Page 52 of The Lost Guard's Healer

Galene has developed a shaky, awkward air about her, which I find adorable. “When did what happen?”

“The kissing.” Leila raises an eyebrow.

Galene focuses ahead, as if she hasn’t heard her sister.

“It’s new,” I mutter.

Leila wraps her arms around herself, reminding me of Galene. “She called you Rourk. I’m guessing that’s your real name.”

I nod. “But please, do not tell anyone.”

“Why? Why is your name a secret?”

I turn to Leila. “For the same reason I have not been able to speak to your elders.”

Leila nods with understanding. They’ve asked me to let them keep their privacy, and I’m hoping they will do the same for me.

“Did you recognize that beast?” Galene asks after a time.

Leila cocks her head.

“I did,” Jonah says, looking up. “That was Aramet. From Grandpa’s books. Is that right?”

Galene nods, and says to me, “Aramet is an ancient magical being from our legends. It was known for causing destruction wherever it went.”

Leila gasps. “Those are children’s stories. Folktales.”

“That wasn’t Aramet, though,” Galene says. “It was a behemoth like him, but not the same, I don’t think. Aramet was meant to be able to trample towns. This one was much smaller. I think it was a similar behemoth to the famous destructor.”

“How would this creature from legends be here now?” I ask, but I feel like I already know the answer.

Leila and Galene both believe it had returned to the world with the resurrection of magic.

“Speaking of magic,” Leila says. “How in all creation did you summon that light to kill the beast?”

Galene shrugs. “I’ve been practicing lately. And I think the more I try, and the more I summon, the easier it gets.” She gives a small grin. “Plus, a bit of panic seems to help summon it.”

Milo perks up. “Can you do that, too, mommy?”

“No,” Leila says quickly. “No. I didn’t inherit light magic. Instead, I got darkness.”

The world has been changing lately, and that disturbs me greatly. It must be that energy I’ve been feeling in the atmosphere. Ever since… the journey to the mountain foothills? Or before?

When we eventually reach the village, we see there is a disturbed murmur among the crowd gathered in the central field. Something seems to trouble the villagers.

A large stone pedestal has been placed in the field. A bowl shape is carved into the top of the plinth, which is filled with silvery water. A group of elderly people are standing closest to the plinth. The village elders. It’s a rare sight for me to see them among the other villagers like this.

Aldus comes to us as we make our way through the crowd. He hugs his daughters and grandsons, and claps me on the shoulder, full of relief. “What happened?” he asks when he sees the bloody remains on Galene’s dress.

“It’s of no concern now,” I tell him, as it's clear something very important is happening here.

“What is going on?” Leila asks, pulling the boys to stay close to her.

“We are in danger, my loves.” Aldus turns to his daughters. “Our worst fears are coming true.”

He takes us over to the plinth of water. Magdalena is standing nearby, while Colm and Yovin are on the other side of the crowd. It takes me a while to find Abby among them. I wonder if they’re purposely keeping themselves separated now.

Aldus’s eyes are wide and he has a trembling look about him. He’s almost unhinged. I’ve never seen him this shaken. But I suppose the idea of losing your family will do that to a man. That beast was headed in their direction. If I hadn’t got there as quickly as I did…

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