Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

While he others bedded down the horses and exchanged stories, Linvin tended to Miri. He removed her bloodstained robe like a doctor examining a patient. She was more of an injured comrade than a voluptuous woman at that moment in his mind. He cut the sheets into long bandages with the help of Falconfeather. Then he set about cleaning her wounds. Using his own robe he washed her cuts. Though he was relieved they were not still hemorrhaging, Miri had clearly lost a considerable amount of blood. The fact she remained unconscious gave him more reason for concern. He wrapped her torso with bandages and then wrapped sacks around her to keep her warm. Her breaths were shallow but they were still breaths. When his work was done Linvin sat back against the barn wall and looked at the beautiful princess, wrapped like a mummy.

Anvar brought him some water. “How is she?” he asked.

Linvin took a drink and returned the water skin to his uncle. “I really am not sure. I have seen more than my share of wounds on the battlefield but nothing like this. Her entire back side has been scathed. None of her ribs are out of place but I am certain the breaks are inhibiting her breathing. I will watch her tonight, but if she does not wake by morning, I fear she may never. All of it is my fault.”

“How can you say that?” Anvar asked in shock.

“You were right, Uncle. I could have finished Hugon much quicker. I could have spared her some of this pain and perhaps her life if I had not sought vengeance. Once again I lost sight of the bigger issue and failed.”  

Anvar recalled his words on the ride earlier in the day. He observed the agony of his nephew and sought to console the weary warrior. “My words were meant to inspire you to become greater, not to tear you down. Though it sounds like criticism to want you to be greater, you have lost sight of the fact I am acknowledging you are great already. From your account, Hugon did the bulk of his damage before you ever engaged him in battle. Perhaps you could have ended the melee more quickly but I doubt Miri’s condition would have been much better. You are not to blame for this situation. I see now my lesson, which was intended to make you aspire to be better, only sewed the seed of guilt in your mind. For that I am sorry and wish I could take back those words.

“You are, however, dwelling on the negative. Had you not gone back for her, to keep your promise, she would most assuredly be dead. Whatever happens from this point forward, you did save her life. You are an honorable man and I am proud to call you my nephew. Only such a man as you would have been chosen for the Red Sapphire.”

Linvin’s head jerked up as he heard the words. “Do you think the Red Sapphire can heal her?”

Anvar shrugged his shoulders. “I have no idea. I know my powers help me to heal very quickly but I have never been able to transfer that curing power to another. You said you are able to communicate with the gem. Now might be a good time to do just that.” On that note Anvar took to his feet and joined the others.