Page 137 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

"Tell me you’re not a healer without telling me you’re not a healer,” I giggled.

“Someone is heading this way,” he said, nonchalant, pickingup the basket. “Point me to where to hang these for you,” he said for the newcomer’s benefit.

“You don’t have to do that.”

"It would be my pleasure to assist my new sister.” And although it was for whoever might be listening, my heart warmed at the little bond I’d formed with someone so important to Jaxus.

I was finally done for the day and so ready to go home. On top of all the side missions for Faolan, I’d worked full clinic hours, showing my willingness to integrate by immersing myself as a healer. They’d kept a close eye on me for the first week I’d been here, but as days passed, they became less and less interested. The healers had accepted me, we trusted our own. We wouldn’t be doing this work if we weren’t passionate about it. There was a trust between even healers who’d never met, and it was no different here.

Now I came and went as I pleased. I worked alongside the other healers as an equal. Emrys beamed each time he passed. He’d been my champion with the healers here and I’d become a trusted source.

I carried guilt, knowing they’d feel I’d betrayed them all, but it was unavoidable.

“Kiera, I have those ingredients for you,” Emrys called. I collected my things, ready to leave, and headed for the store where he’d been checking inventory all afternoon.

Emrys pulled me into the store and closed the door behind us.

The small storage room overflowed with odds and ends and about an inch of dust.

I held my finger under my nose, trying not to sneeze. “What ingredients?”

“I thought you might find a use for these,” he said, handing me a healer’s satchel.

It was heavy in my hands, and I frowned in question.

“Take a look,” he said with enthusiasm.

I opened the satchel, and inside was packed with pouches of dried herbs, seed packets, and vials of a greenish oil. I looked back at Emrys.

“Lepid,” he confirmed. “I didn’t know which form you would need for the cure, so I gave you all we have. Except for the plant itself. Thats a little big to transport!”

I lifted the vial of oil and held it up to inspect. It was vibrant and viscous.

“That is an essence I made myself. I sometimes find the dried leaves are not as potent as I need, so I developed a fast-acting, easily absorbed concentrate. You never know when these little experiments will be invaluable. Goddess willing, it will help you on your quest.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, Emrys.”

“Find a way to help your friend and then win the coming war. I’ll be right there watching you shine.”

I embraced him.

“You are the perfect match for my friend. I thank the Goddess he followed his heart and ventured away from here to find you.”

“Emrys, don’t make me cry.” I’m going to turn heads walking home all puffy-eyed.

“Get some rest when you get home, Kiera. I will see you later.” He patted my shoulder and held the door open for me.

FIFTY-THREE

JAXUS

“Let me buy another round.” I picked up the mugs of ale, but Faolan put his hand on my wrist. I lifted a brow.

He tipped his chin. “Maybe only you should have another.”

I understood his meaning. “None of you are any fun,” I slurred my speech a little, stumbling as I stood from the table. I set the mug on the bar and held up two fingers.

The barkeep looked me over. I set the coins on the counter, and he shrugged, refilling the mugs and sliding them over to me. I took them back to the table, keeping both. “Don’t you even look at them,” I warned my brother.

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