Iolene Summers: Chapter Seven
Yesterday was so distressing, me gaining my womanhood and it had to be a public spectacle so everyone now knows. Old man Akvor proposing to marry me, which the thought alone makes me want to vomit. I lied in Marianas's bed most of all day yesterday and this morning. I had the meteor dream again which caused me to wake up in distress once again. I started drinking morea dust tea as it makes myself feel drowsy, but it also gets rid of the cramping pain that I have started experiencing. After the meeting room debacle yesterday, we had lunch in privacy in her room. Soon after the lunch Marianas and Marsh left this room to discuss and find out what the council could be planning for me. She told me to stay in her room until she comes back. I hated the idea of me not even having a say of what my fate could possibly be. When I was thirteen I ran away as I hoped to join a travelling caravan. However, the priests found me quickly and dragged me back to the temple. When bought back in front of Akvor in his personal chamber they shut the door and he punched me multiple times in the stomach. He made it clear that they had plans for me… Even though I despise him I do fear him. I wish I have said something about my abuse, but he is always behind me haunting me. Even the unwavering fact I cannot jeopardize the relationship of the priests and the royal family. He does remind me of this often. I do not want to be the root cause of a civil war…
I have not seen Marianas and Marsh since yesterday so I have no idea what is transpiring out there. At least there is a huge amount of books that I can keep myself busy with.
The life stories of Sir Sabrael and his gold dragon Suriel. Warriors who have traveled the world and living grand adventures. A life people and dragons dream of having… He is an old soldier who protected my family and died protecting them. To show the world what they did with his efforts he decided to write books about his deeds and adventures before his death. My childhood friend Aaron adored these books when I read them to him. They brought him so much happiness, I wonder how Aaron is now… I wish life didn't tear us apart as it did. I miss him dearly… Thinking of him made me feel upset. I just need to read to try and lift my spirits.
I began to read the third volume when Marianas and Marsh came in. I urgently sat up "What is happening?" shutting the book and leaving it on the side table next to me. Marianas sat next to me on the bed and sighed. "Your grandfather and uncle are on their way here. They are not happy… It turns out Akvor and some other council members did not even want to tell them about you. Not even Akvor's proposal for your hand in marriage".
"Unhappy is a real understatement. I would say furious". Marsh quickly cutting into the conversation. "King Marlowe learned from us about it later last night after dinner".
"They are fearing for your safety Iolene and the trust between the royal family and the priesthood is beginning to crumble." Marianas telling me in a serious tone. She really did not want this situation to happen. A kingdom can collapse with corruption and deceit, it is not difficult science. This has been building since Akvor came into power. We sat there in quiet for a few minutes contemplating what can happen. The priesthood is a powerful organization that stems from the golden warriors of our past. For thousands of years, the priests are supposed to serve and guide their country's rulers. They have powers and knowledge that no normal human and dragon normally possess through years of training. Draconium magic skills so powerful they can cause a tsunami that can devastate our city. Going into a civil war with them can mean the royal family ending with a new leadership coup. However my Great uncle is well-loved among the people who are rich or poor, so that would not be so easy. Even though the priesthood force a new leader the people will revolt. I would not be surprised that Akvor would make himself the leader of the nation entirely, he is a power-hungry man. Not to mention the Black Draconium Empire will take this as a perfect opportunity to take us over. No better opportunity to occupy a nation that is already on its knees.
"Get ready quickly as your family is almost here they left soon after we did". Marianas quickly gets up and kicks Marsh out of the room.
I get myself washed and dressed as my family will be arriving soon. I sent Eleya to get my royal gown that my grandfather sent. A slim light blue dress with a large oval collar that my shoulders can be seen. Long sleeves that almost cover my hands with accompanying dark blue gloves. The details of my dress have ocean patterns with dragon fish details that actually consist of dragon fish scales. They reflect white and light pink when shined into the light. I decided this time to put my hair into a high bun supported by Shell clips. After a while, I also did my makeup which is also a gift from my family. Usually wearing make-up is forbidden in the priesthood as it encourages "Vanity" but since it is the royal family they can make a few exceptions. Through all this, I am excited to see my family again. I just wish it was under nicer circumstances. Maybe I can stay at the palace now that I am aware of my surroundings and not get myself into danger. Get away from that old man Akvor as much as possible.
