A Doctor Without Borders [Healer | Slow-Burn | Medical Fantasy]

While I complied, she closed the door and slid over two bars. As the door latched, the runes flared green, then dimmed. The Aether density rose again, prickling my skin.

Fascinating.

Moving the latches had completed a pattern, or looking at it from a more Earth-centric view, she had flipped two switches to complete a circuit that allowed the Energy to flow through the runes inscribed into the walls and table. As for what that circuit did, I still had no idea.

The Quartermaster sat in another chair, such that we were sitting in the triangle. "Okay, speak."

Dorian's mouth twisted, but he managed to stay calm. "When you sent Daniel to me, did you know about his talent in healing?" He raised a hand to stall any comments I might have made. "No argument here. You are close enough to one. The world doesn't have enough people with your skills."

The [Quartermaster]'s face darkened. "Boy, if you are accusing me of something, spit it out. When I met him, he was a level 1 Human with a massive debt and an unheard class. That's it."

"So, you had an inkling—and you tossed him to the wolves."

Dorian must have picked up on something I had missed. They locked eyes. The silence stretched into awkwardness.

Finally, she sighed. "You have spent too much time with me if you can read me this well." She raised a hand. "Let me speak before you berate me, and maybe you can learn something. That is if your head isn't too thick."

Dorian gestured for her to continue..

"For the record, I literally didn't throw him to the wolves. I easily could have assigned him to a Volki company. You know damn well that I couldn't post him to an Oresian group."

"The Gods know that isn't true."

"When are you going to wake up to the realities? Technically, I could, but they would never share their split." She addressed me directly. "There are complicated rules regarding outsiders. Suffice it to say, you would have had to pay for their support, which you couldn't. Also, congratulations on surviving long enough to hit the second tier."

"Uh, thanks?"

Dorian shouted, "You sent him to die."

"I didn't have a choice. You know how fragile the peace is here. He had to go into the mines, and I supplied him the best I could within the rules. As a level 1, he should have died from the density alone. Only the Gods know how he is still alive."

"Because he is," he paused to choose his words, "gifted."

Her eyes narrowed. "Boy, that is a strong claim."

"He somehow shrugged off the [Aura of Despair] of a shade stalker earlier this morning."

That got her attention. She took some time to look me over. At one point, an annoying pressure started to develop inside my head. It was different from the headaches I had experienced from skill overuse. It was more in line with what happened with the despair aura. I pushed against the foreign influence, and the pressure disappeared. That earned me a quick raise of the Quartermaster's eyebrows, though she was quick to return to a neutral expression.

"Care to explain how you did it?"

I waited to respond, but when Dorian didn't caution against it, I went ahead. "As best as I could understand it, it mimics depression."

"Depression?" Dorian asked. "Like a dip in the ground?"

I grimaced at the translation error, and since infection was known as festering, I tried for an older term. "How about melancholy or melancholia?"

Unsurprisingly, the latter did not translate, but Quartermaster had clearly heard of the first. "It is known, but it is rare."

"Really?" The prevalence of depression was far from rare back at home. Upwards of ten percent of people suffered from it. However, they both nodded slowly as if I were the one who wasn't making sense.

I cocked my head. "People don't feel extremely down or extreme sadness."

The Quartermaster answered, "After a trauma like losing a loved one, sure, but it passes quickly. It only lingers in those with channels that have been overtaxed or damaged."

"I see," but of course, I didn't. That didn't seem plausible. An entire population immune to mental illness? It would be a blessing if it were true. "Well, it isn't quite the case that way. The aura mimicked that effect, and I channeled Energy into my skill [Resist Disease]."

Both sat up straighter, and the Quartermaster chose her next words very carefully. "That is a passive skill, correct?" I nodded. "And you made it active?" I nodded again. "And you then used your skills to help heal the rest of the wound."

"Yeeaah," I answered, all the while wishing I had kept my mouth shut about how I had done it.

"Now, do you want to grant him protection?" Dorian asked the Quartermaster.

"Do the Ættir know?"

"About how he pushed off the aura? No. That he might be gifted? Hopefully not. They know he is talented, but he can't project at all."

The Quartermaster steepled her fingers. "Well, that does make things less complicated. Still, I need the details. Both of you, tell me the full story."

We did. Dorian started at the beginning, with being left to fend off the unexpected breach. He moved to the battle in the cavern, overselling my part, but it was close enough to the truth that I didn't correct him. I only jumped in on the parts he didn't know about.

The entire time, the Quartermaster remained impassive, taking it all in. She didn't even blink when Dorian raised his arms in front of him, palms to the ceiling, looking at them with almost reverence. "These hands…Somehow, even though I am not a [Healer], Daniel let me keep a man alive without a potion."

