Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera #3)(112)

Isana blinked. "But... you healed him. He's breathing."

"For now," the healer said quietly. "Your friend is a metalcrafter, I take it?"

"Yes."

"Wounded during the attacks?"

"Defending me," Isana said quietly. "An arrow. It struck his hand."

The healer shook her head. "He must have been suppressing the discomfort. If he'd gotten to a healer within the hour, perhaps..."

Isana stared at her in disbelief. "What will happen?"

"Fever. Disorientation. Pain. Eventual loss of consciousness." The young healer grimaced. "It isn't quick. Days. But if he has family, you should send for them." She looked up at Isana, her dark eyes steady and sad. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.

Isana shook her head slowly. "Is there nothing to be done?"

"It has been healed, betimes. But it takes days, and most who try it die with the victim."

"You are not able to attempt it?" Isana asked.

The healer was still for a moment, then said, "I will not."

"Great furies," Isana breathed quietly. "Why not?"

"Legions march on my father's city, Steadholder. Battle will be joined. Men will be wounded and needed to return to the fight. If I'm attempting to heal him, it will mean the deaths of dozens or hundreds of my father's legionares. " She shook her head. "My duty is clear."

"You're Cereus's daughter?" Isana asked.

The young healer smiled a little, though there was little joy or life in it, and dipped her head into a small bow. "Aye. Cereus Felia Veradis, Steadholder."

"Veradis," Isana said. She looked at the wounded man. "Thank you for helping him."

"Don't thank me," Veradis said.

"May I ask a favor of you?" Isana said.

The young woman nodded her head once.

"I would like a healing tub brought in here, please."

Veradis's eyebrows rose. "Steadholder, I am told your healing skills are impressive, but you are in no condition to attempt such a crafting."

"I believe I am a better judge of such things than you," Isana said quietly.

"My experience suggests that you aren't," Veradis said in a practical tone. "He is important to you. You aren't thinking clearly."

"That, too, is something only I can judge." She returned Veradis's gaze steadily. "Will you do me the favor, lady?"

Veradis studied her for a long moment. Then she said, "I will."

"Thank you, " Isana said quietly.

"In the morning," Veradis said. "After you have slept. I will return and instruct you in the method. You will not worsen his chances with a few hours' delay."

Isana pressed her lips together in frustration, but then nodded. "Thank you."

Veradis nodded back and turned to leave. She paused by the door. "I'll send in a cot, and make sure there's an attendant near your door." She paused, just outside the room, and asked, "He is your protector?"

"Yes," Isana said quietly.

"Then I ask you to consider one thing before you begin. Should you die attempting to heal him, you will render his death meaningless. He will have sacrificed his life for his lady for nothing."

"I am not his lady," Isana said quietly.

"Yet you will risk your own life for him?"

"I will not stand by and watch him die."