When I was finished I left the washroom where Marianas looked at me and looked like she is about to cry. I really wish she wouldn't but I know she is a tough woman, but then she's probably showing tears is because I put too much makeup on. However, I know that she is thinking off how much I've grown up. She will shed a tiny tear and then it's back to business. Marsh looked at me astounded as he was allowed back in once dressing up was finished. "You look like a pampered fish. Are you sure you don't need more makeup? Put more on and you could be like those makeup freaks in the Turquoise Empire" He said chuckling. I smiled "I can one day if I am allowed to practice enough". I like him when he tries to make me laugh, he is a great guy. Marianas chose well for him to become her apprentice and now he is going to be a good priest.
Eleya knocked on the door saying that the royal family is here. I feel so nervous and relieved. I love my family but the exchanges between them and the priests are probably going to get dirty. We all head down the main hall, it was absurdly quiet and there is no one around even though it is late afternoon. As we walked through the temple it looks like we were not meeting at the main meeting chamber. We were going deeper into the lower levels of the temple. Eventually, I see the royal guards. A huge smile appeared on my face, this dress is constrictive on my legs so running is difficult.
I see my Grandfather Lord Mortimer and my Grandmother Lady Vivien who are talking to some members of the priesthood council. And not so far behind them is my great uncle King Marlowe and his wife Queen Darya. Marianas walked quickly ahead of me to make the announcement of my arrival. My family smiled at me and rushed towards me. Grandfather Mortimer gave me the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek while saying how much he misses me. Before I knew it they started play fighting whose turn it is to hug me. Marlowe gives me his usual cheeky grin and hugs me in a rough way.
Looking at them they are nothing like me physically. They have green olive skin with bright light blue hair and eyes. I'm glad I chose the right dress for this occasion as my grandmother and great aunt are dressed in similar but much more regal dresses. With longer sleeves, more details and gold jewellery with the wave sigil of our empire.
"My darling look how much you have grown…" Queen Darya says as she gets her turn to hug me. Definitely not like royal protocol to hug your subjects. But we are family and they like to show the public that we are people no matter of status. After a brief and happy reunion, it had to turn serious again with the very daunting conversation of what is going to happen to me. I did quickly notice that Akvor and many other Priesthood council associates are not present here… He is probably late or he was not told of this meeting.
"What to do with you, young one?" Marlowe starting the conversation while looking at me. "I don't know… Akvor has always shown signs of him marrying me. However he actually proposed, but I really don't want to." I spoke. Finally, people who are willing to listen to me won't bend over to Akvor like many other people have done in the past.
"That man should have never been voted in as priest leader… Everything has started to fall to corruption because if him". Darya sounding frustrated. "We should have taken Iolene away from his influences... Because now look at this, trying to marry Iolene off, flaunting money where ever he goes, public drinking, not showing up to council meetings, going on random hunting trips, and giving terrible advice. The list goes on and on…" Darya looks at everyone with a stern face.
"He will never marry you, Iolene… We will make sure that will never happen, dear. Even though you are beautiful and sweet, he does have other powerful desires". Marlowe ominously tells me.
"Other wants?" I quickly question. "What other wants could there possibly be? I may be a relative to Gold Empire. But that Empire has been long lost now." Marrying me for a political game is foolish since I am the last of my bloodline and I have no army or support of the people. They have been hiding me to save my life, so I can live a life. Marrying me and proclaiming me at a position of power to cast revenge on an Empire that fell apart before I was born is a mark of death… The Black Draconium Empire will proclaim war against us and it will not end well on either side.
Marlowe commanded for anyone who is not of importance to leave the room. They tried to dismiss Marsh but I allowed him to stay since I trust him. He is the closest person to a friend that I have.
"I have received a letter from Queen Hara a few days ago." Marlowe taking out the letter with the wax seal of a brown mountain. Many of us are surprised to see this. He hands me the letter to read.
Date: 7,030 - Surndar- Augute 25th
To his Majesty King Marlowe of Aquarius City, leader of the Light Blue Draconium Empire
It has been a while since we have last communicated. The offer to joining the Red Empires war effort still stands. I know this war in your eyes seems like every other Green versus Red wars, which they tend to have every fifty years. This time though the Green Draconium Empire's forces have become even stronger with extra help with the Black Draconium Empire, with gear and soldiers. Help us in our cause and we will help you with your cause in return. I know there are only so many times you can say no. But what can I say I am a stubborn old thing… I just want this war to be over and done with.
