Returning to the infirmary, she discovered Michelle and Keshel had arrived. The little boy's tiny hand clasped Tae's limp one. His big brown eyes had a fire in their depths as his sweet baby voice announced, "Tae needs power."
"Yes, he does," Eveline answered as she wrapped the child in her arms. His essence gave her peace. Keshel returned the hug and kissed her cheek. The fear inside her melted away.
The king, Hesher, and Kelan were next. "I have Tae's medals," the king said. "They were to be awarded at a ceremony before the funeral pyres were lit today. I offer them to you instead. There is one for bravery and one for uncommon valor. All my soldiers will receive the first one, but the second is for his ability to remain focused despite his injuries. I am considering raising his rank as well."
"If he lives," Eveline whispered.
"I have faith that he will. There are forces at work on Talonia that I have never felt before," Hesher answered. "Are you coming out for the funerals?"
"No. I will watch and pray from here. I send with you my love and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones."
"We will see that they are received. I am sure they send well wishes to you," Kelan declared.
True to her word, Eveline pushed open the windows in the infirmary so she could listen to the ceremony as well as see it. Jax aided her in bringing Tae's cot as near as possible. Talonia sent a warm breeze through the room, freshening the air. It ruffled Tae's dark hair and gave color to his pale cheeks.
"Listen, Tae. Your comrades are receiving their medals. Here are yours," Eveline stated as she put them on his barely moving chest.
Daer joined them at the window. "Shouldn't you be at the ceremony?" she inquired.
"I still have patients, so my duties are here. Do you mind if I listen with you?"
"Of course not. How are the other patients?"
"Doing well," Daer replied. "I was afraid of losing one, but he has rallied. He will carry the scars of war all his life. He lost two fingers, a toe, and part of an ear to the vicious offspring of the Savra. There are horror stories I do not wish to repeat."
In Eveline's isolation, she had not heard nor asked about the battle. "Their young fought?"
Daer nodded. "The females too. Hesher had wanted to be compassionate and save the women and children. Once he saw the evil in all of them, he destroyed the planet."
"I don't feel sad about it. That may be terrible of me, but I hated them," Eveline admitted.
"It is understandable after what you went through."
The pyres were lit, and colorful smoke filled the air. The warm breeze sent it toward the infirmary along with the chants of the citizens.
"Energy and peace from the waterfalls are taken.
Strength from the volcanoes must not be forsaken.
Lifeforce to our world we choose to return.
For its graces and gifts, our loved ones we burn."
The smoke came through the window, bypassing Eveline, Daer, and Jax. The colorful ash swirled over Tae and gently settled on his prone body. His skin appeared to soak it in.
"What's happening?" Eveline asked.
"I do not know," Daer answered. "I have never seen such a strange phenomenon."
Tae let out a gasp, and his body jerked. His eyes opened, though he seemed to see nothing. They were not the royal blue Eveline was used to seeing. Instead, they swirled with all the colors of the rainbow, spinning so fast it made her dizzy.
"Do something," she demanded of Daer.
"There is not anything I can do. Do not be frightened. I believe Talonia is gifting Tae with the strength of its fallen. He is meant to live a long life. Watch, his eyes are clearing."
He was right. Tae's eyes were royal blue once again. They came into focus and latched on to Eveline. Slowly his hand raised and he whispered, "I felt you, my love. Without the energy in your tears, I would have left this world." His voice grew stronger. "There are voices in my head, memories of others who I fear are gone. Their power courses through my veins. My wounds are healing, rapidly. I do not understand."
"Don't fight it. A great gift has been bestowed upon you. Let it seep into your muscles and bones. Enfold it with your heart. Talonia has found you worthy of its sacrifice. You must repay its kindness by accepting the gift and giving your undivided loyalty to it for all your life," Eveline proclaimed.
"No one is going to believe this," Jax announced. "I need to find my father and sisters. They will rejoice."
"Yes, Jax. Go and shout it to all who will listen. A miracle was performed today, and we have many families to thank for their sons' contribution," Daer declared.
"What happens now?" Eveline asked.
"We examine Tae, who I imagine will be perfectly healed. Then we let him get cleaned and dressed. I expect an influx of citizens soon. He must be ready to greet them. I will give you a moment of peace to welcome him back. Do not take too long. As you can see, Jax has made it outside and is yelling the news."
Daer quickly examined Tae and discovered he had been correct. Tae was healthy, and his wounds were now small scars. Why Tae had been given such a gift was beyond his understanding. Shaking his head in confusion, he left to hold off the crowd.
