day 12 21144

Kell settled into the bed and closed her eyes, appearing to have fallen asleep. The guys started arguing over who was going to stay with her when. Kell felt a smile tug at her lips then she pushed the out side world away, turning her awareness in she ran a complete check on her body. The injurers had been more server then they hag let on, but they were healing well. She was lower on power, to lower to move a glass. But not to low to seek a recharge. She then turn to the land seeking one of the natural pools to draw from. But recoiled. The contamination had gone deeper then they knew or could heal. It had twisted the very roots of life in the area. It needed fixing, but she was to week. The only thing to do was to seek others, so she moved her attention up and out, pulling her self into the paths that let the chosen hear the words. It was not the Goddess words she was seeking, though as always they would be welcome, but other chosen to pass the word and find a healer for the land. With those thoughts she set foot to the paths and walked. Stopping when she felt others. “There is a land that needs help. I have been hurt and am to week to fix it. Buy the time I am able I fear it will have gown. Is there one here who can help?” She showed them what she had seen in the ground. “Those who are with me were able to clean the surface, but they can not see the roots. There are servants of Sun, they have not the touch of the Crone to let them see the under world.”

A old man answered her. “I am far to help, and to old to travel but can find one close who is able to. Thank you for having the wisdom to seek help.” He left and then was back with a younger one.

The other asked. “Grandfather showed me. Can you tell me how it was done?”

Kell said. “Not in full. There was some blood magic and torture done in the town, but not enough time passed for it to have been able to do that much damage. I know who is responsible, and can say that we took care of most of them, we think all. But cannot be certain. This group,” She let the image form. “moved in and was holding the town under siege. They held it for fourteen days, the last two of which we were engaging them in battle. I didn’t see all of what was done in the town. I was injured in the last battle and so did not enter the town.”

“But you know some? Show us.”

Kell said. “It is bad, as bad as some images of Sleaim massacre.”

“The warning is appreciated.”

Kell nodded and the images she had seen and gathered form. “I have no knowledge of what went on in the builds. But the only serious were from those three there that the invades were successfully kept out. From the tone I was told that in. I feel that any found alive in the others were killed or allowed to die out of mercy.” She played back that conversation for them.

A new voice said. “What else do you know about the attackers?”

Kell said. “All wore a symbol of a tree covered in snakes.” She Showed then the symbol. “This is the sixth confirmed encounter the mercenary company I am with has had with the symbol in the last two years, though the first with real fighters warring it. It is usually jus one man, some times two, and weapons. They use a form of mind control to make the farmers into fighters that will stop at nothing. The only way we have found to break the spell is to kill the one making it. However only tow means have had any success. Either you must remove the head or take him out with mage strikes. And it can exhaust a five stair mage. That would be an mage that can take from the big pools. We were looking for more information when news of the trouble reached us. Think is that is some kind of cult. We have hints of it sixty years ago in Amerdean. Then from anther book there was the image caved in a rock east of Sunhallow, seen around the time. And lastly a map was fond that is at lest a hundred fifty years old that shoes the symbol over Ketcane. But we are only finding hints.”

“Keep looking, if you are finding hints you must be going in the right direction.”

Kell said. “We had pretty much exhausted Ariby’s books so will move to Wisdom I think. I plan on looking at the family books for that time if we do. If it is related it will be there. Those years are so plain that I never spent much time with they, It never dawned on me to question why they were so dull, when the rest are illustrated. But know.”

“Sounds good Granddaughter. I thought the same. I will get you help when I can. It is a meeting year.”

“And I will look and see what I can find here, as I am on the other side.”

A melodies voice rang out. “One thing is certain, if they can do the type of damage they did the sooner they are found the better for all. The tracks you are on will bare fruit if you stay with them. I will lead if you are open. But you must work on your own. I we will be there in time.”

She left, but not with out leaving Kell stronger. Looking around she could tell the others had felt her touch as well. “We all have work to do, but is there one here who knows the road between Lynching and Wisdom? I need the name of a provider of spell books, blank that is.”

The old man said. “When you reach Riverton look for the book, ask for Philip. He will have what you need. And stop the worrying we will clean it. Trouble shared is trouble halved. You did right to bring it here.” With that he left.

Kell said. “Thank you all.” And with drew herself. She meant to open her eyes, but drifted in to a real sleep instead.

She was awakened by the clatter of trays and stomps of feet. She opened her eyes and moved to set up. Instantly there were hands helping her.  He helped over to take care of her bodies demands then back to the bed. “Um how long was I out?”

Athions said. “About four hours is all. Why?”

Kell grinned. “I am starving again. Is there a table close by that you can help to? I want to get out of this bed.”

Athions waved a healer over. “Is it all right if she moves out to the table under the trees?”

The healer nodded. “We are to let her do anything she feels up to. But I am to say no foot races. Take it slow.”

Kell nodded. “Not to worry I just want some air and food. The table will be my limit.” He nodded, so Athions helped her up and out to the table. Kell sat with a sigh of relief. “I am glad that it was no further. I don’t think I would have made it.”

Athions said. “I am surprised you did. There were chairs all long the way or I wouldn’t have let you try. Now can you move a bit further down? We can take that chair by the tree so there is no chance of any one coming up behind you.”

Kell nodded and stood up again to shuffle the few steps to the other chair and sat again. “This dose feel better. Now how about some water?”

He brought over a pitcher and glass, then half filed the glass.  “I thought you would want to try lifting it, and I am not going to let you try to hold more than that.”

Kell laughed. “Fair enough.”

“Remember to use your right hand and if it slips I will have it.”

Steven said, “That brings back memories, you mind if I join you? Nice to see you out.”

Kell smiled. “That chair is empty, so go ahead.” She reached for the glass and picked it up. She managed to get a drink and set it back on the table. Though it was shaking a good bit on the way down. “Well that will help some. Just as long as it isn’t heavier.”

Athions nodded. “So is there anything you don’t want to eat?”

Kell smiled. “Whatever you bring me will disapere, but if possible no fish. Oh and know if there are things that need to be cut, you will do the cutting. I am not going near a knife for a few days yet.”

He nodded. “I will be back in a bit. Could you see that the glass doesn’t set empty long?”

Stef nodded. “No problem there.” Athions nodded and left. “So I know you are go to hate being asked, but how are you? How are those burns? I do feel awful about”

“About saving my life? Trust me a few buns is a small price to pay for what you saved me from.” Stef shook his head Kell went on. “They are healing well. There will be scars but I will have full use in time. I must be careful as the skin is tender and will be easy to tear as it heals but it will heal, is healing.” She carefully to the glove off her left hand and held it out so he could see, moving the fingers a bit, Then put the glove back on. “Some where down the road I will need to find a pot of lotion to keep the skin from drying out as it heals. But it is doing fine for now. How are you holding up?”