But this letter will not be fully about that… someone has recently come to my attention that you possess someone or something which is under your protection. I wish to talk about this further and this someone is too important to ignore. But it will not be safe to discuss through letters (way too many peering eyes). Or maybe you can find some workers who can make communicators work... I know I trust you and you trust me. Please come here yourself or your most trusted envoy to discuss this matter with this item or person.
May the light shine through the darkness and may you have courage and strength as strong as the mountain.
Hara Dragon Queen Consort of the Brown Draconium Empire, leader of the city of Macdan. And an old Brown Draconium friend.
Hara is the Bull Class dragon Queen consort from the Brown Draconium Empire. Known to be a snarky but strong ruler, there are rumours that she is part of the ranks of the separatists. Since she is a dragon, but those rumours have never been founded and her Empire has been stable through the turbulent times. If she was part of the separatist movement her Empire would have been taken over by them years ago. Marlowe trusts her which is enough, it obviously looks like they have been keeping in touch since the separatist war.
"Since Queen Hara is strong allies with the Red Empire they have been helping them with their war effort." Marlowe proclaimed. Darya looks at Marlow and takes the letter. "But the Brown Empire has no choice. If the Red Empire fell, Brown will struggle to fight against their old oppressors." She quickly points out.
Thinking of this is like revising old history. The Brown Draconium Empire was once an outpost of the Green Draconium Empire. They were Green draconium until their draconium energies and metal in the area mutated over the centuries and it turned into the colour brown. The leader of the small city outpost the revolutionary Lord Druescus declared independence and went to war with the Green Empire. However, they could not win against them on their own. They became allies with Gold, Turquoise, Red, and Light Blue. They won the war with ease and Brown created their own nation with the outpost becoming the nation's capital the city of Macdan. That was two hundred years ago… Even though it seems so long ago, the Green Empire has always shown interest in regaining its lost province. However, their main focus has always been to catch their rival and bigger fish, which is the Red Empire. But now with no Golden army from Dragon City to support the allies, no one is the same strength-wise. Even worse than the gold army has entirely fallen apart after the Dragon Separatist war with many of them being killed, tortured, imprisoned, or mind-controlled.
"Queen Hara has asked us to join the war a few years ago… I declined. The Green Empire is not the Empire I want to defeat". Marlowe takes the letter back from his queen and opens it. "But in this letter, it was not just asking us for our assistance. It said may the light shine through the darkness. The words that the Gold Empire's people once proudly said."
I look up at him and everyone else is looking at me.
"How can that be? They don't know of Iolene's existence." Grandfather proclaimed. It is true they have never spoken of me to no other empire and when I am at the hospital working. I wear special contacts that give my eyes a blue colour. Even though I am a light blonde it is a basic hair colour that many other people have. But my eyes show what draconium colour that I possess, which is a dead giveaway. Having gold eyes in nature is not normal in this day and age. But this does not explain why Queen Hara will be asking for this…
"They probably have hope that there is some golden light in this world… Iolene is the last heir to the golden throne. Her eyes and gold draconium energy when she uses it proves it." Clifford put in.
I looked at everyone around me… I had no idea what to think. The Gold Empire failed and the Black Draconium Empire will crush all opportunities for a seed to even start growing. I heard my father and mother were kind people but the Empire fell from their leadership… And I am just me… I know I am raised as a prisoner who sometimes is treated as a royal with a great education. But it does not mean I can miraculously bring back the home of my forbearers. They also tend to forget that a key to such an empire existing is gold dragons… But that was taken care off with the reassurance that the Black Draconium Empire swiftly took care of them with spears and swords.
"I believe it is time for the era of the Black Draconium Empire to be over". Marlowe declares. "To end the suffering and torturous ways of their people. Who owns whoever they like as mindless slaves and poisoning the environment with their black metal poisons and experiments. And the way to do that is to get Iolene to travel to Macdan and begin the golden ally treaties once more". He raises his letter up high in a way to show everyone that this path will be clear.
"But brother… Bringing Iolene into this will escalate the war Between Red and Green. The war for the past five years has mostly been between those two. With just some Dragon separatist uprisings happening around in smaller cities. It took the Black Draconium Empire years to quieten down, once they got what they wanted. Bringing Iolene into this situation… The Black Draconium Empire will no doubt join and wipe everyone else in their path. Is it really worth bringing her into the conflict? We have tried to save her for our family's benefit! We cannot just send her away…" My grandfather is starting to plead for me not to get involved. I have barely traveled the world since they have sheltered me all my life. Dreaming to run away with a traveling caravan is different from revealing me as a potential threat to political change. But at least an adventure of the unknown beats the idea of me marrying Akvor and being forced to have his children.
