Early the next morning a dragon arrived with Master Fallon and MasterHealer Oldive. Jarron was surprised that the MasterHealer's deformed spine did not keep him from being as fit as any of the men at Riverbend Hold. Master Oldive inspected Chandis, approving the set leg and the use of yarrow and hazel for the internal injuries. Unfortunately, he made it clear that there was no way to know what the internal damage might be. The fact that Chandis had survived several days already was promising, however.
Master Fallon greeted Journeyman Sorden's announcement of a new recruit for the Healer Hall with approval, but not surprise. Master Oldive seemed to approve as well. It was agreed that Jarron would stay at Riverbend for the next few days while a replacement for Chandis was being arranged.
Jarron could hardly believe how fast everything was happening. Ever since the accident he had been worrying and feeling helpless, even when the healers had arrived. Now he was going to be a healer and keep others from feeling helpless. He would miss Riverbend Hold and the excitement of never knowing who would come through from day to day, but he was excited to be going somewhere new as well.
Sorden stayed at Riverbend Hold during this time, continuing to tend Chandis. With every day the bruises lightened, until the only obvious wounds were the broken bones. When the doses of fellis were lightened enough for Chandis to stay awake, he was much better, complaining only of a sharp pain under his ribs when he sat up too quickly.
When the day came for Jarron to leave, he sought out the members of Riverbend Hold to say goodbye. Big, strong, rough men all, they nevertheless had to clear their throats quite a lot to get their farewells out, Rorden especially. Jarron knew that Rorden was remembering Larina; he was, too. With his small sack of clothes and a few keepsakes, Jarron met Master Fallon and Sorden outside the house, where a brown dragon waited. With the dragonrider were two strangers, the new help. Jarron hoped one of them could cook. Staring at the whirling blue and green eyes, Jarron could not suppress his excitement as he was boosted onto the dragon. They took off, circling the Hold. Jarron waved, and then they went between.