Chapter: Healing an Ally or Helping an Enemy: 25 of ?

Author: Sam

Series: A Deeper Magic

Last Chapter: Jeb receives the message from Wyatt and begins a new quest, taking Mariah with him. Arista becomes a spy.

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The sound of soft splashing from the nearby river woke Azkadellia from a fitful sleep. She lay on her left side, right arm cuddled carefully against her chest, her back warmed by Dylan's. With a sigh, Az pushed up from the hard ground with a wince. Behind her, Dylan rolled over and jumped to his feet, but Az remained sitting for a moment longer, trying to thrust the eerie nightmares from her memories.

"Let me check your arm, Az," Dylan's voice sounded gruff, his manner distant. Squatting down, her companion carefully pulled the sling from her arm and unbound the splint, checking over the injured limb. "Swelling's down, bruising's up." He murmured then wrapped the splinting tight once more. "Might be a bad sprain after all."

Az watched her hands rather than his face and the silence stretched between them. Once her arm had been tended she slid it back into the silk sling. Letting Dylan help her up, Az looked over their horses. "We should be on our way. It'll take at least until zenith to get to the crack."

The resistance fighter turned Tin Man nodded and quickly stowed their gear, handing some bread to Az for breakfast. Soon, the pair were ready to leave, Dylan offering Az one of the full canteens with a single pain pill, which she did not refuse.

Glancing towards the not-so-barren fields across the road, Az stiffened. "Dylan," she placed her hand carefully on his sleeve. He turned to look. Several papay were near the six healed trees, gathering fruits and clicking and whistling to each other.

One papay, larger than the others and a greying greenish color, stood between the gatherers and the gilikenese pair, watching with bright, attentive eyes. Under the head, apparently implanted in the front of its thorax, sat an iridescent pink stone the size of a large man's fist. The papay seemed not to be bothered by this stone, and it flashed in the morning sunlight.

Slowly, Az lifted her good left hand and a white-yellow light traced the Lux Crest in the air, leaving an energy pattern hanging before them. The papay bowed its head slightly and the stone flashed brightly with a pink energy, scarlet sparks weaving through it. The little-seen symbol of the Papay traced in the air, hanging before that of the Lux. Slowly, both passcodes shimmered then dissipated until finally the energy patterns had ceased.

Az blinked and frowned softly. The papay turned and followed the gatherers further into the wasted orchard.

Behind her Dylan softly said, "was that Somniabunt the papy elder?"

"I think so," Aze replied. With a deep sigh, she turned and smoothed her hand down her horse's flank. "Let's mount, Dylan. If we hurry, we can make Finnaqua shortly after zenith."

With a nod he helped her mount the side saddle then swung himself onto his horse, and the pair continued their journey. Shortly, they moved into a trot then a canter, the smooth gait somewhat bearable on Az's arm; the medicine helped, of course. She continued to tolerate their quick pace for several hours, though riding one handed was taking its toll. Fortunately, they approached the Crack in the O.Z. as the suns were reaching their highest point: zenith. Az looked towards the rise and nodded to Dylan as they halted.

"I'm not sure I can ride the bridge, Dylan. Maybe we should walk?" she spoke softly.

Dylan slipped from his horse and helped her down. He gathered his reins, handing Az hers, and turned towards the rise of the roadway leading to the bridge. She walked beside him, neither speaking. Turning her head, she sighed then looked forward. "Dylan . . ."

"Shh . . ." Dylan, touched her shoulder and gestured towards the bridge down below.

Two pair of Long Coats stood, monitoring either end of the bridge, dressed in their traditional leather armor and long dusters, armed with heavy rifles. Obviously whoever took the tower had also taken the bridge and possibly other significant areas around the O.Z. With the threat of the enemy between them and Finnaqua, Az felt uncertain what she or Dylan could do.

The four guards hadn't noticed them; however, as they were turned to watch a lone figure crossing the long bridge, about half-way across the span.

Just shy of six feet tall, he was whipcord thin and athletic, with dark blond hair falling over his eyes. Dressed in black trousers and boots with an obviously new dark leather coat, he had a small pack carried in one hand. Something about his gait appeared unsteady even from a distance. The man stumbled, causing the four watching Long Coat's to straighten restlessly, watching him intently.

Instant recognition came to Az and she whispered "Zero . . . he's alive!" Her heart constricted and she gripped her horse's reins more tightly in her good right hand.

Dylan put a hand on her shoulder, his grip tight. In a low warning he said "don't call out, Az . . . they'll see us. Let's get undercover."

She shook her head. "He's returned, Dylan . . . and he's hurt."

Harshly, Dylan hissed, "he's one of them, Az!"

