The Dead Room Trilogy by Stephanie Erickson

Author:Stephanie Erickson [Erickson, Stephanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pickles Press
Published: 2017-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

12

Approximate year, 2346

The doctor returned and started the transfusion almost immediately. It felt weird, and it looked even weirder. It was a bit of a medieval set up with tiny hoses and red goo going out of her and into Mason. But the longer she sat there, the more color seemed to go to his cheeks. His breathing got stronger. She started feeling a bit lightheaded, but that was to be expected. Or so the doctor said. He’d talked during the procedure non-stop about how he’d read about this kind of thing in what was now Mattli’s library. He seemed almost excited at the chance to do such an advanced procedure. Lehman didn’t share in his excitement.

After about a half hour of Mattli pacing around, the doctor finally said it was enough. Any more and Lehman wouldn’t recover so easily.

“We need her in full form today. We should already be on our way to the pyre,” Mattli said, looking out at the completely risen sun.

Lehman had almost forgotten Alkoff and his funeral. So much had happened overnight. It seemed like weeks ago that Alkoff had passed, not days—hours really.

She sighed heavily, feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead.

“Eat something sweet and drink a glass of water. You’ll feel better.”

Mattli watched her anxiously, and she nodded. “Elder Mattli, I think there are some tea cookies in the pantry. Would you mind grabbing a handful and getting me some water? I’m feeling like I just want to sit here for a moment.”

She could see the frustration on his face, but it couldn’t be helped. Mason needed her more than Mattli did.

He returned quickly with the items and thrust them in her face. “We need to go.”

“Why don’t you head over there? I’ll be right behind you,” she said calmly, trying to smooth his obviously frayed nerves.

He hesitated. “We should really go together. There are things to discuss.”

“There’s nothing to discuss. You’ve told me your plans, and I’m in favor of them. I’m sure Mason here would be too if he could say.”

She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but he seemed perfectly comfortable when she glanced over at him. He was a more normal color, and she thought she even caught the smallest hint of a smile.

“Do you think he’ll be okay?” she asked, unable to take her eyes off him.

The question made Mattli stop and go to the young man. He looked carefully at him. Lehman thought he was watching him so closely he must be willing the poor guy to live.

“I think he’ll be okay. He’s come too far to die now.” He was resolute. As if by saying the words out loud, they had to come true.

She munched on the cookies and chugged the water while they watched Mason. He didn’t regain consciousness, but he also didn’t stop breathing. In fact, his breathing became more even and deeper, as if he was sleeping soundly.

“I think he’ll be okay too,” she said as she ate the last cookie.

“Are you ready, finally?” Mattli said.

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