I almost objected to his ludicrous summary of my skills, but the Quartermaster had heard enough. She shook her head. "Boy, you took a big risk fighting with the Ættir."

"You told me that some risks are worth taking."

"I did. Just know what you are risking." She leveled an indecipherable look at me. "You somehow managed to earn enough respect that the Sæmdarskati wants you to work with the Vísir." She sighed. "That old crone warned me that I should be watching you, and it looks like she was right. You have made a mark, though I can't say anyone is worse off because of it." She drummed her fingers on the table. "If you want my opinion, you couldn't have asked for a better outcome. You should take them up on the offer."

"What!" Dorian exclaimed.

"Boy." Her hand came down on the table like a crack of thunder. "I thought you learned something." A spider web of cracks had radiated from around her hand. She looked down at her work. "Gods," she muttered. "This stuff is so poorly made." The Mark on her forehead flashed with light, and the table knit itself back to its flawless state. "It looks like you have much to learn. Listen to me. You will be making hard choices in the future, and you'll need to learn when to keep supporting an asset or to cut them off."

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"People are more than tools."

"Not here they aren't. Not at this level. Remember, everything is secondary to maintaining the expedition." Dorian started to respond, but the Quartermaster cut him off. "Your concerns have been noted."

"Are you two related?"

My question caught them off guard. Dorian actually flushed, though the Quartermaster just scowled, which just confirmed my suspicion. This conversation had escalated way too quickly, and Dorian showed too little deference to a person way above him for this to be anything but a family squabble. Just more evidence that Dorian was someone of importance.

When they didn't answer, I didn't push. After all, what was done was done, and it seemed my access to special resources via Dorian was limited. Right now, I needed a plan to move forward.

"Dorian, I appreciate your continued advocacy, but she is likely right about this turning out for the best." I raised my hand to stop him from speaking. "I have no doubts that I would not have survived working with a Volki company. If the complications regarding debts are true, I am not sure it would have been better with an Oresian company. Outside of you, no one else has cared enough to help. Pushing for something different isn't worth it."

I kept my expression neutral as the Quartermaster nodded in agreement. I could only hope that the lack of charity and compassion was related to the circumstances of this expedition. However, I needed to start adjusting my priors until I saw evidence otherwise. This was a hard world, and everything I had seen suggested that the weak were left to fend for themselves.

Of course, Dorian was having none of that. "That isn't true," he sputtered.

"Is it not? The Ættir haven't treated me well, but I can't say that I have had a much warmer response from anyone in the Oresian contingent besides you two and Kyria Rhaptis." Including Kyria Rhaptis and especially the Quartermaster to the list was a bit of a stretch, but they each had offered to help in their own ways. I also wasn't below sucking up if needed. I nodded to the Quartermaster. "You did me a favor sending me to Dorian. You are the only reason I survived Aether poisoning and the early terrorvole attacks. For that, I am eternally grateful."

The Quartermaster gave me a little knowing smile as if she knew my next question. She knew more than she was letting on. She was, without a doubt, dangerous.

"You think I should accept the Sæmdarskati's offer?"

"You would be stupid not to. He guarantees your protection, which means something. And it is more than words. By assuming your debt, he removes your independent status, which could be important in the future."

I cocked me head. "Care to elaborate on that?"

"Not particularly. Let's just say that while it binds you to them, it also makes it easier to protect you. You will also get free training you will need for later. If you aren't a [Healer] like you claim, no one would take you on as an apprentice. Only the desperate would trust a [Healer] at your level without a master overseeing you. You would never rise in levels. On the converse, everyone knows that the Ættir are some of the best [Healers]. Their knowledge of channels and healing magic is only exceeded by the Sylvari—and you best stay away from them."

I leaned back in my chair and sighed. "I really don't have much of a choice…unless you want to take me on. You must have [Healers] as well."

"That isn't possible."

She said it a bit too fast. She was either hiding something or not telling the truth. It was almost imperceptible, but somehow, I knew.

My stomach fluttered at the realization, and not because I had caught her in a lie. I shouldn't be able to know that she had lied. I was never that good at reading people—at least not on Earth. This knowledge was not from a skill either. I had read her microexpressions. I was changing, becoming something more.

Now, is that a good or bad thing?

I didn't have an answer, but I would take every advantage I could get. I leaned forward, head cocked "Not possible or just not something you are willing to offer?"

We stared at each other. Her eyes narrowed before finally laughing. "I can now see why Dorian was so upset. You have the Potentials to be dangerous."

Dorian quickly warned, "Don't you dare—"

"I won't." She drummed her fingers on the table while studying me. "Even if I were willing to risk upsetting the Sæmdarskati, I still wouldn't offer a chance to work with our [Healers]. You are better off binding yourself as tightly as possible to the Ættir. Use their honor against them. Else, you might find yourself having an accident if they get a hint of what your Potentials must be."

