A Cure for Death - Part 2

Written in collaboration with Julie Kyed.

Foreglade did not acknowledge Rala’s presence at first even though it was he who had summoned her to his office. He took his time organizing odd looking flasks and instruments on a large wooden shelf and did not turn to face her before she spoke:

“When are you going to do it? My father’s strength is failing.”

“I’m afraid it is not that simple.”

Rala felt a sudden anger flare up in her

“I don’t understand. You said there was a way! You promised-”

“And I intend to keep my promise, child," Foreglade spoke calmly and unshaken by Rala’s outburst. “But I am afraid that I am missing one very crucial ingredient for the potion required. There is an herb that only grows in the Alkaka Valleys, and though it is not widely known its healing qualities, when used properly, are exquisite.”

“But it would take days at least to reach the Alkaka Valleys! How is my father supposed to make it for that long?”

“I will brew up something that should hold the infestation at bay and ease his pain while we make the trip.”

“We?”

“Naturally. You agreed to be my apprentice and I shall want you to come along to the Alkaka Valleys with me.” Foreglade gave her a queer look before continuing. “Hopefully you will come to appreciate the fine arts of being a healer.”

*****

Rala stuffed the last of her few belongings into the old burlap sack that had helped compose part of her makeshift bed on the floor of her father's room. Despite his affliction, her father was sleeping undisturbed in his bed, the only proper one in the small room that her family had all shared since they moved to the big city, only a year after her brother's birth. They came here looking for opportunity, and although times had always been difficult Rala had come to call the place home.

Her best friend Robin was standing in the corner, gaze affixed to the floorboards, her wispy, dirty blonde hair hanging low over her face. Her soft voice, seemingly devoid of any emotion, carefully broke the tense silence.

"So when are you going to be back?"

Rala paused her packing. "I don't know." To her dismay her voice broke on the last word, and she had to look away as an unbidden tear escaped from her eye. Last night's sudden bravery to the call of action had slowly devolved in the hours since into cold fear of an unknown future.

Her worries ricocheted ballistically around her head. She didn't want to be the creepy Doctor Foreglade's apprentice. She didn't want to leave her home and travel with this stranger into the wilderness. She didn't want to become a healer, and she didn't want her father to die, and she wished her mother was here, because she would make everything okay again.

She knew that last thought wasn't true, but she wished it regardless.

Rala cleared her throat and gathered herself. Falling into dispair wasn't going to help anybody. She turned towards Robin. "Not long I don't think. Foreglade said it'd be about a week long journey to the Alkaka Valleys."

Robin looked up. "Oh... well that's not too bad right?"

Rala forced a smile. "Yeah, not too bad."

"You worried?"

Rala wanted to yell "Are you insane? Of course I am!" but she settled for "Yeah, a little. Never been down south before."

The tense atmosphere had abated now, and Robin was easing back into her usual lively self. "I hear the Southlands are pretty dangerous. You remember everything I taught you?" she asked, playfully punching Rala's shoulder.

Rala punched back with slightly more force and laughed. "You didn't teach me anything!"

Robin gave her a wide smile. "Yeah, right."

Robin was the first friend Rala made when she moved to the city. She was a year younger than Rala but tougher than anyone she knew. She had to be. An orphan that lived on the streets, surviving only by stealing and scrounging, Rala was amazed that Robin hadn't ended up dead or worse long ago. Rala was grateful that Robin had taken her under her guidance, as Robin's street smarts had gotten her out of dire situations more than once.

"Let me go with you."

Robin's request caught her off guard. "What? No!"

"Why not? It'll be dangerous out there. You need me."

Rala hesitated. The more she thought about it, the better it sounded. The idea of being alone with Foreglade for two weeks unnerved her.

"Honestly, I'd love for you to come. I'm just not sure Foreglade would allow it. He doesn't exactly know you."

Robin scoffed. "I'm going. I'll sneak on the back of the wagon if I have to."

Rala smiled, feeling both relieved and a bit excited. This trip might not be so horrible after all. She grabbed her bag and approached her father's bed. Bending down and kissing him on the cheek, she whispered, "Goodbye father. I love you, and I promise to be back in no time." She straightened back up and turned towards Robin, who was giving her a sympathetic smile, and they walked out the door together.

In the hallway, Foreglade was handing the innkeeper a trunk full of medical supplies, "Everything you'll need is in here. Just give him a spoonful of the light brown liquid every morning. Even with the medicine, the toxin will continue to spread, albeit at a much slower rate, so expect his condition to gradually worsen over time. We should be back well before the toxin reaches any vital organs." Foreglade then whipped out a small card and gave it to the speechless innkeeper, who was clearly overwhelmed. "This is the address of a colleague of mine. If you need any assistance I'm sure she will be more than willing to help. And finally-" The healer retrieved five large gold coins from a bag tethered around his waist. "This should be enough to wipe the poor man's debts clean, pay for his accomidies, and a little extra for your trouble."

The innkeeper stammered as he took his payment. "Th-thank you sir! Very kind."

Foreglade turned to face Rala. "Ready to go?"