Looking at her Tin Man, Az's eyes filled with the hurt and anger she felt. In defense of her long-time friend, she said, "no . . . he's not. They have no reason to touch him yet, but he's on my side not theirs."

The resistance fighter whirled her around to glare into her eyes. "He's their leader . . ."

"No, Dylan, he's my soldier," the princess retorted. She knew the wisdom of waiting, however, and lead her horse into the nearby trees, followed by the obviously disapproving Dylan. From their hiding place, they continued to watch the former Long Coat commander as he painfully staggered to the end of the bridge.

The closer he came towards the hiding pair, the more clearly his injuries could be seen. Zero's lip was split, his eye blackened and swollen, his face cut and bruised. He limped, favoring his right leg, and one arm curled around his torso as if protecting damaged ribs. All together, Zero looked as if he'd barely escaped a recent beating.

The two Long Coats came to attention, but Zero barely paid attention. One of the guards stepped towards the injured man. "Commander?" the Long Coat's voice sounded uncertain.

Zero glanced up, his steel grey eyes smoky with pain. A frown flitted over his features and he called "Out of my way, Sergeant." Zero's voice trembled in pain, but his attitude bespoke pure command. The effect was immediately lost when his eyes suddenly rolled back into his head and he slumped, apparently passing out, the startled sergeant catching him.

Az hurried from the trees, knowing she had to help Zero as he had helped her over the long annuals. Leading her horse, she ignored Dylan's vehement "Damn!" behind her. Stepping over to the guards, she ordered in a crisp tone, rarely questioned in the last eight annuals, "Get him up on the horse and tie him there."

They froze in apparent confusion, but Dylan stopped right behind her. "You heard her!" he snapped in a powerful voice, much different from his own soft tones. The commanding manner startled Az but she gave nothing away, merely frowning at the Long Coats to emphasize her seriousness.

Long used to obeying, especially obeying Princess Azkadellia and her royal guard, Zero, the men hurried to heave the unconscious man onto the back of the horse Dylan led forward; the princess's lady's side saddle would have been too difficult to secure the man to. The sergeant held the limp commander on the horse as his companion retrieved rope from some supplies they had on hand. The pair securely tied Zero sitting up on Dylan's saddle, but not painfully tight; they treated him as friend, not foe.

Dylan quickly aided Az back onto her horse and began leading his own mount after her on the bridge, walking sedately. She couldn't protest, despite her exhaustion; it would look suspicious if the princess walked rather than rode.

"Wait!" the sergeant seemed to realize that this pair should be challenged. As they stopped and looked at him, he cleared his throat. "Identification . . . please?" he added.

Stiffening and looking down on the guards, Az replied at her frostiest "are you blind, Sergeant?" Her heart hammered in her chest as she hoped these men would continue to obey out of habit.

The sergeant swallowed noticeably then straightened, "No, your highness! Proceed."

She nodded once and kicked the horse into a steady walk, followed by Dylan. As they got further away, they could hear the junior man ask his sergeant "does General Randu need to be told?"

"If he wanted her as prisoner," the higher ranking man snapped, "do you think she'd be strolling around giving orders? Besides, the commander's with her!"

"Unconscious . . ." the junior returned, before Az and Dylan were fully out of earshot, making Az's insides clench again. Neither came after the princess; however, so she continued on her way as if she were not a fugitive on the run kidnapping the former head of the royal guard.

After a long time Az and Dylan approached the second set of guards, and Zero began to wake up. "What . . . hell!" he started to struggle against his bonds.

Reining in next to his mount, Az called out, "calm down, Zero. You'll hurt yourself worse."

He stilled at the sound of her voice. "Sorceress?"

"Quiet, Zero," she commanded and he fell obediently silent and still.

Az silently thanked the long years of soldiering for his acquiescence.

One of the new pair of bridge guards asked "do you need help, your highness? I thought the commander might be hurt, but he didn't want help when he crossed."

"Never does," the other guard muttered then flushed when Dylan glared at him for all the world as if he had the authority of rulership backing him. As far as the Long Coats probably felt, Dylan did: Az rode right beside him as he walked.

The newly made Tin Man kept his opinion of Zero to himself and answered on behalf of the princess. "I have the commander, Private. Make way."

Obediently, the guards let them pass without further problems.

Relieved, neither Az nor Dylan spoke as they made their way on the track until well away from the bridge. She knew Zero was awake by his harsh, pained breathing, but he didn't protest his confinement as the trio continued down the road.

"Who's Randu?" Dylan finally broke the silence.

"My second in command," Zero groaned out switching to a growl so weak a kitten would have been more fierce. "Untie me." He centered his grey gaze on Az's travelling companion. What he lacked in strength of voice, he made up for in sheer force of presence.

"No," Dylan responded just as imperious as the bound man.

