The Power of the Ascendant: A Novel by Ris Van

Author:Ris, Van
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Van Ris
Published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Phillip awoke the next morning, sensing the presence of someone close by, staring at him. He opened his eyes and saw Iken standing over him, fully dressed but unveiled.

“I was wondering whether you have had enough rest and if I should wake you.” Iken shifted his weight, seeming a bit embarrassed over having been caught staring.

Phillip sat up. “No, I am quite refreshed.” He grinned. “I hope I didn’t oversleep and miss the entire celebration!”

Phillip’s joke had the intended effect; Iken relaxed and grinned back. “No, you didn’t miss anything. The sun hasn’t climbed over the mountain yet, but there is enough light for a short ride if you are willing. I want to visit my patient from yesterday. I left him in a hurry when I heard that a desert spirit had appeared in the valley.”

Phillip lifted an eyebrow. “Desert spirit?”

Iken gave a full belly laugh, and for the first time, Phillip saw how young he was. Last night, when Iken told him about Tripoli, Phillip had felt his uncertainty, his loneliness. From life in the desert with his tribe, Iken had been thrown into the jungle of the big city for three years, then yanked suddenly back before he could finish his studies.

Upon his return, the burden of healthcare for the tribe’s animals and people was pressed heavily upon his shoulders. For the tribe, a doctor was a doctor—whether for animals or humans, it didn’t matter. The regard with which his people now looked at him only added to his feelings of isolation.

Iken stopped laughing. “I forgot that you don’t understand our language. When the children saw you dressed in your orange jumpsuit for the first time, without a camel or other means of travel, they called you a ‘desert spirit’ as if you came out of the sand. Until my father approached and announced that you are a guest, the superstitious crowd was a little upset, not sure whether you were alive or a spirit.” Iken suddenly sobered. “Sorry, Phillip. I didn’t intend for this to sound as if I am trying to pry into your secrets.”

“It’s okay, Iken. We are friends. I believe that soon, you will learn my story.” Phillip’s gaze grew more intense. “Tell me something—have you heard about healing with bioenergy?”

Iken seemed surprised by the question. After a few seconds, he cocked his head and nodded. “Yes, I have, but I have some reservations about it.”

Phillip smiled. “Scientists are often skeptics, but I am sure I can help your patient with my ability, which is similar to bioenergy healing.”

A sudden thought hit Iken. “Have you ever ridden a camel?”

“No, but I am a fast learner, and I can cheat.” Phillip smiled enigmatically.

Unsure whether Phillip was joking, Iken didn’t comment but led him to the small herd of camels kept close to the village for emergencies. The camels looked healthy and well-groomed to Phillip; clearly, the tribe cared about the welfare of their animals. Iken saddled two of them, then turned to Phillip, showing him this and that and even giving Phillip a short demonstration on how to ride.

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