Page 76 of Earthbound

‘I don’t know yet. I am learning what I can through Ajax, but night has just fallen on their side of the continent. When they awaken, I’ll find out more.’

Yeeran went to Golan and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. At first, he bristled at her touch, but as she spoke, he softened. ‘If this Afa is as powerful as he appears to be, there must be a way for him to bring back the Alder that we knew,’ she said.

‘I hope so,’ Golan whispered. ‘I need to go for a walk. I’ll be back later.’

He pulled free of Yeeran’s embrace and went to the door. As he opened it, he let out a startled sound.

Jay was on the other side of the door, their hands held up as though about to knock.

‘Oh! Hello, Golan,’ Jay said with a smile, but it wavered as they saw Golan’s expression.

‘Sorry to miss you, I was just leaving,’ he said, pushing past Jay. Yeeran wanted to go after him but she wasn’t sure if she’d be any help. Besides, she was needed here–they had a war to plan.

Furi began to stand to greet Jay but then winced and sat back down.

‘Are you all right?’ Yeeran asked.

‘Twinge in my back, that’s all. Must have slept in a strange position.’ She gave Yeeran a small smile.

‘Too much exercise, eh?’ Jay said, looking between them.

Yeeran refused to meet their gaze as Rayan stifled a laugh.

Jay set their medicine bag on the table, scattering the tokens Rayan had lovingly placed on the map. He began to right the dispersed markers, but Jay’s gaze was on the cat in Furi’s arms.

‘It’s been quite an odd morning–first rats and then your message, Furi. You said the cat is hurt?’ Jay said.

‘Miller, I’ve named him Miller,’ Furi said. He had gone limp against her but was still breathing.

‘I must say, when I became a healer in the royal hospital, I didn’t think my jurisdiction would include felines,’ Jay said, smiling. ‘Where did you find him?’

‘He caught a rat this morning and dropped it on my back,’ Furi said dryly.

‘Oh, you clever boy,’ Jay cooed as they approached.

‘He was fine last night, but as we were leaving, I noticed he was limping,’ Furi said.

‘Leaving? Spent the night somewhere, did we?’ Jay raised their eyebrows at Yeeran but she was lost in her thoughts. Furi had reminded her of the rat in the water mill. She hadn’t considered before that it could have been part of the wave of vermin the elven army had released.

What if the rats’ purpose is more than just fear?

‘Jay, stop,’ Yeeran said, halting the healer before they picked up the cat. ‘Have you got gloves?’

‘Why?’

‘I think Miller might be diseased,’ Yeeran said.

Furi looked at the cat, her eyes wide. Rayan was gazing from Furi to Yeeran, not comprehending why they both looked so shaken.

‘I always come with gloves,’ Jay said slowly. Then they cocked their head and added, ‘But if that cat is diseased, I wouldn’t recommend cuddling it.’

Furi swallowed and glanced at Yeeran. ‘I’ll be fine,’ she said, and Yeeran wondered if it was more to herself than to Yeeran. Still, she refused to be parted with Miller.

Jay put on gloves and began to assess the cat. ‘It’s as though the muscles in his leg are stiffening…I’ve never seen anything like it…’ Jay murmured.

‘The rat Miller caught had a blackened mouth, as though its jaw was decaying,’ Yeeran said.

‘Yes, I can see those symptoms presenting here. The cat’s skin is mottling, like his very muscles are atrophying…’ Jay’s voice trailed off into a whisper.