Page 41 of The Elven Healer's Apprentice

“If you feel that poorly, you best lay down on the floor, Master Healer.” Smythina hopped off her chair and began fussing about the stove.

I closed my eyes and nodded. That sounded like a wise idea. With great care, I eased down on my side and prayed for the pain to dissipate.

A fury of hoofbeats ended in a great scramble outside Smythina’s door. It was a huge contrast to the soft tapping at the door that followed. Even before my hostess reached the door, I recognized Adela’s voice through it. “Wait there, Sage. I might need you to carry him home.”

A horsey sounding snort expressed the unicorn’s disdain for that idea. I inwardly groaned at the prospect of having to ride the offended animal. The mere prospect made me ache even more.

I heard the door open.

“Excuse me, is the healer here?” Adela asked politely, while still sounding warm and friendly.

How did she do that? My head was throbbing and growing fuzzy. Something was seriously wrong with me. This was worse than when I had pushed my boundaries as a student. Adela would need to fetch the hedge healer. Junipergo would know what to do.

“Merlon? Can you hear me?” Cool hands smoothed my forehead. My magic responded instantly. The connection with her engaged and the burning pressure in my chest eased.

“I am not deaf,” I retorted. My voice sounded unusually irritated even to my ears.

“Good to know.” Her soft tone contrasted with the practical efficiency of her actions as she checked my vitals and ensured I had no injuries. “Did he fall?” She threaded her fingers through my hair, inspecting my scalp.

“No, just felt awful, so I told him to lie down.” Smythina came over to stare at Adela. “You are a human.”

Adela tensed. She went to sit back, but I caught her hand. “Need contact,” I whispered. Yes, I knew that the hobgoblin standing over us could clearly hear me, but I didn’t want to broadcast it to anyone who might linger outside. Nothing drew a crowd in this village like a strange sight. A human female riding through the village on a white unicorn with a chopped-off horn must’ve been strange enough.

Adela didn’t acknowledge my plea, except to interlace our fingers. “I am a human, a—”

“Colleague,” I supplied. I could call her my colleague. A term used of equals. It didn’t carry the anxiety I instinctively harbored against taking up an apprentice. And she was a healer in her own right. No, she wasn’t an elf or experienced in dealing with magic, but her skill with humans and in non-magical areas far exceeded mine. Yes, that would be the perfect term to use for Adela. At least for the moment.

Both females shifted their attention to me. Adela’s brow had puckered, but my patient merely smiled.

“Nice to meet you.” The elderly hobgoblin offered Adela a small bow. “What would you like to be called?”

“Adela would be perfect.” A blink and Adela’s whole demeanor shifted from guarded to warm and welcoming. “Might I inquire how I should address you?”

“Smythina works just fine, or Thina; my sister used to call me that once upon a time.”

Adela inclined her head. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Smythina. Might I ask a favor?”

“Certainly.”

“I need to get the healer on his feet, and he might not be stable at first. Would you be willing to step outside for the briefest of moments? And then we can get out of your way.”

“That sounds wise,” I agreed. “I am feeling better, but I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Say nothing more.” Smythina bustled out the door. “Do you want me to summon some others to help?” she asked over her shoulder.

I shook my head. The last thing I needed was an audience.

“No, thank you,” Adela called after her.

Chapter Thirteen

Adela

We argued the entire way back to our host’s house, garnering many side-eyes and frowns. Merlon ignored them as he insisted that we leave for the compound.

“You can gather our satchel from our chamber when we reach Hubert’s home. Then, we can set out immediately. The compound is only a few hours’ walk away.”

“And what about food?” I asked. “You seem to constantly forget that we need to eat. And rest.” I glared up at him. “And my shoes? Where did you put them?”

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