Chapter 1
The first thing to do in the dim, early mornings is to stare into the tree line from my small, dark, cozy cottage. The land is starting to warm again and creating thick mist hovering above the overgrown grass. There are small fireflies sparsely lighting up the tree line. The sky glows a soft purple and blue, and I can’t see any clouds. The small cracks in the right hand corner of my window are highlighted by the faint sunlight. The morning dew has made a home in my own and now the creaking wood floor is slippery.
The second thing to do is evaluate myself. My window is much more foggy than normal, thus making it difficult to see my reflection. I can see my dark hair contrasted with my pale, dull skin. I can’t see my features but I’m grateful for the small mercy. I’ve been told I’m beginning to look sick. I’ve been feeling ill for months now and its apparent in my appearance.
I want to cry about it. I’ve never been terribly emotional, but I feel I’ve been slowly decomposing from the inside. I haven’t been afforded the luxury to sit and weep about my condition though. There is always some type of work to do and someone to help.
Today, I have to go into Glevod to work at the Healers House. However, I’d much rather sit inside my dreary home. My one dining chair and three legged table are broken but it feels comforting. The low ceiling and dark walls are cozy to me despite anyone taller disagreeing. It’s also nice to have everything in one room. My bed is close to the food pantry for late night snacks and I can see all my possessions even if they're abysmal. It’s not ideal to have my toilet outside though.
I slowly dress in my drab dress and put on a scarf for my journey into town. My door creaks open softly as I begin my inspection out of the front door. I stand and listen intently for a full minute. I hear soft chirps of birds and a few crickets. It’s safe to begin my walk.
The birds are singing loudly. Sunlight is starting to peak through the branches and the air is beginning to feel less crisp. I can see white, fluffy smoke high above the trees from the bakery as I get closer to the village. The smell of town becomes much more prominent as I leave the densely wooded path as well. My path opens to a field lush with vegetation and a few flowers. Incests fly above them, collecting the dew on the leaves and feeding the flowers. The stone wall guards the town but the withering, arched entrance implies it’s doesn’t provide the strongest fortification. I hear people loudly greeting each other and promoting their items for sale. The taupe and brown buildings are tightly packed together and provide a somewhat unwelcoming atmosphere. It’s a stark contrast to the kind, and boisterous people who live and work here.
“Good Morning Illa! I hope you’ve had a safe journey last night and this morning.” Calls an older, feminine voice. Sera, a woman tending to the garden outside the village, stands and waves as I approach. Her skin is tanned from working in the gardens most her life and she’s dressed in thick, light colored, cotton garments. She doesn’t wear any shoes. Sera has said her feet are stronger than any poor, ratty sandal she can afford. She’s shorter than me, but only because her back in hunched from picking vegetables for a living.
“Good morning Sera. My travels have been uneventful.” I huff as I approach her, winded from my walk into Glevod.
“I’m glad to hear it but don’t say it like that,” she scolds me softly. “You never know what you invite when you say it that way.” I shiver at the idea of inviting something because of loose words. I find her cryptic message a bit confusing too. Before I can question her, she quickly interjects, “Find yourself a husband and move out of that old cottage. The sooner, the better.” Sera pauses a moment to stare at me. I can see she’s disappointed is the progression of my illness.
Finding a husband is the last thing on my mind right now. I’m sure no one would want to deal with a sick wife anyway. Instead of refuting Sera, I shake my head in agreement and keep quiet.
She reaches down to pick up a basket filled with vegetables she’s harvested this morning and gives it to me. “Take these to Samuel for me, won’t you? He should be at the stall with his catches this morning.” She smiles and goes back to picking vegetables without another word.
Samuel is Sera’s husband. He’s much more quiet than Sera but they work well together selling fish and vegetables. They give me their leftover stock when they can afford it as well. I see them as great friends and I think they see me as a daughter.
I nod my head and walk under the arched entrance to Glevod. The population has been declining here for years but there’s still enough people to call it a busy town. It lively in the mornings. People are moving fast to get to their jobs while some are standing outside market stalls gossiping. A few children run around in a game of tag. Most are dressed in earthy colors and layer their garments. I wear the same as any other woman here, a long taupe dress, a deep green cardigan and a thick belt at my waist. I notice I’m the only one with a scarf on.
The basket becomes heavier quickly resulting in my obvious struggle to carry it. Sweat is falling down my forehead despite feeling cold and my breathing is louder. I stop a few times to catch my breath. The basket should not be this heavy. It’s another sign I’m getting sicker. People walking past glance at me during my struggle. I’m embarrassed and there’s nothing I could do.
