Chapter 9

Pain like none I have ever had as I tried to open my eyes.

Ra are you ok?

Gronning I close my eyes, Val don't my head. He puts his head in my lap and I try to move my hand. Blazing pain erupts and bright lights flash across my closed eyes. Maybe I should just stay still. Someone has put me in a dark room with a candle hidden so very little light is seen it is almost too much but I can keep my eyes open as they water. I feel a breeze as if a door is opening as I look in the direction of the air flow I see the outline of a blanket the light illuminating around the edges. Someone has hung blankets to make it dark. In the dim light I see Patty appear. Shit how long have I been here?

Patty helps me sit up and holds a drink to my lips.

Drink it all it taste like piss but it will help with the pain. You have been out for three days with that stunt they cooked up I should file charges against all of them. I think the king may take a dim view on their teaching practices.

I can see the fire in Val and Patty's eyes. The foul brew did one good thing it moistened my lips and throat. Who do you file the complaint with I whisper to them, my head pounds as I force the words out.

Patty shakes her head. Any of the three ideates that hurt you that's my problem the only person left is the king that's why I waited to talk with you first they know that they went too far they could have told you to stop before you passed out they assumed you would stop before then. Master Barth was ripping them up as we were putting you on the stretcher. He was all for formal charges being filed against them but I talked him down until you could be told.

What will happen to the king's own, dean, and Kyle?

The king knows what happened but if you file charges against them he will have to formally bring them before the high counsel. That could be awkward as all three sit on it. The nobles are chomping at the bit hoping you are mad enough to file. He has asked to visit you as soon as I think you are up to it.

Me? The king wants to see me? I look to Val but he is quite in my mind knowing that it will hurt me to talk. I guess you should let him know I'm awake.

She pats my shoulder and stands up walking behind the curtain I feel the slight draft again and see the light around the edges of the blanket again. Well Love I guess we get to talk to the king. Val just snorts. This not talking sucks. Now I know how the heralds without mindspeech feel. Blink once for yes twice for no ok. Val blinks once. Do you think the king will come right away? Val in contact with Baily the king's companion knew they were on their way blinked once. We sat there for a while waiting for a king I had meet once, and then only to be presented as a newly chosen. Now we were going to have a serious discussion about three of his closes friends. The light and the draft happened again and I braced myself for the visit. In the dim light he looked different than in the throne room. He was tall 6'3" with a beard and mustache young around 25 or so newly married. He was in great shape but then all heralds are. He pulled the chair that Patty had at my head a little, so we could see eye to eye.

How are you doing Ra?

Clearing my voice I croak out an OK.

He looks at me with pity I don't know it but I look like someone has beaten me too within an inch of my life. Ra what happened to you is unforgivable. I have spoken to all involved and have made it clear that this is never to happen ever again. Your friends Patty and Barth have made their position very clear to them also, and have agreed to let you make the choice of formal charges. I will of course hear you in counsel however I would ask you not to pursue it. I know they all feel horrible about this and are eager to see you to apologize. Kyle was so mad he refuses to speak with Holt and Sharece saying he was against this from the start and should have stopped it.

I looked at Val and he blinked once after a long pause. Alright your majesty no charges.

He smiles at me my friends call me Tolen and I think we will be great friends Ra.

I smile back, I think so to Tolen.

I'll let you rest. He pats my hand and stands to leave.

I smile thank you for coming.

As he leaves my eyes are getting heavy it was all I could do to stay awake for Tolen.

I open my eyes and the blanket covering the door and window are gone. I squint in the early morning light.

RA?

Pain flows around me but it is much better than before it only feels like getting hit in the head with a baseball bat. Hi love I missed you.

Oh Ra I was so worried I was so mad at Sharece I almost bit her Saymo nudged her aside or I would have had her.

Val!

Don't Val me she was the one that thought this train wreck up.

We will hear her out first before you try anymore of that.

I don't know what she can say to make me let this go. Dad and I are not on speaking terms right now. Me and velvet are in agreement dad should have known better.

Velvet knows?

She is fearless when you were not there to play she asked her mother Jade were you were. Jade put her off for a day but that little filly is smart and determined. She found out and proceeded to gallop to dad. I was told that she lit into him in front of the entire herd. She is determined to get in here and see if you are ok. I told her I would let her know when you were up for a visit.

Val Do you think I did the right thing about all this I could tell you had some misgivings.

Yes you did the right thing. If it was up to me we should have kicked them in the head that's what they did to you. But no good would come of bringing this in front of the counsel. It just put Tolen in a tuff spot and nothing would change. He can't discharge them they don't have lands to take they have no great wealth so you will not get a suffering tariff.

I don't need any more money Val I don't know what to spend it on now.