"Dylan," Az said, her voice soft. She met and held his eyes.

Zero's head snapped up and back as if he'd been jolted and he studied the princess carefully. He looked back and forth between the woman and other man, not interrupting, his thoughts hidden behind confused, pain-filled eyes.

With almost a growl, Dylan finally turned and untied the man on the horse. "Keep your hands visible," Dylan ordered.

"And don't get down," Az added, drawing surprised looks from both men. She gathered her reins in her good hand and sat straighter. "We'll discuss this when we get off the road . . . and where you've been, Zero." She sighed but studied the way ahead, trying to put Zero's condition temporarily from her mind. "First we need somewhere safe to go."

Sounding slightly puzzled, Zero gestured off the track. "Behind a white elm. There's a safe place there . . . I think it's still safe."

Az turned to look at her oldest friend and protector. "What do you mean?"

He shook his head and clutched the pommel on the saddle. "It's Cain's house. Last I was there, he wasn't."

Dylan suddenly smiled as relief crossed Az's face. Zero frowned, looking puzzled. The young woman didn't leave him confused.

"The Cains are both Tin Men now. They're on our side."

"Our side?" Zero asked. "Tin Men?"

Az nodded. "Since the witch is gone, I've switched sides." She looked at Zero. "If that's a problem, I can send you back to the bridge."

Turning the horse he led off the track, Dylan interrupted. "Not here, Az. We need to get to that house before we talk."

Nodding her agreement, Az guided her horse to follow Dylan's, letting Zero direct them. He didn't seem to protest accompanying them, despite their unexplained loyalty change. Fortunately only a short time later the trio came upon the cabin with the lone grave beside it.

Leaving Zero in the saddle, Dylan stepped over to help Az dismount then went back to aid Zero. He had to catch the injured man, looking startled at the apparent weakness of the former Long Coat commander. Despite his own illness, Dylan helped Zero into the cabin, followed by Az, then silently went back out to apparently care for the horses.

Inside, turning and laying her hand on Zero's arm, Az softly said, "sit, Zero." She felt shocked seeing his bruised and bloody face up close. "Where have you been? What's happened to you?" She used part of her sling padding to try and stem the blood from his lip.

He caught her undamaged wrist, studying her eyes. "She's really gone?" he sounded troubled. At her nod, Zero let her go and sank onto a wooden straight-backed chair. He groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Cain said as much . . ."

The door opening drew their attention, Zero lifting an exhausted looking countenance. Dylan strode in and shut the simple barrier. He put down the saddlebags by the door then crossed his arms, frowning, and stood in front of the only visible exit.

Az once more turned to Zero, kneeling next to him. "What happened?"

On a low sound deep in his throat, eyes wary, Zero answered. "I caught the girl's accomplices in the Realm of the Unwanted and arrested them. On the surface, we were ambushed by resistance fighters." Looking hesitant, apparently reminding himself the witch was gone and Az probably wouldn't be sucking out his soul due to failure, Zero sighed then continued. "My troop was captured. Finally, Cain locked me in an iron suit. He told his kid they'd let me out if they defeated the witch."

Zero eased out of the heavy protective coat he'd taken from Wyatt's closet; the black undershirt clung to his wounds, kept there by dried blood clots, though the gashes reopened and closed over and over again. "When he let me out, he said the witch was gone." Grey eyes puzzled, Zero shook his head. "He left me there and just walked away."

"That was a month ago, Zero. Where have . . ."

"A month?" he interrupted in shock.

Quickly, not answering, Az rose to her feet, using her good hand to balance. The man's confusion and long-term unhealed wounds told her all she needed to know. His admission to being locked in one of the torture suits confirmed it. "Dylan, help me. He's dying." She felt sheer desperation, knowing that Zero had needed serious magical help for as long as a month. She felt wonder that the man hadn't bled to death sooner . . . he must have some hidden magic of his own that fought the twisted curse wracking his body.

"What can we do?" Dylan asked, sounding reluctant but walking over to aid her in pulling the crusted, dirty shirt from the commander's torso. Blood freely flowed and Zero paled, though he didn't make a sound.

Gesturing at the kitchen pump, Az said "we need to wash these wounds and dress them. I can reverse the suit's magic . . . fools!" She shook her head, anger vibrating through her at the botched use of a device little understood. "The suit needs Death Magic to seal someone healthy in a stasis state, healing wounds on an unhealthy person. Without a Death Mage from Mortem, the suit's magic is unfinished and deadly. Whatever state he was in going into the suit becomes nearly permanent upon coming out." She turned to Dylan. "He'll bleed to death, never healing, if he doesn't get help."

