Page 33 of Journey to the Elderoak
“When I realized we were being overrun, I remembered how I had called that creature a few nights ago. I didn’t even know if it would work but we went down there and tried it anyway.”
“And it worked.”
“Yes. Yes, it did.”
“That was risky,” he said, his voice gravelly. “Did Raine even try to stop you?”
“He did. But I got in his face and made him listen.”
He looked at her for a long time, searching her face. “You’re amazing.”
She gave him a small smile as a healer arrived.
“You can let go, Your Highness.” The man knelt beside Casimir and opened a small apothecary bag.
She removed her hands and moved to his other side as the healer placed his own hands upon the wound. It was deep; almost all the way through his back. The healer pressed hard and chanted softly.
“Fuck,” Casimir said, closing his eyes.
Ava grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Breathe through it,” she murmured as she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from his face. He tightened his grip and hissed through gritted teeth. She had the sudden urge to hold him, to take care of him. Like he had for her. “I’m here,” she added, stroking the top of his hand.
The healer released his magic and ripped open Casimir’s tunic. Ava tried not to gasp at the brutal wound revealing layers of muscle and fat.
“I need to stitch you up, general,” said the healer. “I can find some numbing balm to help with the pain.”
“No,” Casimir barked. “Hurry and do it. Save it for the other injured.”
“Oh, come on,” Ava chastised. “Don’t be so stubborn. That’s deep and it’s going to hurt.”
“No numbing balm,” he said, irritated. “Do it. Now.”
The healer began to work, cleaning the injury before he prepared the sutures. Within minutes he was stitching each layer of the wound. Casimir’s eyes remained closed, his jaw clenched so hard surely his teeth would shatter. She stayed by his side in silent comfort as he went into a meditative state to focus through the pain.
“Is he doing his whole ‘I don’t need numbing balm, every wound is a reminder to be better next time’ bit?” Raine’s voice cut through the noise as he stood before them.
“Is that what this is about?” Ava asked as she looked at Raine.
“Oh, yeah. Cas is the king of self-inflicted punishment. He thinks it makes him stronger or some bullshit.”
Casimir opened his eyes and glowered at his friend. “Fuck off.”
Raine raised his hands in defeat, looking at Ava. “Let’s leave him to his martyrdom or whatever.”
“Go with him,” Casimir said hoarsely. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Go. I don’t want you to see me like this.”
“Fine.” She let go of his hand and rose, glancing back at him one last time. His eyes were closed again as the healer finished his stitches. She looked at Raine. “Do you need help with something?”
They walked along the deck and Raine pulled her aside. “This next part is going to be hard,” he said with compassion.
“What next part?” she whispered.
“You’re the princess. You represent all of Monterre on thisship. If Thorne were here, he’d be doing the same thing I’m about to have you do.”
“Okay. What are we doing?”