"That doesn't seem particularly honorable."

"When it comes to Humans, some Ættir find their rigid code a bit more flexible. Still, they will only push so far. Don't ever doubt that their honor is the only thing protecting you."

"I see. Then I guess I will have to get used to spending more time with the Vísir."

"Are you sure?"

It wasn't clear who Dorian was addressing. He kept looking between both of us, but I answered. "It is the best option on many levels. I will try not to piss off the Vísir too much."

The Quartermaster chuckled. "Good luck with that. Your presence alone would be enough to do that. However, I bet she will have you work with her apprentice. " By the way Dorian's eyes widened, I wasn't the only one who hadn't thought about that, and the Quartermaster just shrugged her shoulders. "Pawning an annoyance off on a subordinate is how I would do it. It also keeps you from learning the more advanced techniques. And, knowing the Vísir's relationship with her apprentice, foisting a Human onto her apprentice would just be another bonus."

Wonderful. I am the unwanted baggage. Just one more reason to make amends with Esper sooner rather than later.

I stood, giving a slight bow to the Oresian leader. "Quartermaster, thank you for taking the time. I best go and inform the Sæmdarskati of my decision."

"Not like I had much choice." She fixed a hard gaze on Dorian. She reached forward across the table. "Also, I am cutting this off. You can bring your own crystals if you want privacy next time."

She grabbed the crystal and lifted. The inscriptions on the wall went dark, and the Energy in the air dimmed to nothing. Once powered down, she left, crystal in hand.

Dorian muttered something under his breath as she left. He gave me a concerned look. "Are you really sure about this?"

"Yeah. I don't have other options, but more importantly, this is also an opportunity. There is too much about healing that I don't understand, and I need to start thinking about what comes after this, assuming I can pay off my debt."

"I wouldn't worry if we continue to hit strikes. Even if we slow down to a more reasonable pace, you will earn what you need quickly. I will try to save you something to mine when you come in the afternoon. We can also talk about what comes next later. I am sure we can convince the Quartermaster to let you hitch a ride with us back home when this expedition is over."

Something warm filled my heart. It was the first time in this world that I could conceive of a future in this place. I managed to hold back the tears, though my voice was thick with emotion. "Thanks, Dorian. I wouldn't have survived without you."

"Of course. I know you would have done the same for me even if you gave my potion to Eiræk and left me standing paralyzed with terror." His large smile belied his words. "Really, it is what one does for a friend."

"I feel like there is more to friendship with the Oresiani than I might know."

"There is, but you needn't worry. We aren't so transactional and rigid like the Ættir. I know we have more to talk about, but everything you have done has been worthy of friendship. As terrible as the last experience was, I am glad you pushed me into working with the Ættir more closely. You helped me open my eyes." He then came over and gave me a clap on the back. "Come on. You need some rest. I can't imagine you didn't level."

We exited the building only to run into Rægnor and a few others from our company. I recognized a few as those I had healed in the last battle. One stood up from squatting as we exited. How long had they been waiting out here?

Dorian frowned as Rægnor approached. "Rægnor, I thought he had until tomorrow to decide."

"Don't dare doubt my leader's words, Oresian." However, there was no heat in the words. "We are here to make sure he is safe. He deserves as much no matter his decision."

That got my eyebrows to rise. "Really? Doesn't that undermine the Sæmdarskati's offer?"

"It's not just his honor at stake. The Verndari has decided on this. I fully support his decision."

The Verndari? I gave him a questioning look, but he didn't say more. I let it drop. It wouldn't be hard to figure out what was going on tomorrow.

"I appreciate it, though you can let them know that I am taking the Sæmdarskati up on his offer."

He only nodded before gesturing to the remaining Ættir. "Are you headed back to your home?"

"Yeah. I need to rest."

The toll from the morning's activity had finally made itself known. That I didn't notice my exhaustion earlier was a testament to how crazy the day had been.

"We will accompany you."

"You don't—"

"We do. We keep our promises."

"Alright." There was no point in arguing when honor was at stake. "But am I really in danger? Eiræk's show of force was…rather convincing."

"I doubt it, but as I said, we keep our promises."

I just nodded, gladly accepting the hulking presences next to me. I had no desire to repeat my experience with the Volki.

The walk back to my longhouse was quiet. We stopped by my door. Dorian looked at me as if waiting for my cue.

I needed food and a nap, though not in that order. However, I had something else I needed to do first. "Dorian, do you mind grabbing me some food? I need to talk with Rægnor about something."

He must have gleaned my intention from the gaze at the hill with the healer's lodge. "Yeah. I can do that." He added as he left, "Good luck."

I had stared down monsters, mended the dying. This was harder. One breath. One step. "Rægnor, I need your advice."