed."  Afiona wiped her hands on a rag. 

He stood carefully.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome."  Afiona said as she opened the hidden trapdoor.  "No one comes here during the day."

He lowered himself into the dark hole.  "What do you risk all this for?"  He asked.

Afiona was startled by the question.  "Peace.  War is a senseless waste for everyone."

He nodded.  "That is my reason too."

Afiona started to close the door.  "There are dried meat and army biscuits in the corner along some water and a waste bucket."

Any answer was muffled by the heavy door.  She quickly removed all trace of her visitor, her second one since arriving, and changed her gown.  Opening the door she was unsurprised to find Lance gone.  She closed the door behind her and hurried to Lance's tent. 

He was sitting on his cot when she lifted the door flap.

:Wondered when you'd come.:  He said as she slipped in.  :What was that all about?:

:Had an injured guest.:  She answered and sat next to him.  "Sorry."

"No problem."  Lance assured her and kissed her neck.

A snapping sound followed by a groan was all that warned them before the wood frame of the cot buckled beneath them pitching her onto his lap.

Afiona laughed as Lance groaned in frustration. 

"I think someone is out to sabotage me."  He grumbled.

Afiona was still laughing as she got to her feet and offered him her hand.  "Oh, come now.  It's not that bad."

Lance sat up and glared at the bed. 

Afiona laughed again and sat on the empty cot.  "Are you just going to sit there?"  She asked.

Lance levered himself out of the wreckage and started wrestling the sheets off to move them to the other cot.

Afiona shook her head and curled up on her side on the bare cot.  He was as stubborn as a mule, she observed.

Yawning she closed her eyes for a second that stretched until dawn.

Lance finally got his light blanket free and rescued his pillow when he found Afiona sleeping on the cot.

He debated waking her but the dark shadows under her eyes convinced him otherwise. 

If he didn't know better he'd say Tashir, with his over protective demeanor towards Afiona, was behind it. 

Stretching out on the floor of the tent he tried to sleep.