Same Old Sky | Chapter Nineteen

Soon my body relaxed and I picked up the book, putting it on the bench. "Do you have a candle?" I asked hopefully.

The elf laughed. "No, Erulastial, I do not have a candle. But, if you like, I will show you more than that book can teach you."

I looke up eagerly. "Truly?"

"Truly," said the elf, smiling kindly.

I wrinkled my eyebrow for a moment. "May I ask a question?"

"Well, what is it?"

"What would I call you?"

The elf looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded decisively to herself and said, "Heodwyn. I will teach you to be a healer - But not just a healer. Of course, you may stay in this tent all your life and play doctor to these people, or you could become a protector."

"A protector?" I echoed.

"Yes-- Or an assassin. There is much you can do with knowledge like this," said Heodwyn gravely.

I do admit that I felt a slight spark at the word Assassin, but I hope to simply be a healer.

"Well, can you teach me?" I said hopefully.

Heodwyn laughed, making me feel a bit childish.

"Yes, child I will teach you. Come here," she beckoned to a bench just as the dove flew back through the canopy.

"Well you're a fast one!" I exclaimed, and Heodwyn laughed again. "Yes, our doves are quite fast. That is why we use them," she said the last in the tone of someone stating something obvious, but I said nothing, only anxiously unrolled the note :

Dear Sam -

I hope you are happy with the elves. We have just finished classes. We are going down to the docks to talk. All of us. Mitch says not to worry, don't know what that's about. Much Love as Ever,

Trish