It's the principle Ra I know they feel bad but what they did was so wrong. An apology will make them feel better but what's it do for you?

To ere is human to forgive divine, I am not a god but I can strive to be the best me. I have seen hate up close I don't need it inside of me.

Patty came and fussed over me letting Val out to eat and take care of business it was almost like Sharece was waiting for Val to leave ten minutes later I hear a knock on the door.

The dean hobbles in and sits on the chair. I look at her and remember what Val told me about it being her idea. Ra what is she doing there? You tell her to come back when I am there.

Val stop you can listen in from there I don't think it would be a good idea to have the two of you in a room anytime soon.

I don't like it Ra she waited till I left she is shifty. Saymo is not much better I will have words with her after the dean leaves.

Don't fly off the handle with her Val let her tell you her side first promise me.

The dean clears her throat bring me back from my talk with Val. I insisted that I talk with you first as I feel I have the most to apologize for. After hearing how well you did in your first class with Kyle I thought that you would try and fail to lift the first bar, that you would give up and we would go from there. I never foresaw you lifting seven bars never mind holding them for almost an hour and passing out. She looks down, Master Barth reminded me that if I had talked with him he could have told me you would go till you passed out. I never thought it would go so far I thought you would feel the pain and drop them and have a mild reaction headache.

I looked at her, you always give 100% in any training in a way, you helped me to see the outer limits of my gift Dean.

Still looking at her hands, it was still wrong; we could have stopped when we saw the sweat pour off you. When you started to shake, how many warnings did we have to see before stopping a very bad idea? All I can say was at the time I was so shocked I was at a loss, you may be the strongest fetcher we have ever trained I am looking in the archives to find out. The others will try to take more of the blame for my bad idea, I hope you will not let them and if you wish to press charges I ask you only name me they preceded on my say so.

Val was spitting nails how big of her I should kick her in the head so she feels like you do right now! So noble taking all the blame the only one who tried to stop it was Patty and me and I was told to stand down by the heard master. The last was thought with quit a lot of heat he was not his father at the moment. I try to soothe him but he comes right back and brakes a rule so the Dean can hear him to. Going after you because they have no one to answer to Ra it is the act of cowards. She flinched at that and I could feel Val going at it with her companion.

Unsure how to answer Val's thoughts she shrinks in on herself more, seeing a valid point did she let it go knowing no parent would come complaining or pressing charges. She stands "all I can do is say how wrong I was and how sorry I am the rest is up to you Raven. With that she walked out I was still trying to figure out what to say to her as she left not wishing to blow up before looking at all the sides.

Holt was next a few hours later looking put out as if I had done something wrong. Val made sure he was here this time with velvet outside staring holes through her father. He sits down with a sigh. The dean came to me after your talk wishing to resign her post stating she was unfit to be in charge of young people.

Val broadcasts Good that's something I agree with! and with that we are off, his father thunders to all of us ENOUGH I also let this happen and young one you have to let it go so we can all move on and Val no more talking to any other than your chosen.

Now I am getting mad he made it sound like I am the one fucking up here. I snap listen asshole I will not feel like this is my fault or let you bully your son because you can't admit you all fucked up big time and could have killed me, someone who put their trust in her teachers not to hurt her while learning. That's when everyone found out how powerful a mind speaker I was we were told later a herald two towns over heard me like I was sitting next to her. Holt's face blanched and he beat a hasty retreat.

Patty came in patted me on the head. You don't take any shit from any of them honey at least the Dean apologized more than the king's own did. Your right Ra it was an Asshole move he tried to pull.

After making sure I was all right after my little outburst Patty left letting little Velvet inside. Ra are you still sick? Valy and I are so mad at daddy. Will you be able to run with me again? She asked in rapid order not waiting for an answer.

I smile I feel much better. You and Val should forgive your father.

I hear a snort from Val NOT IN THIS LIFE TIME!

I let it go as he made sure Velvet didn't hear. I hope we can run again soon hun I miss our special time together too.

She picks a bag off the ground with her lips dropping it on my bed I hear a rattle inside the small bag. Mommy only lets me have my treats once a week I want you to have my next four ones to help you feel better. I asked mommy if it would be ok they make me feel happy when I have them and I want you to feel happy again too.

I can feel the pride coming off Val for the selfless act she has made. Oh honey thank you. Thinking fast I send a burst to Val will Jade mind if I give her one?

No love she thinks it's a fine idea she was so proud of her little filly.

I think we should all have a piece right now as it is my gift and I wish to share it with my two best friends. Velvet almost shakes in excitement and whinnies a bit too loudly.

Patty pops her head in looking at Velvet. None of that young miss we had a talk you'll remember about keeping it down.