Marlowe then swallows and takes a deep breath in. "Just because the Black Empire has been quiet. It does not mean that they have not been doing anything… One of my guards has been intercepting messages coming from our Black Empire Ambassadors. They have been spying on us… I have given them a chance after the dragon separatist war. But they decided to betray us and leak important information about us and our family to them. They are under house arrest waiting for trial. My eldest son questioned them about Iolene they don't know a thing about her or her existence."
Everyone around is surprised to hear this knowledge. After the separatist war and the funeral of my mother the Golden Empress Laelia. The King was going to sentence the ambassadors of the Black Draconium Empire to death to avenge his niece and crimes against the Gold Empire. However, our King is a good man and did not sentence them to die in the end, since they were proven to be only messengers… They have kept a close eye on as they are the main communication between the Empires. Since our Empire does not have working teleportation gates as they do over there, they could only work with paper and quill. This also meant they could not escape with ease…
The queen then decided to pitch in with more information. "Their arrest is not common knowledge as of yet… We have intercepted some more of their letters and there were discussions of the underground slavery trade. Those who are kidnapped are sent to the Black Empire to live as mindless slaves. Or they have been sent to the Orange Empire for similar treatment. They have been growing bigger armies from right under our noses".
This is terrible… After all these years they could just be building up to release an enormous attack on another nation. But the question is which nation? The Black Draconium Empire is north of the Continent. The largest on the map easiest to spot from far away if it is a coloured map. They own Dragon City which was the Golden nation which is farthest south of the continent and is second largest. They occupy the Light Green Empire which is a tiny nation Far East next to the black Empire. This continues on that they are close and confirmed allies with the Green Empire who is South West of the Black nation. With last but not least the Orange Draconium Empire who is farther down south-east located under our Light Blue Nation. The Orange nation is cut off from other nations so that means they struggle land trade with them. Purple, White, Blue and Turquoise. I don't know where they stand right now, but then I barely know what is going on in the political scene. I only know of their history from the books in the library and what Marianas tells me.
"Uncle? What exactly is this treaty you are talking about? Why does it have to be me to authorize this treaty?" I am really curious as to what this treaty is. Who created it? Why did they create it?
My royal king uncle smiled. "Two thousand years ago a war happened between the Gold and Black Empires. The Black Empire had the magical means that can enslave or destroy worlds. This is the battle that founded their national territory. The Star Dragon Emperor Ragnar created a magic treaty for all Empires who existed at the time who are against them to become allies to fight them. The Black Empire Lost and the Empires who allied with Gold lived on lands of bliss for a few centuries after the conflict. A treaty is a powerful tool which binds the Empires into a solid pact of deep ancient magic. I bet the Black Empire has one for their allies. Which is unfortunate that your father King Aelius did not know how to forge the treaty. As he was not trained to be a king since he is the younger brother of the actual heir. He went to the other Empires pleading for the others for help but it fell on deaf ears, except us. Now I believe everyone is starting to regret ignoring your father's requests…"
I wanted to cry… The other empires failed my family… After everything, my family has done. We have always supported those who needed it the most for the right reasons. Even though my Empire has had its dark spots in history, the good we did far outweigh the bad. It is history and a well-known fact that Gold is the purest of all Draconium energies. It is why I can heal people by just using my draconium magic and why the Black Empire wants to destroy us. Taint the good with their poisonous energies and disrupt the flow of life.
"Iolene you are now old enough, it is a future path for you to reform the gold Empire. It can come back if you can get enough supporters… Even if you have to marry for political reasons. But like many things in life you will have to fight for it. But if you are willing to fight for it, others will fight it with you." King Marlowe kneels before me and grabs both of my hands. "When we gained our own independence through the kindness of the Gold Empress Aurea. The Gold Empire has helped us in times of turmoil and natural ruin. We vowed as a nation to help them at all costs. You are a woman now, it is time to make that choice".
I quickly pull my hands out of his grip. "I'm so sorry uncle… But this is too much so soon…" I had to tell him because everything is just overflowing in my head. I felt like I was going to have a huge panic attack. My heart is racing, my breathing started to become heavier and faster. Has my family been using me just as a tool to get revenge against the Black Empire? At this point, I feel like everyone just wants to use me for their own personal gain… Whether it is just to breed pretty little golden children or to help get revenge on a nation that won the war years ago. But I want to be free to make decisions without being guilt-tripped or telling me it is my duty.