“Can I help you, Illa?” A smooth, low tone voice behind me asked. I can feel my shoulders tense because of his words. I turn to look at Othe in his shimmering white robe. He’s so tall I have to look up to see his face, half covered with his hood. I can see his dark eyes and brown hair hiding beneath it. He wears a sly look on his face. His angular features are intimidating and make me nervous. Othe is a wide man as well. I cannot see anything beyond him and he stands to close to even try to glance beyond. His white robe is adorned with white glistening sigils I don't understand. The clasps are real gold and detailed by the most talented artists. Before I can answer him, Othe picks up the basket easily like it should be and begins walking.
“You’re taking this to Samuel, right?” He calls back towards me and I struggle to catch up to him. He slows a moment later because I can’t answer and keep up with his pace.
“Yes, thank you.” I huff.
“Illa, you’re going to become a patient in the Healers House rather than an employee at this rate.” Othe laughs jokingly and puts a rough hand on my shoulder. I’m not a healer there but the less he knows, the better.
I’m wondering if I should waste my breath and ask why he’s here or remain silent when he speaks again. “Ophe asked how you were doing so I decided to check up on you. How have you really been feeling?” His stress on the word ‘really’ comes across as sincere.
Ophe is his sister and a priestess. She’s equally as tall and intimidating as Othe but has less manners. I wouldn’t consider either of them friends, but they seem to be keen on checking in with me.
I take a deep breath before I respond, “I feel the same.” It’s a lie and I’m sure he knows it. I can feel his stare on the top of my head. I’m sure Othe thinks he can burn a hole through my mind and see what I’m thinking, or the illness itself that’s deteriorating my body and brain.
I keep my eyes on the ground to avoid acknowledging him any further but the large, white robe invades my line of vision. Seeing my dirty, earth tone clothing next to his is disturbing. I don’t understand why Othe and his sister Ophe routinely interact with me. We are not of the same class nor have similar professions though I admit I don't fully understand the job of priests and priestesses.
Othe hums a long low tone, “I’m glad you are not feeling worse.”
I notice how quiet it is around us. The people of Glevod stop to look at Othe in distrust. Priest and Priestesses don’t contribute to the society they’re in. They’re sent by the King and Queen to watch over a town. They mostly stand on the side to observe. Rarely, they interact with others. Many of the people here joke it’s a curse if you’ve caught their attention. Maybe that’s why I’m sick. Othe and Ophe have cursed me.
“Illa! There you are! I was beginning to think Sera was holding you captive in conversation this morning.” Samuel proclaims as he walks to me and Othe down the street. His welcoming brown eyes shine with mirth and the people around him clear a path. Samuel is a large man so it would be unfortunate if someone were to stand in his way during his march. We’re still two blocks away from his stall. It’s unusual that he would meet me.
Samuel doesn’t look at Othe but takes the basket from his hands and spins it around to examine it.
“Quiet the picking today, huh? These look great. Thank you for bringing them Illa. I have a few things to return to you but they’re at the stall and I know you have a busy day ahead so let’s get going.” He laughs loudly, turns with me under his shoulder and sets off.
I don’t turn to look at Othe as we rudely depart from him. I imagine he is scowling at Samuel. However, I’m surprised to hear him say, “Goodbye Illa. I’ll see you later.” His low tone is haunting and feels threatening. I don't want to upset him so I whisper goodbye and continue with Samuel.
Samuel takes me to the back of his cramped, dark stall and begins to wash the vegetables at an old, stained sink. He has to hunch over to avoid the wooden baskets hanging from the ceiling and the walls and I can see the remains of bright blue paint. I wonder what it looked like twenty years ago, before I was here.
He sighs loudly, “Are you alright Illa? I know how uncomfortable he makes you and insistent he is.” He hands me a tomato from the basket, “I don't know who is worse. That tenacious ass or his eerie sister.” He fakes a shiver and turns to me with a big smile. “Next time you should scream bloody murder. It might make them reconsider bothering you.” Samuel laughs at his own idea.
I know he means to lighten the mood but I could never do such a thing. The idea of bringing that much attention to myself makes me feel sick to my stomach and my face heats up. I imagine I look similar to the tomato in my hand.
“Thank you for your help Samuel. I really do appreciate it but I need to get to the Healers House.” I voice.
“I won’t hold you captive unlike some people. Have a wonderful day Illa and you know to come to me right away for anything you need. Especially if I need to tell off some robe!” Samuel proclaims and gets louder at the end of his speech. I can only laugh at his enthusiasm and humor as I begin my short walk to the Healers House while eating my snack.
Healers House is an odd name for the tall, stone building. It used to be a place of worship hundreds of years ago and is evident in its design. The building is ornate compared to others in Glevod. There are turrets with steel points on the top while large, bay windows litter the walls. The windows closer to the ground are paned with brightly colored glass. An old script I don't understand is engraved above the entrance of the tall, heavy wooden doors. There used to be gold hardware on the windows before it was stolen in an attempt to make some extra money for people fallen on hard times. It’s truly a breathtaking sight and I feel grateful I have the opportunity to work in such a place.