With a nod, Dylan pumped water into a nearby bucket and found towels. He brought both to Az and placed them to hand then started helping her clean the wounds of the man he apparently considered a deadly enemy. "Jeb keeps that suit around to remind everyone that his father was killed in one for fighting the witch . . . of course, we found out later that Wyatt survived." Dylan glowered down at Zero.

Zero glared defiantly back, making no excuses or apologies for his past actions.

Also not apologetic, Dylan leaned close to Zero, planting both hands on the chair arms. Slate grey eyes meeting identical steel-colored, Dylan growled, " and finally sending that woman to kill Adora Cain . . ."

"What!" Zero's eyes narrowed and he tried to surge to his feet but Dylan suddenly shifted his grip to the other man's arms, holding him in the chair. "What . ."

"Stop, Dylan!" Az ordered. "Stop badgering him." To prevent Zero from retaliating, she said, "and you too, Zero. We have few enough allies since Randu took over." She had been able to figure out just who had attacked the House of Gale from those random comments by the bridge guards.

The former Long Coat commander turned his attention to the princess. "Randu?" His voice once again whispered with exhaustion, laced with confusion.

Slowly, Dylan released Zero's arms, genuine worry reluctantly creeping into his own voice. "What the hell?"

Shaking her head, Az handed over the wet bloody towel to Dylan. "It's the incomplete suit magic. It mixes the brain unless the proper Mortem spells are used to counter it. Sit still, Zero."

Grey eyes widened in definite fear, but the former commander stayed absolutely still. It was testament to either his trust of Az or his long years of strict self-discipline that he didn't run as far as he could from Az's death magic; the witch had been well known for her twisted use of the magic to kill her enemies or those she considered failures.

Sadly, Az felt it must be the latter. Zero had ever been a soldier, even before beginning training at the age fifteen. Lifting her hands, ignoring her painful left wrist, she placed a hand on either side of Zero's battered face. She met his eyes, impressed that the frightened, confused man didn't look away, didn't close his own eyes. Drawing a slow breath, she moved her hands in a caressing motion, never touching Zero, but so close she could feel the heat of the suit fever. She hoped they'd be able to help him once she used the reversal.

A soft glow of black energy shot through with what looked like silver lightning began at Az's palms. Slowly the glow became a mist then a fog. It enveloped Zero's head and crept down his torso to cover even his extremities. The silver sparks intensified; a sudden bright flash temporarily blinded the trio as Zero let out a loud scream then collapsed, unconscious once more, falling against Az.

Dylan caught her as she staggered under Zero's weight and her own exhaustion. "This better have been worth your strength, Az," he growled in her ear.

She ignored the comment, pushing Zero back into the chair, then let Dylan help her into the other wooden chair. "Is he breathing?" worry overshadowed the exhilarating feeling of power from tapping a different clan's energy.

Dylan laid his fingers on the pulse point in Zero's neck. After a heartbeat, he said "Yes. He's alive." The steady rise and fall of the patient's chest let them know he wasn't in distress.

Az reached out to touch Zero's shoulder, wincing at the sight of those horrible injuries, but relieved that the fever had left with the appropriate spell. "Please tend him?"

Nodding, Dylan pulled some bandages and medicine from Az's saddlebag then squatted next to the unconscious man. Dylan sighed and looked at Az. "What if he's addicted to the power the witch let him wield? He may join Randu."

She shook her head. "He'll stay true, Dylan."

Crossing his arms with a glare, Dylan stiffened and ground out "if he turns on us, I'll kill him. No second chances."

Stunned, she opened her mouth to protest but closed it again. She puzzled through the implications, both of Zero's presence and Dylan's prediction. Finally, bowing her head, brown eyes pained, Azkadellia slowly, softly, said, "no, Dylan. If he turns on us, I'll kill him."

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Continued in Chapter Twenty-Six: (when written)

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The Twelve Clans of the Outer Zone with the Ruling House of Each Clan:

Aquam Clan/ House of Rimi . . . (Ice- Mount Runcible)

Cogitatio Clan/ House of Idae . . . (Milltown)

Corde Clan/ House of Animum . . . (Viewers)

Fortitudo Clan/ House of Greyhatt . . . (Guilds- Munchkins)

Lux Clan/ House of Gale . . . (formerly House of Ozma- Gillikin)

Mortem Clan/ House of Shiz . . . (Alma Mata- Gillikin)

Nature Clan/ House of Terrae . . . (Vinkus- Thousand Year Grasslands)

Papay Clan/ House of Somniabunt

Phlogiston Clan/ House of Pyre . . . (Fire- Desert surrounding O.Z.)

Sapientiam Clan/ House of Quinolui . . . (Quadling- Realm of the Unwanted)

Spiritus Clan/ House of Aeris . . . (Air- Lake Country)

Tenebris Clan/ House of Fugae . . . (Witch's Dark Tower- Gillikin)