Grandfather gives me a hug. "I know sweetheart it is a lot to take in right now… We should have prepared you for this much sooner." I give up and cried in his arms. I don't know what to do… I just want to be free and have fun like normal people. Not to be hidden, or forced to get married or to start a large war. I just needed to think… What if I go to the other Empire's and they ignore me like my parents? But Queen Hara is curious and wants to know what my family is hiding. Why would she ask to know if she does not care? This is also a way to get me out of this temple… See her and discuss what is going to happen next. But going down this path can very well lead me to my death… It can be a trap. I then begin thinking about my parents that I have never met. They sacrificed their lives to try and bring peace to the dragons and humans. They are so much braver than I… Going against all odds to try to bring peace to all eleven nations and the dragon separatist uprisings. They almost bought peace until the Black Empire betrayed everyone around them when everyone is weakened. Thinking of this no one knows who am… I cannot just walk up to a nation's leader and demand for an army. The world does not work that way… I can beg. Get me a reputation as a beggar Queen who lost her nation and is trying to get it back like a pouting child.
I realized that my tears have stopped rolling, so I quickly wiped the old tears away. Marsh is rubbing my back, I am not going to lie it felt very nice. He takes my hand and leads me to a nearby seat. My family just continued on talking to the priesthood associates and Marianas. I could not hear what they were saying though, but they definitely do not look reassuring.
"You know considering we are an Empire based on water. We don't have any makeup that is waterproof". As he smiles at me as he gives me a cloth to fully wipe my face and I chuckled. I know I look like a downright mess now. I noticed my hair bun is not even sitting right anymore, so I let my hair down. My mind begins to slow down a bit now. So to help myself I close my eyes to try and relax. A bit of meditation can help me think.
As my eyes closed everything fell silent and then I hear a menagerie of voices and sounds. I love it when this happens. It makes me feel relaxed. It happens all the time to me in meditation. It is always different forms of noise. Once it sounded like I was at the beach. This time it sounds like people and dragons at a market. A woman asking for eggs, footsteps, people laughing, music in the distance, and dragons roaring in the distance. Even though all I see is black I can certainly hear things. It almost feels like I'm there. I have discussed this with the priests, but they think I am crazy. Meditation is meant to be quiet solidarity and clearing the mind. However, my mind creates noises that are of nature and other moments in life.
"Iolene, I am sorry but this is no time to meditate." King Marlowe gently taps my shoulder. Apparently, I was under my meditation for a while as they spoke. Marsh did not even wake me up, he let me rest on his shoulder. I wake up from my meditation stupor and look up at my uncle. I stand up and try to present myself in a better fashion. Meditating made me feel so much better… Straightening my dress, trying to correct my hair and wiping makeup off entirely. I know me sobbing earlier is a bit embarrassing and definitely not ladylike, my teacher in manners would not have liked it all. But knowing that I suddenly have been told that I can bring another huge war into this world, means that I can be the bringer of peace or the bringer of mass death.
"I have made up my mind… I will see Queen Hara and see what she says. If it is possible to start creating an army then I will begin to start a campaign to regain my homeland". I try to say in a stern tone. But my voice still wavers with emotion as it seems that I have no confidence. This endeavor is not for me but will be for my family's legacy. "If it seems impossible to regain my homeland, then that's it… Because even though I see Hara, there will be a price involved in helping me to regain my homeland. And knowing parts of history some bargains are just not worth the price".
Marsh stands up next to me and looks shocked, he is still holding my hand as I feel his hand grip tighter. It seems like he does not want me to go. I know he would want to go with me on this trip but he will have to remain here as a priest.
"So this is it Iolene? You have decided to go?" Marlowe asks with gentle reassurance.
"Yes." I nodded back trying to show confidence. It is clearly not working as everybody is just looking at me weirdly. Probably thinking why are we doing this? She can barely speak without wavering. Real confidant one this girl is…
Marianas chuckles a little. "Where was the dominant girl from yesterday? Does it just take Akvor to get you angry?"
Vivian looks at me and smiles. "Darling you really must learn to be confident in your speaking. What has Marianas been teaching you after all these years?" As she starts playing with my long hair. Looking at Vivian's smile it looks so sad. I can only guess that she does not want me to go. But I hope she can come with me…
After long and deliberation of making a plan for me. I will be leaving late tonight as it will be easier to sneak me out of the city that way. Marianas and Marsh will be staying here to try and uproot the corruption that is embedded in this priesthood. It will be easier to do this without me around since I am an important piece in Akvor's games.
