“Pain is better than death.”
Snowfall was not fooled. “I have mushrooms,” she offered, pulling out a few tiny dried pieces.
Wild Winds held out a shaky hand and took one.
“What is that?” Hanstau demanded, nudging Cadr, pointing at the mushrooms. “He’s already had willow-bark tea.”
Wild Winds slipped a small piece between his teeth and gums. “You explain, Snowfall,” he said, waiting for the dulling effects to begin.
“I will,” Snowfall promised as she gave the healer the rest. “But first I must tell you, Master. This healer sees the power in the land.”
Wild Winds snapped his eyes open. “What?”
Cadr huffed out a breath and started translating the flurry of questions and answers that followed.
“A Xyian,” Wild Winds breathed out in wonder. It had never occurred to him that they might be able to use the magic of the Plains. “You must come with me, when I leave,” Wild Winds said. “You must be taught.”
“Leave?” Simus asked.
“I must return to Lightning Strike and the young ones,” Wild Winds reminded him. “Who must also be trained. He must come with me.”
But Hanstau was listening to Cadr, shaking his head. “No. My place is with Lord Simus, by the command of my Queen. I will not leave his side.”
Wild Winds closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. “Our ‘healing’ powers were mostly illusion. Certain plants, dried mushrooms, were our only tools.” He waited for Cadr to translate.
“I have power,” Wild Winds continued slowly. “But I have no idea how to use it to heal, even though I know it can heal. Each who has the gift uses it in different ways. In any event, you must be trained.”
Hanstau listened, and then stood as if lost in thought. “I wonder,” he said slowly. “I wonder if it could be used to counter that poison?”
“And that is how you get in trouble,” Wild Winds said. “Wondering and trying without guidance.”
“Hanstau,” Simus said, speaking in Xyian. Wild Winds looked at Cadr, who quickly translated for him. “I respect your abilities, and you are an asset to my people.” Simus pointedly looked out over the wounded. “To all our people.” Then Simus drew a breath. “But I also know the Warprize. If Lara thought there was a chance, any chance, that you could bring magical healing to Xy and the Plains, she would want you to seek it out.”
Hanstau looked thoughtful. “I will think on your words, Lord Simus. In the meantime, I pledge to you,” he shifted his gaze to Wild Winds, “I will not experiment with the glow. With the power.”
“Thank you,” Wild Winds said.
“I will talk to you later, about these.” Hanstau held up the mushrooms before tucking them into his satchel. “But now, I will return to my duties,” Hanstau said, and walked off, Cadr right behind him.
“And I must to mine,” Snowfall said. “Lest I be seen as neglectful.”
“But—” Simus cut off his words. Wild Winds watched as the blurry pair exchanged a long look.
“Tonight?” Simus asked.
“Tonight,” Snowfall whispered back, and now there was no doubt as to the color on her cheek and the glint in her eye.
Well, well. Wild Winds cleared his throat. “So you looked deeper?” he asked.
Simus looked confused, but Snowfall gave him a nod, her smile behind her eyes. “I did,” she said, then whispered, “and I found something...amazing.”
“Ah.” Wild Winds tried very hard to suppress his satisfaction. “My thanks for the mushrooms,” he said as Snowfall rose to her feet.
She gave a nod and walked off. Wild Winds couldn’t help watching Simus watch her go.
Very well, indeed. Wild Winds relaxed under his blankets, well pleased. At best, he’d hoped that Snowfall and Simus might learn to trust one another. But this attraction showed much promise.
Wild Winds smiled to himself. He was a meddling old man, and well satisfied in the role.