Velvet drops her head but remembers not to talk at the healer she may be mad at daddy but she gave her word she would only talk with her special friend. Ra can you tell Miss Patty I am sorry, I forgot.

She had put her head on my legs when Patty laid in to her. Rubbing her nose I looked at the healer, Velvet would like you to know she is sorry she forgot.

Patty rubs behind her ear, that's all right little one. But one more time and out you go alright?

A head bob is the only thing she can do to agree.

I open the bag after Patty leaves and see the 4 cubes taking one out I hold it for velvet as she lips it off my palm. Looking at Val he shakes his head he has no wish to eat his sisters treats but I will have to have one or it will look like I didn't appreciate her gift. I pop one in and smile at the little filly. I feel much better. With that she lips my hair then goes out to her waiting mother.

Kyle was the last to come by I could see the depth this had plunged him too. Of the three he was the most contrite.

Ra I was wrong. I can never forgive myself for what I let happen to you.

Val looked on, burning holes into his head, nodding as the "teacher" tried to find the words to express how much he regrets his actions.

I looked at him and of the three I saw something, true remorse.

I forgive you Kyle. I tell him in a small voice. You tried to get them to stop before we started I heard you with the dean.

RA no, don't let him off just like that! He could have stopped it. I tried but you don't know how much power my father has over us he held me still as a statue and blocked my voice to you. for that it will be a cold day in hell before I talk with him again. And after that shitty apology from his companion they can both go to hell.

No love don't you see letting it go will heal both Kyle and me. I will not waste any energy on an activity that is so negative. Better to talk it out and leave it on the side of the road than drag that much baggage for the next 20-30+ years.

He rolls his eyes but lets it go. Kyle waits knowing we are talking.

A tear falls down his cheek as he sees I am back, Not hard enough. I knew better I have seen the damage that too much strain can cause. My year mate passed trying to do the impossible going beyond her gifts to save a village. She saved most but not all before she fell she wasted away little by little never waking up her Albet fading away with her. It was a harsh long death.

I look him in the eye. Never let another stop you from doing what you know is right again, if you feel it in your bones it is wrong don't stand down. Do this and all is forgiven. But make no mistake I know someday I may have to make the hard choice as long as I know what the price is it will be my choice to pay it or not. Not yours, not Holt's, and not the Dean's. Sometimes we forget we are fallible beings we make life and death decisions while on circuit and need these little reminders to bring us back home.

With that he sobs and if anyone would have looked in they would have seen a 9 year-old holding a grown man.

Terry and Charr stopped by the next day. We had to wait our turn your doctor was limiting how many people you could see and for how long we got pushed down a bit by the mucky mucks charr told me with a smile.

Terry smiled at us both, the rumors are flying you were attacked by blood mages, the bear finally snapped, Kyle blew you up in class. All anyone is sure about is there is a lot of very higher ups walking on egg shells.

Val sends me a tight burst. The king has put a gag order on the whole affair. Seems to think it would hurt the circle if this got out and you are not filing open charges. I still wish we could but…

Let it go love. How is this staying secret?

When my father and the king agree on something you would be surprised how we can all keep our mouths shut they all heard you're out burst but without the context no one knows what happened only that you are displeased with Holt and father.

I look at my friends, let it go guys, I have, time to move on the less said the better.

I was stuck here for 2 weeks I would black out at random times without any warning. My mussels would cramp hard bringing tears to my eyes. Patty told me it was one of the worse cases of back-lash she had ever treated. Kyle was almost glued to my door ready to run any errand. Sharece came every day much to Val's disgust. She brought books from her privet collection things she thought I might enjoy, reading to me and Val as he would not leave me alone with her. Holt wisely stayed away not wishing to get another dressing down broadcast for 80 miles in every direction. Sansei stopped by every day after classes going over the progress of our group and looking forward to seeing Halt in his upcoming weapons class.

At last the day was here my girls came over after class to help me move my shit back to my room you would be surprised how much shit you can acquire in just 2 weeks.

Remember light duty Patty scolds me. I hear you are over doing it and I will drag you back here by your ear you mark me. Looking me in the eye till I give her a smile and a nod letting her know I heard her.

Truth to tell the short walk with the limited amount Terry and Charr let me carry almost wiped me out.

As the door to my room closes Charr tries again. So… you know Terry and I would never tell a living sole…. If you need to like get things off your chest.

Let it go for gods sake, Terry almost yells. The king and circle have asked for it to be dropped Ra is not going to tell you, me, or anyone.

I smile at my friends, tell what? I ask sitting down my legs shaking.

Charr throws up her hands FINE. Then mutters, just trying to help.

I may have gotten out of healers but I still had a long way to go to get back to where I was before that awful day.