Claiming The Remnant

Chapter 21

[ Taiya ]

“Lady Esther.” Asperonin bowed deeply. The thought of seeing him had ended up being more frightening than actually seeing him. Healers were so innocuous. Their golden blond hair, their kind and gentle demeanour, their calming presence; everything about Healers was safe. 

“Good morning, Healer Asperonin.” I gave a polite nod in his direction but did not rise. “Would you like to join us for tea?” If he was surprised by my offer he didn’t show it. 

“A very generous offer, My Lady, but I am here for observation only. Please continue.” He gestured from the sitting room doorway. 

“So, Lady Esther,” Poflorin started, “shall we begin?” His eyes were desperately trying not to flick over to where his Father was standing. I cleared my throat.

“My apologies, Healer Asperonin, but would you mind sitting down. You’re making me quite nervous.” It was a little true but mostly I was asking for Poflorin’s sake.

“Yes, of course.” His smile was empty but polite as he came and sat in a turquoise armchair just off to the left. 

“Thank you.” I returned the polite empty smile to Asperonin before returning my attentions to Poflorin. “Please continue, Healer Poflorin.”

Poflorin asked me all the usual questions and he even made a point of asking after my arm which I showed him. The bruising had become pale yellow with a mildly green hue. According to Poflorin it was healing at a normal rate and he was pleased that it had given me no bother.

All the basics covered, Poflorin set down his now empty tea cup atop a saucer on a high side table. I could see that Poflorin was a little nervous as he rose from the seat opposite to come and perform his exam. Clearly his Father was putting him on edge.

“Deep breath, relax.” It was almost as if he were speaking to himself. Healer Poflorin placed one hand against the side of my head, his fingers warm from holding the tea, and one hand just above my hip. He had previously explained to me that the positioning was important as it allowed the magic to flow between both points, passing across all the major organs. Other placements worked but according to Poflorin they were less effective, the Healer had to expend a lot more care to ensure the magic successfully diffused itself through all the body.

Poflorin adjusted his hands more than once, something he hadn’t done all week. I could practically feel the confidence being sapped from him. He was entirely jarred by Healer Asperonin’s watchful gaze. Finally the Young Healer settled his hands and began.

The magic sang through me, a delicate, unobtrusive feeling. Poflorin lingered a little longer than usual. 

“All done, Lady Esther, and all is well.” He stepped back and bowed. Poflorin was itching to get approval from his Father, I could tell but he ignored the urge to query his Father’s observations. Perhaps tomorrow there would be an opportunity to speak casually with him about the troubles with his Father. He was so bright and kind, talented in his field as far as I could tell; truly, what reason could there be for his Father to take quarrell? Hum, perhaps it would be inappropriate of me. It was none of my business after all. I decided that it was probably best that I didn’t broach it but if it came up I would lend an ear. 

Lending an ear was likely all I could do, afterall I still couldn’t recall my own Father’s face - let alone any disagreements we may or may not have had. This whole week had gone by and no new memories had surfaced, I felt as lost as the first day.

“As you are indeed in an improved health, today Isha will come and finish fitting you with a wardrobe. It will be late morning, heading to noon time when she arrives. After that His Majesty will receive you in his study, a private audience before you are introduced to Josephine. She will be your guide to the grounds and companion while you are with us. Finally, if you are not overwhelmed, the King has invited you to dine at his table this evening.”         

“That sounds like an adventure of a day.” I beamed. 

“Good!” Poflorin chuckled at my enthusiasm. “I shall leave you to your day then. If you require me, please don’t hesitate to request my attendance.” 

“You will be my first port of call, I assure you. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.” I said as he readied to depart. 

“Indeed, My Lady, tomorrow.” Poflorin turned to leave and his Father rose as well.

“Thank you for having me, Lady Esther.” Asperonin said, with what appeared to be strained politeness.

“Of course Head Healer Asperonin, unlike some, I would never be so discourteous.” The words were out before I could stop them. Where the jibe had come from I didn’t know. I had to work not to slam my hand over my mouth, that would have been even more unladylike. 

“Indeed.” He replied with a twinkle in his golden eyes. 

“Good day.” I nodded my departing words.

“Good day, Lady Esther.” The Healer said, returning my own words to me before following his son out of my quarters.    

Han squeezed my shoulder and poured me another cup of tea. The pot was still perfectly hot and I suspected it was infused with magic to keep it warm. The privileges of being rich and having access to the best magic wielders I supposed. A twang of jealousy hit me. 

What an odd thought. I was a privileged lady, wouldn’t I have similar things at home? What need would I have to be jealous? Pushing the strange thoughts aside I sipped my tea and looked at the crackling fire. It was all so cosy and warm. This had been my favourite perch but in this moment, as I watched tongues of fire dancing, a discomfort crept over me. The hiss of the flames seemed to speak. It called out in a violent whisper.

My hand, unbidden, felt my cheek, my ear, my hairline. The fire was telling me something. I could almost hear it. 

My heart galloped. My lungs demanded more air than the room seemed prepared to give. Still the fire whispered and still I could only almost hear.