“I need to speak with my mother,” Midhir stated as soon as the door to Lord Orlein’s study closed behind him. He didn’t bother hide the urgency in his voice – both of them knew the severity of the situation.
Lord Orlein pressed his lips together for a split second before nodding. “Very well, I will have the sending mirror delivered to your chambers.”
“Thank you,” Midhir forced a smile. “I’ll visit my classmates first, then return. Where is Alistair?”
Lord Orlein scowled. “He should be in the hospital as well, helping however he can,” he shook his head in what seemed like hopelessness. “Please have him return with you. There is much to be done, and we have little time to lose.”
The beautiful city of roses was covered in a thick layer of ash, with a cloud of smoke still lingering in the skies above. People dragged their feet as they walked. Everywhere he looked, he saw despair and grief, pain, and agony.
His steps carried him towards the burned church. Its bell tower had toppled, and most of its roof collapsed. There were still some wounded people being tended to before they were carried off to the hospital.
Only a handful of steps away from the church’s entrance, the pavement had caved in. He stood a safe distance away from it, his gaze fixed on the seemingly endless darkness. He fiddled with the glowing flower’s stem absentmindedly. He wanted to go back down to the ancient temple built above that underground lake. He couldn’t help but feel like he had missed something there – something of vital importance.
He pried his eyes away from the cave-in and forced himself to walk away. Either way the cavern needed to be investigated, but not right at this moment, and especially not when he was alone.
He made his way to the hospital – a large structure built atop a hill. It was surrounded by beautiful gardens and was only a short walk away from the market district. Despite being so close, it was devoid of the destruction and chaos still lingering on Bareon.
Lit up by crystal lamps, the hospital was bright and colourful. Nurses and healers rushed about, paying him little mind. Despite the calm, almost serene air about the place, the grim reality of many dying and suffering people was barely hidden under the surface.
He could hear crying as people wept for their loved ones. As he passed by some rooms, he caught glimpses of nurses covering the deceased with sheets. A fragile, solemn silence reigned – one stemming from loss and grief, or relief and exhaustion.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
The directions he received from the front desk proved quite helpful as he soon spotted two familiar faces chatting by the door to a room.
With a faint smile, he approached Willow and Alistair. “Glad to see you alive,” he softly spoke up.
Willow visibly flinched as her back was turned to him. She turned around wide eyed, and her face lit up. “Midhir!” She whispered, then shot a calmer Alistair a mischievous glance. “See, told you he’d be fine!” She giggled.
The young noble chuckled softly. “I never doubted it,” he replied keeping his voice low as to not disturb the fragile silence. “Come, let’s not stand in the hallway. Lonan is awake.”
Midhir’s felt his chest tighten. As much as he hated to admit it, Lonan being here, and being somewhat unwell after what he went through had completely slipped his mind this morning. “What about Arwen?” he asked while Willow pushed him into the room, and Alistair followed them.
The room was somewhat spacious, with a couch, a chair and a bed taking up some of the space. On the bed lay Lonan, wearing a simple white gown. His eyes were closed, but they shot opened as the three of them stepped inside.
The only other person in the room was Arwen. Laying on the couch, she was asleep.
“Midhir!” Lonan exclaimed loudly, waking Arwen up in the process. He placed his hand on his heart dramatically, “You came!”
While Willow rolled her eyes at his theatrics, Midhir couldn’t help but laugh. “How have you both been?” he asked, glancing at Lonan, then Arwen, who sat up.
“I’m fine!” Lonan smirked. “The nurses wanted me to stay here – and your classmate over there,” he glanced at Arwen, “because apparently the city was under attack. That’s what they said. I was supposed to stay at the Lord’s residence otherwise…”
“The city was indeed under attack.” Alistair sighed. “My apologies for not being able to properly welcome you to my father’s residence, but-“
“I’m joking!” Lonan cut the young noble off with a wave of his hand. “I don’t like posh places like that anyways – Midhir knows!” He smirked.
“I really don’t…” Midhir muttered with a chuckle. “I’m glad to hear you’re in good health though. And you seem much better too, Arwen. I’m relieved.”
Arwen’s face lit up with a smile. “Willow told me what happened. That you two healed me. Thank you,” She placed her hand on her chest. “The nurses said I won’t have any lasting effects from the wound – not even a scar. They were quite surprised at how powerful the healing resonance was. I didn’t know you could cast such powerful resonances.”
Midhir quickly shook his head. “It’s not the resonance that was powerful at all,” he explained, “With Willow’s help, I was able to use more spiritual power than I normally can. That’s why the resonance worked at all. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.”
Willow had clearly never shown much interest in crystals – she just knew how to use them – and Arwen hadn’t seen the crystal he used. It was fine for them to believe it was just Willow’s help that healed her almost fully. Arwen didn’t need to know of that crystal – it would simply bring forth too many questions.
“Right – now that you’re here too, can we leave?” Lonan piped up. “I know this may sound tone deaf, but I was told my expertise was needed in the old palace ruins, and I’d like to fulfil that obligation.” He took a deep breath. “I know the city itself came under attack, but these were the same group that were seen in those ruins. Perhaps my knowledge could still be of some use.”
A moment passed in silence before Alistair nodded. “I certainly hope so. I will speak with the nurses, I’m sure you’re well enough to leave.”