Page 46 of Magic and Medicine

‘Nicely? I think asking nicely doesn’t involve attempted murder. Was it you who put that burning rune on my back?’ I asked, and he shrugged, gaze darting toward the orb, which was duller now.

‘My apologies. The attack on your person was unsanctioned, and a reprimand has already been issued. She was only tasked to find you since our late seer foresaw a Soul Shepherd may be born in this city. It was fascinating to observe how easily you slid into your new life. You surprised me… us. My master wishes to win you to our side with a mutually beneficial arrangement and is willing to enter into negotiations with you. You have two days to think it over, Soul Shepherd. Spill your blood and whisper Czernobog’s name if you choose to communicate. He will enter your dreams as he came to mine. Listen to his offer. He will show you who you truly are and why Veles’ mongrel clings to your side.’ Rostov was nearly spitting his instructions out at the end, a zealot’s fervour burning in his eyes. I moved away, but he followed me. ‘Two days, Sara. Refuse him, and your loved ones will die to feed Czernobog’s power.’

A cracking sound distracted me; it was Rostov’s orb splintering and falling to the floor while the lift started moving. Nonchalantly brushing his hands clean, he smiled, unconcerned that his special magic was in pieces, and I wondered what made this seemingly ordinary man so confident. Curious, I tried to assess his power, clumsily directing my ability, then swiftly withdrew, sensing the waves of magic pulsing through the small space. The amount of energy was intimidating, but we were in my domain, and I was damned if some arsehole could come here and threaten my second family.

‘Get the fuck out of my hospital and my city, and if you dare threaten my kin, I’ll hunt you down and tear your balls off.’ My voice had never been this quiet, this icy when I was angry, but I meant every word. Veronica hadn’t taught me offensive spells. My magic wasn’t meant for combat, but she had shown me one thing I could use it for, and I gathered every ounce of willpower I had, thrusting the energy forward like a dagger into his mind. If I could immobilise him long enough, I could call Leszek and let him deal with the arsehole.

My mind brushed his when I released a mental attack, and I caught horrifying images of the elder races and humans mutilated and buried in peat bogs or marshlands to appease the dark god. Dark Arcana came from suffering, and their pain was transformed into the energy that fuelled dozens of orbs similar to the one he’d held in his hand. Not just the orbs… a room…

Null-time bubble. The name floated to his mind’s surface. Polished amber with golden runes etched over the surface. He seemed to cherish it, as if existing outside of time gave him free rein to do as he pleased.

For a few seconds, Rostov looked shocked that I’d dared to invade his mind, and I used this to my advantage. I wished I had something more, but my measly gathered power was already depleted. Still, I wasn’t done with him yet. This time, it wasn’t magic, but my Krav Maga training, or as Nina called it, that weird fight club, and I launched myself forward to attack. The Warlock was faster, almost anticipating my move, twisting away, so all I could manage was a deep scratch to his neck, blood splashing onto my face as he pushed past me, throwing something to the floor. When it smashed, time slowed, and Rostov escaped through the opening elevator door down an empty corridor leading to the main entrance.

Rostov paused, looking back over his shoulder. ‘You are strong and bold, Sara. As I said, I observed you and came prepared. Still, I am pleasantly surprised you went that far.’ His smirk made me want to punch him, and that anger helped me fight the effects of his magic.

‘I will find you, you arsehole.’ I said, my voice distorted by the time dilation.

‘Yes, please, Soul Shepherd, but don’t worry, we’ll see each other soon. With my blood staining your soul, you’ll have little choice. Czernobog will be pleased by such a development. Contact my master before the deadline, or we will come for you, killing those you love if they try to stop us,’ he said, flinching, eyes widening when he realised I was rushing toward him.

While he was gloating over his superiority, I fought his spell, my mind hammering against the strange feeling holding me tight, imagining it tearing, falling away into dust like his damn orb until I felt it, a break, and I clawed at it, widening the gap, till time snapped, falling back into place. Blood burst from my nose, but I was free and moving at speed, crashing into Rostov like a ton of bricks and falling to the floor, gasping for breath.

‘You bloody bitch!’ His voice echoed in the still-empty corridor while his fist flew toward my head with furious speed. I raised my arm defensively, blocking the attack, but the force of the blow threw me back against the wall, smacking my head against the solid concrete.

‘Hey, what’s going on here?’ The shouted enquiry helped centre my thoughts, making it easier to focus on Rostov as he turned with a snarl.

‘Ungrateful human. I hope you fight, seer. I want to see the light die in your eyes when Czernobog forces your compliance.’ With that, he turned on his heel, rushing toward the exit.

Our security guard didn’t attempt to chase him, rushing to my side and checking I was safe and sound before helping me stand.

‘What happened, doctor? I got comms about a lift malfunction and came to check, but you… what happened? Why are you bleeding?’ He asked, pulling a pack of tissues from his pocket.

‘It’s alright. The elevator got stuck, and I don’t like tight, locked-up places.’ I said, wiping the streak of blood from my chin.

‘Will you be alright? Should I take you to the Emergency Department?’ he offered, and I sniggered, patting his shoulder.

‘Thank you, but I’m fine. Let me just pick up my things, and I’ll be off. Using the stairs this time.’ I said, reaching to pick up the pieces of amber, and the guard coughed, trying to ignore what I was gathering up.

‘All right then. I’ll get the engineers to check the elevator. Be careful, doctor,’ he said, and I nodded, forcing a smile, then heading to the staircase.

As soon as I disappeared from the guard’s sight, my legs buckled, and I had to sit on the stairs to gather my thoughts. A short, quiet sob was the only sound I allowed myself before reining in my emotions. Rostov came here hoping to find a Soul Shepherd; talk about fucking luck. Fear and tension gripped me, but I refused to cry. If someone saw me, they’d want to know why I was sitting on the stairs with a bloody nose, sobbing my heart out.

I felt completely, utterly drained, the need for sleep almost overwhelming, but after a few calming breaths, I dragged myself down to Emergency.

It took an industrial amount of coffee and fussing over from Nina before I could function like a normal human being, or at least pretend to. I put the pieces of the orb and a scrap of fabric I’d somehow torn from Rostov’s coat in my bag, making a mental note to show them to Leszek and tell him about the bastard’s visit and the threats. Including the one he alluded to, that he’s marked me.

It worried me, but I didn’t feel any different. There were no burning runes or a desire to go on a killing spree, well, no more than usual when working in the ER, so I shrugged it off, focusing on my patients. Despite the lack of sleep, time flew by, filled with everyday emergencies and minor injuries, a rhythm I welcomed. I didn’t notice the time until I found myself changing to go home, with Nina making jokes and pulling faces.

With my head and arms locked in a struggle to tame a jumper I swore used to be bigger, a junior nurse called out from the locker room door.

‘Sara, your boys are here to pick you up.’ She said, and I frowned.

‘My… boys?’ My reaction was less than stellar as the jumper fought my efforts to wear it.

Her laugh made everything click, though she took great pleasure in reminding me.

‘Damian and Rysiek. They are adamant you owe them a beer. I must admit, they look cute in civilian clothes.’

Right, the accident and the promise we’d made, beer and an explanation. I looked at Nina, and she shrugged.

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