It takes most of my strength to open the door and I can hear the echo of the deep notes it makes inside the hall. The hall leads to what was once an alter but has many other halls branching off. Theres a small amount of different colored light from the windows at this time of day. It’s almost impossible to see all the different detailing on the old architecture but I can make out some of the old script. I want take a lantern and examine it closer but there’s much more important things to tend to here.
Closing the door is harder than it is to open it. I exert so much of my energy that I break out into a coughing fit. It’s louder and more guttural than normal therefore bringing me unwanted attention.
“Illa? My Gods that cough does belong to you.” Yego, a healer my age comes jogging to me from the alter area. She’s incredible at her job and was sent here from Omnin to help teach other healers. She has short, brown hair that’s always tied back. Yego’s eyes are dark like rich soil and her tall stature is a bit shocking for a woman. She wears clothing that’s a bit odd. Yego wears pants and short sleeved shirt similar to the men but its a light grey color.
I’ve always been grateful and eager to learn from Yego. She’s very kind and patient but makes it clear she is from the human capital. Her stories of Omnin are captivating but I can’t help but feel she looks down on us for our social status. When she learned I documented and was the main means of communication for Glevod she was shocked someone here could read and write.
I try to wave her away, “I’m alright. Thank you for checking Yego.”
“You know you are not alright. Let me examine you then you can return to writing.” She huffs out a quick, and distraught sigh then proceeds to lead me to one of the patient rooms. The windows are clear in these rooms per Yego’s request. It almost bight enough to see accurately without candles now. It doesn’t take long for her to look at me despite the poor lighting as say, “You don’t look good at all Illa.”
I shrug and take a seat in one of the old, wooden chairs, “The medicine I have tried has not helped me. It only makes me more tired than I already am.” She proceeds to take my pulse, and temperature. “I am always cold now and move slower. I’m always out of breath from any physical exertion other than walking.” I rattle off like reading a list. I feel removed from my symptoms and my body as a whole. I know it’s only a matter of time until I pass.
“What have you been eating?” She almost whispers.
“Whatever I can. I’m not picky.” I whisper back. “I’m not very hungry often.”
She takes a step back to look at me up and down. I stare out the window to avoid her scrutinizing eyes. It’ll be a very nice day today.
“I think it would be a good decision to travel to Omnin to see the Royal Healers. Unfortunately, they have medicine I’m not sanctioned to administer.” I laugh at the idea. The Royal Healers would not help someone of my social status. I don't think I would even live long enough to make the journey, nor do I have the means to get there. I laugh so much that I begin to cough painfully.
“It was not a joke.” Yego scolds. “I would send you with a letter saying you’re my patient. I have friends there that could help.”
I stand up, “That’s incredibly kind of you but I don't have enough money for such treatment, or the ability to travel there.” I pause a moment and look at Yego. I can’t help but smile a bit. I’m glad she’s here in Glevod. She’ll do so much good for the town.
“I understand my condition and what it means. Thank you for seeing me.” I begin to open the door but she stops me again.
“Give me a week or two so I can set up accommodation. Don’t worry about cost or travel. It’s about a three days horse ride. You’ll make it to Omnin.” She speaks low and quietly. I don't respond to Yego as I walk out of the room. The false hope it my chest burns and my eyes start to sting with the need to cry. I’d rather not think about it anymore than I need to.
The thin, spiral, steel stairs lead me to the room I work in. The climb up is not taxing like pushing open a door. I’m lead to a hall with a few closed doors but the one with an cracked door is designated as mine. I can smell the paper and ink before I see anything. The round room is brilliantly lit by the surrounding windows that gifts me a view of Glevods center. The walls are dark and stacks of books and letters line the bottom half of them. There’s a small desk that’s mine to write on. It’s much easier to organize things on the dark, wooden floor anyway.
I open the window closest to my desk. The air feels refreshing and I take a deep breath. I can smell food and see merchandise people are selling. I hear laughing and the buzz of conversation. It’s a wonderful place to live and has been expanding over the years.
Throughout the day I document anything the healers send to me about patients and medicine. Sometimes, people will ask me to write a letter to someone outside of Glevod that’s then sent by someone else on horseback. It’s not strenuous labor but I’m one of the few who can read and write here. People put a great deal of trust in me and I’m happy to help others.
I start my journey home a while before sunset. I love watching the sky change colors as night overtakes day. The birds are quiet now and the frogs begin their symphony. My door still creaks when I open and close it. The glass panes shake a little when a breeze rolls by as well. Everything is the same as usual. I can feel hot tears stream down my face rapidly. The world will keep spinning when I’m gone and I find peace in that.
