Mystic Isle by Patricia Rice

Author:Patricia Rice [Rice, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781611383584
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Published: 2014-02-26T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

“We’re taking Khaos to the grotto pool,” Althaia said, not hiding her horror at the child’s condition.

Following in the Healer’s path, Tasia hid her pain and turned to Nautilus. “This is Althaia’s dominion. You must return to reassure the others that all is being done that can be. Perhaps your men can help prepare a meal?”

“They can do that and more, my lady,” the captain said with alacrity.

She had seen and felt the strength of his hands, benefitted from his brave heroism, but it was the concern in his eyes that warmed her frozen heart. Still, despite her pain, Tasia shook her head at him, denying his need to do more.

“I will be fine in Althaia’s hands, if I know the others are well.”

His anxious gaze studied her expression and noted her arm, but he blessedly did not argue. With a reluctant nod, he loped off down a path already beaten through the jungle of foliage.

“I have only the herbs in my bag. We must search for more,” Althaia said, once Nautilus was out of sight.

“How are those who just arrived on the ships?” Tasia asked, concealing her pain and keeping her voice low. “Is Gaia well enough to go out with her assistant to look for herbs?”

“They’re exhausted and dehydrated.” Althaia eyed Tasia’s arm as they hurried after the women carrying Khaos. “But water here is plentiful. They can fill flasks to take with them on their search.”

“This will not be an easy life if we stay here.” Tasia translated her Healer’s fear. She would have Khaos looked at first before admitting her own agony. “We have always had the mainland to call on before.”

“I admit, I had hoped we could return to the temple. Some of my herbs are very rare. I came away with only a few seeds that I’d brought for blessing, and we may not be able to grow them here.”

They arrived at the grotto containing the spring-fed bathing pool. Althaia instructed the others in removing the tatters from the patient’s burns. She pointed wordlessly at a rock ledge for Tasia.

Unable to do more than hold her broken limb while everyone labored over Khaos, Tasia obeyed the unspoken order. She was so exhausted, she could sleep upright. She closed her eyes and leaned against the mossy wall.

She would have to send a ship out to let those people go who would not accept living here. They must see for themselves that their home was destroyed and decide their own fates.

Would this displease Aelynn? She did not know. Perhaps she should fast again to see if the goddess would speak to her.

She must have slept. When Althaia woke her, torches lit the grotto, and only one vestal remained to support Khaos in the water. Charis waited with her basket of fresh garments.

“Bathe first,” Althaia ordered. “Then I will bind that arm.”

“Khaos?” Tasia asked anxiously.

“She is actually sleeping. The water soothes her pain. I have used my salve on those burns above the water. I have no more, so the water must protect her.

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