Page 8 of Infala: The Priest's Temptation
“I can only imagine, though I must admit I do envy you a bit. To experience so many new wonders with fresh eyes.”
“Which would be great, if I wasn’t stuck in a bed with a ton of broken bones.”
He gently rested his hand on hers. “They are already set and knitting. It’s quite amazing, actually. Anomalous, in fact. I am confident you will be up and about soon. You are mending so much faster than even our most optimistic healers expected.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. You will be free of this bed in no time. And when you are, I will be your guide. I will personally help you acclimate.”
Ella shifted uncomfortably, her skin annoying the hell out of her, but she realized he was right. It shouldn’t have been possible, but the grating of broken bones had been replaced with a dull ache rather than sharp pain.
How is this even possible? Bones don’t heal this fast.Silver eyes drew her back from her musings.
“What?”
Draikis shrugged. “Nothing. You just seem uncomfortable.”
Damn. He really is attentive.
“Just itchy is all.”
“Ah, of course. Then allow me,” he said, pulling a small jar of pale-green ointment from a pouch. “I wondered when you wouldbe able to use this. Perhaps a bit soon, but I think seeing how quickly you are healing, your skin will react well to it.”
“What is it?”
“A different sort of healing balm. A concoction of my own making, actually. It incorporates local plants along with some novel Dotharian compounds.”
“Plants and drugs?”
“Nothing serious. And the plants do contain small amounts of power. Normally it is helpful in healing repaired runes. But in your case, I hope it will work on fresh flesh.”
“You saidpower.”
“Just like the pigments used in the runes, yes.”
Ella held her tongue. From what she’d gathered so far, ignorance of the runes would only raise suspicions. She’d just have to go along with it.
“Right. Of course.”
He took out a small dollop and rubbed it between his hands to warm it then began gently applying it to her skin, moving her dressings aside to reveal tender but intact flesh. Skin that practically cried out in delight at his touch. Every nerve ending was alive and singing with joy at the sensation as his warm hands spread the light ointment across her body. There was no pain. Better, the itching subsided everywhere he touched almost immediately. Best of all, a warm glow of delight began to fill her entire body.
Whatever this healing balm was, it was working wonders. He moved slowly, uncovering her body, applying a thin layer of the ointment, then covering her back up until it felt like every inch of her had been attended. She felt tingly from head to toe, with a particular warmth low in her belly. Then, quite abruptly, the sensations began to fill her head as well.
“Whoa.”
“What is it? Did I hurt you?”
“No. I’m just kind of lightheaded, is all.”
“Ah, yes. I had wondered if it might do that. You rest now. I will visit you later.”
Ella thought to say something, but the power to speak seemed to be fading fast, and her conscious thoughts with it. Moments later she drifted off into the first truly comfortable sleep she’d had in a long time.
Draikis stepped out,quietly closing the door. A sour-faced man stood waiting in the corridor.
“Totaxxis. What brings you here?”
“Checking in on the female. She shouldn’t be in our walls, Draikis.”
