3. The Healer
”What did you bring me this time Amaru” the young man’s form had blocked out the moon’s light.
“You always know it’s me, Toci” the affection in his voice made the old woman smile. Amaru was a blessing to her. After the death of her husband and son, Toci was sure that she would never find happiness again. Until Amaru came to her life. The young man was a gift from the gods. Amaru was a welcomed companion and very helpful. He helped her keep the gardens tidy, do housework and keep the bandits away.
Her joy at seeing her surrogate son turned to horror when she saw what her son was carrying. The body of a young woman. She was still breathing, thank the gods but otherwise the young woman did not look well. As soon as Amaru set her down Toci jumped into action. She gathered items and shooed Amaru out of the way.
”shoo Amaru. I know you have been out all night. Go get rest. I will awaken you this evening” Amaru left, tugging the curtain closed behind him.
Toci prayed to the gods as she fed the young woman the mixture of herbs. She hoped this time the gods would be kind and save the young girl’s life.
Bee
“Mama please let me go instead” Bee followed her mother around the compound. The elder woman was in flurry. Meri had not returned from her trip to the temple. Demetria was going to go to see the Amazonian queen, so they could get help searching for Meri. Bee didn’t want her to go. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her mother leaving Helike would result in something horrible happening.
“There isn’t time to argue Bee. I said no and that is the end of it” her mother snapped. Demetra called to Mako. While Bee wasn’t allowed to go, her mother had allowed her cousin to leave Helike with her.
“But Mama” Bee was cut off by her father, who had come over from her mother’s room.
“Be safe Demetra” he pulled her into a hug. Bee didn’t hear any of what her parents has said after that. When her father pulled away to stand next to Bee, she noticed the pain showing his face.
”We will return soon” Demetra promised. Titus nodded. As her cousin and mother left Titus spoke to her.
”don’t worry Boudicca everything will be alright” she wanted to believe her father’s words but she couldn’t shake the dread.
Demetra
The trip to the queen’s household was a silent one. Mako had rarely been off of Helike, this should have been an exciting time for him but both were too worried about everything happening. Titus was ill, no matter how much of a show he put on Demetra could see it. He had collapsed a few days earlier. He brushed it off but it was getting worse.
”Demetra, do you think Meri is okay” Mako had finally spoke as they neared their destination.
”I am sure she is” Demetra wasn’t lying. Despite her worries she knew that Meri would be okay. They walked up the steps of the queen’s home. A servant rushed off to find the queen. The house was a lot nicer then the last time she was here. There were more flours and birds fluttering around the place.
“Demetra” the queen and her attendant came into view.
“Shocking to see you out of your armor” Katsumi’s face was neutral. Neither of the women were on speaking terms since Mahina was imprisoned. Demetra had begged Katsumi to speak reason into the queen. Myrina had done nothing wrong, Katsumi knew this but she refused to free her. Demetra doubted that Katsumi had gone to visit Myrina.
”Greeting Provider. I am honored by your visit” the young queen cut into their conversation. “What may I do for you”
”Thank you my lady” Demetra bowed slightly, to show respect. “Our creator heiress Meritamun has not return from the celebration of the Underworld last night. We request help in searching for her”
”of course, come we must discuss what needs to be done” Demetra followed the queen, leaving Mako and Katsumi in the courtyard.
Isla Amazon Challenge 