The day is starting to leave us when an announcer said that Akvor has returned from hunting with his close associates. My uncle and aunty leave me and wish me well. However, my grandparents will be seeing me later tonight before I leave.
Eleya escorted me back to my room I quickly undressed and changed into my silk nightgown. It is so much lighter and easier to wear than my restrictive royal gown. When I got dressed I realised that Eleya has already packed most of my belongings. Even though I thought my room was bare it looks truly like a cell now that most of my things have been packed. I pretended to be sick so I can eat in my private quarters. Eleya has been very quiet and has been trying to keep an ear out for other priests so the word does not spread of me leaving. She might be half deaf but she tries her hardest.
When I finished a piece of bread that I received from the kitchen to tide me over for the time being. I tried to go to sleep. But restlessness took me over I was so excited and nervous…
As I tried to sleep before I depart, Akvor barges through my door. He has been drinking with the smell of alcohol overpowering everything. Priests are not supposed to drink, but certainly made an exemption for himself and his close associates. He quickly demanded Eleya to leave. She refused. He slapped her across the face and she fell down to the floor hard.
"ELEYA!" I could not believe he may insult her with words. But he never slapped her with such force. Running over to her without thinking he grabbed behind me by the waist. I struggled and struggled with all my might. He may be an old man but he has a strong grip of iron. "Help! Help!" screaming from the top of my lungs. He was shouting in a pure drunken rage of how he will marry me and that I will bear his children. I have never felt so frightened in my life. He forced me over to my bed and I feared the worst as he was ruffling my dress.
As he was grabbing me on the bed I grabbed the candle from my bedside table and threw it behind me onto his face. The hot wet wax poured onto his face and candle itself pierced his eye. He tripped backward screaming, blood was pouring from his right eye socket. I looked at him in complete horror. I did this to him… I have never done such a thing to another person. Even though he attacked me, I ran to him to try and help. The candle is still in his eye, I ordered Eleya to run and get my tools, clean cloths and medicine.
He still screamed as loud as he could. A few of the young priest apprentices in the nearby room came to our aid. "Please get Marianas!" I asked one of the apprentices and they hurried off to go get them. Eleya finally came back with the medicine and clothes. The candle was deep in his socket, but not deep enough to kill him if removed. With one of the cloths, I grabbed a bright green sludge ointment from one of the glass jars. Morea leaf concentrate, I usually only call it the sludge. Placing a bit on Akvor's tongue and wiping a bit under his nostrils, I hope this helps him slow and sleep. It is not the strongest pain-free, sleeping agent but it is all I have.
Eleya and the apprentice had to hold Akvor down with all their might as he still struggled. I pulled the candle out as quickly as I could and placed the cloth directly on top as he bled. Eleya vomited all of Akvor as she struggled with the sight of what is happening. Marianas arrived and looked at the shock horror scene in front of them.
"WHAT IN THE MAGNA DRACONIS IS GOING ON!?" Marianas shouted out on top of Akvors moaning and Eleyas screaming. Marianas looked at me as I tried to help him. I managed to slow down his bleeding, but much of the damage has been done. He will never see from his right eye again. After a few hours, I had to remove his eye entirely and stitch his eyelids together. I Burned off a few areas that looked like they were going to be infected. I could not imagine how much pain Akvor is in at this moment. I feel so conflicted… I put him in this position. But he would still have his eye if he never charged into my room and tried to touch me. I bandaged another clean cloth around his right eye, finishing the job. I explained Marianas everything about what happened, she gave me a hug and kiss on the forehead.
I was supposed to be meeting with my family by now to leave this place... But I had to help him. I'm sure my family can wait for me a bit longer. Marianas got the other priests and took Akvor and me to the main meeting chamber. Akvor was placed on a table that had been moved to the middle of the room. All of the high priests are there with Clifford standing at the sidelines. He is still alive and breathing. He is now purely asleep… Looking at his cloth the bleeding has started to cease, which is a good sign. Another high priest named Waldren is checking over his injuries.
Marianas stood next to me and she began to whisper in my ear. "I would have killed him you know… Or you should have let him die."
"I couldn't… I couldn't let him die… I just couldn't… I made a vow when I became a healer. It would have been a very slow and painful death if not treated"
"With that Iolene is why you are better than most people I know. Try to keep hold of that, the world is dark and it could use some light in it".