The Salbine Sisters by Sarah Ettritch

Author:Sarah Ettritch [Ettritch, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General, Fiction, Fantasy, General Fiction, Lesbian
ISBN: 9780981332024
Google: qiancQAACAAJ
Amazon: 0981332021
Publisher: Norn Publishing
Published: 2010-10-03T13:30:00+00:00

Maddy opened her eyes, then quickly closed them, not used to the light.

“Her eyes flickered!” Emmey exclaimed. “Miss?”

She turned her head toward Emmey’s voice. The horror in the passageway came flooding back. Her hand and lower arm felt sore, but not overly so. She opened her eyes again and lifted her right hand. The moment she saw it, she knew.

“Does it hurt, Miss?” Emmey was kneeling at the side of the bed, her elbows propped on its edge.

Bed? They weren’t in their cell, then. “Part of it hurts,” she said, managing a smile. The red edges around the charred areas smarted.

“A healer came to see you, Miss. She’s with the gobernor.”

“Governor,” Maddy said reflexively. “Where are we?”

Before Emmey could answer, the governor and a woman Maddy presumed was the healer stepped into the room. “Thought I heard voices,” the governor said gruffly.

The healer approached the bed and peered down at Maddy. “Go with the governor, child. I have to . . . tend to your friend.”

Emmey frowned.

“Do what she says, Emmey,” Maddy murmured.

Emmey’s shoulders slumped. “All right.”

“You can come back in as soon as I’m finished,” the healer said as the governor ushered Emmey from the room and shut the door. She turned to Maddy. “Have you ever seen burns like yours before?”

“Yes. I used to help tend the sick.” And those with burns like hers were in the group that received prayers, not aid. They rarely returned.

“Then you’ll know there’s nothing to be done for you,” the healer said briskly, though her eyes were kind. “Are you hurting much?”

“Not much, no.”

The healer nodded. “I’ve left a few teas with the governor, to help when the inner fire starts. If it gets really bad . . . if you’re feeling you’d rather pass to another realm . . .” The healer swallowed. “I’ve left a special tea with the governor. Just ask him for the special tea. He’ll know which one you mean.”

“Thank you.” Maddy hoped she’d have the courage not to use it, but knowing she had the option could help her endure whatever she faced before she passed.

“I’ll let you rest, then. If you need anything else, ask the governor to send for me. I’ll come.”

“You’re very kind. Would you do me one favour?”

“If it’s something I can do, yes.”

“Would you stay with the girl outside while I speak privately to the governor for a minute?”

“Aye.” She patted Maddy’s shoulder. “Salbine keep you.”

“And you.”

The healer left the room. Moments later, the governor came in and shut the door. “Mazie says you want to talk to me.”

“I do.”

“If you’re wanting somewhere more comfortable, I can probably find a place for you in Reedwick, the town just down the hill. I have friends there who’ll help. I’d like to help.” He wrung his hands. “Because you’re a real sister, aren’t you?”

She met his eyes. “Yes, I am.”

He dropped to one knee beside the bed. “I suspected. I would have got a message out, but I can’t write, you see. And

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.