Page 36 of Phoenix Chosen 3

My mind churns. Fuckery, indeed.

16

TYLER

There are seven single-use packets of burn gel, their wrappers pristine and clean like they were just plucked brand new from some box of medical supplies.

“Boil some water,” I tell the old woman who’d been caring for Agis. “Let it cool, then wash him with a fresh cloth. After, apply the ointment contained inside of these. Make sure you use new bandages.”

She’s skeptical and mutters about how her salves are perfectly effective, but she does follow my instructions.

“I didn’t know you knew healing craft,” Airos says.

“I mean, I had to get certified for basic first aid with the company I worked for.”

Airos looks to Kalistratos like he’s expecting him to translate what I just said. Kalistratos shrugs and asks, “How in the name of the Gods did they get these?”

“They must’ve belonged to one of theothers,” I say, staying vague. I know it’s not a good idea to let Markos and the others hear too much, even though they wouldn’t understand what we’re talking about. “Remember the thing we found in Aelonos?”

I’m talking about the CD player we found locked up in a chest in the Aelonos treasury, a massive question mark that has been sitting in the back corner of my mind.

Kalistratos nods. “They could’ve been captured,” he says, “and these stolen from them.”

“Yeah. That’s what I’m thinking.”

Airos picks up one of the packets and turns it back and forth. “One problem. You say this is medicine for burns? How do you know?”

“Because it says it right there.” I tap my finger on it. “Emergency burn relief gel with antiseptic.”

“Tyler,” Airos says calmly. “I’ve studied many languages. I cannot make any sense of the runes affixed to these things. I don’t think these bandits would fare any better.”

Oops. I feel dumb.

“Then… I don’t know,” I say.

Kalistratos lowers his voice so only we can hear him. “They could be holding him captive.”

“None of this is adding up,” I say. "I think we need to get out there and figure out what’s going on, ASAP."

Blank stares.

“Er, that means as soon as possible.”

“I agree,” says Airos. “This situation has become much stranger.”

“The less time we spend in one place, the better,” Kalistratos says. “And we’ve already dawdled here for long enough.

“Cool,” I say, clapping my hands together. “Then what’s the plan?”

Kalistratos rubs his chin. “Markos? Load up the wagon with all the supplies you promised us as payment for this job. We’ll use them as our bait.”

Gral stops Markos as he moves for the door.

“You cannot be serious,” Gral says. “What if you turn and run for the hills?”

“Bro,” I mutter. “You have somerealtrust issues…”

“Easy,” Kalistratos says to Gral. “You can come along and drive the wagon.”

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