The Lightbearer's Gift

I watched the chicken for some time and other than being a bit more energetic than the others, there didn't seem to be any significant changes. After I finished plucking the hen’s feathers, I butchered it and tossed its entrails with the exception of its liver and heart into a pile of compost.

I was about to give another chicken some more life Ether to see if I would notice any changes when a few words being carried by the wind along with the sounds of footsteps caught my attention. My ears twitched in response as I tried to determine how far they were.

Guessing that they would be here in a few minutes, I washed my hands and tied my hair with a strip of cloth. I had undone the braids that Dena had made, and my hair was largely left to do what it wanted. Grabbing my sword, I strapped it around my waist. I have largely neglected my training with it, but it was better to have it, I assumed.

Standing by the same window Lori peeped through, I watched as a group of people approached by the sound of a loud laugh, immediately I knew who they were. Eventually Sten, Garett, Sarah, and the rest of the company made their way towards the cottage. Lori was on Mikah's shoulders and looked to be having fun pulling his hair. Bast the scared man was the only one that seemed significantly injured. His left arm was cradled in a sling. Looking at them closely I could see a number of them were in rough shape. Almost everyone had cuts, bruises, and damage to their armor. It must have been some fight; I went outside to greet them.

“Hoi Moon, aren't you a sight for sore eyes.” Sten jubilantly shouted as soon as he saw me. He and the rest of the company came over to greet me and I shook hands and exchanged greetings with most.

“Gods you're still as delicate as a flower. Garett, couldn't you at least put some muscle on him. What are we going to do with him? “Tanner said jokingly.

It was actually incredibly difficult for elves to gain significant muscle mass. I could train for years with little change. At least that's according to Garett.

“Oh, with his power, I'm sure you would find plenty of use for him. Bast let him heal you, this is as good a test as any.” Garett said.

“Hopefully, he's as good as you say.” Bast said. He came over and slowly started removing the sling grunting from the pain.

Bringing his arm over to me I gently removed his bandage from his bicep revealing a deep cut. It was probably deep enough that there was damage to the muscle. There was poorly done suture work and fortunately there didn't seem to be any kind of infection.

As soon as I began to cast the directed healing Sarah eyes became piercing clearly looking into the ether. Wanting to ensure that I impressed, I poured significant power into the healing. The soft green light glowed brightly as I began.

The wound went through months of healing in the space of a few minutes the angry red wound completely healed, closed, and scarred over. I kept the light up longer than necessary to ensure that the damage to the muscle would also be healed. The entire company had come over to watch at this point.

“That should do it.” I said as I cut off the spell.

Bast gave his arm a hesitant flex, then realizing that there was no pain, did an experimental air punch.

“Damn, magical healing is something else, my thanks” he said with a bow.

“As you can see, he's quite adept.” Garett said to Sten, who had a giddy expression.

“Moon, could you look at this” Brandon said he had a small cut in his leg. It was so minor that it healed without a scar. Eventually, one after another, members of the company came over to get healing. Breala of course had cuts on her arms that looked mostly healed already.

“Healin’s nice and all but I thought you'd actually teach him something impressive” Tanner said again.

“Well perhaps a demonstration is in order, what do you say Moon “Garett said smugly.

“It would be proper to show my comrades what they’re working with” I replied.

We made our way into the forest until we reached a small clearing within the trees. I realized that Lilian was nowhere to be seen. I peered into the Ether and looked around. There was an odd void in the shape of a person that followed us. Smirking, I realized I could find Lilian any time I wished.

“What is the extent of his training?” Sarah asked.

“Everything you can expect from an Adept light mage.” Garret answered.

“So much in a brief time. It seems your estimations were correct, Sten.” Sarah answered though she had a bit of doubt in her voice.

“How about we start off with the Shield spell? I doubt anything you try could get through it.” Garett said with an odd amount of competitiveness coming into his voice.

“Very well,” Sarah said.

This was as good a test as any, so we stepped into the middle of the clearing with me standing in the center and Sarah close to the edge. The crest of the company stayed within the trees keeping a close watch.

“Summon up your shield Moon and we will see the extent of your abilities.” She said it with an air of dismissiveness. I knew the extent of my power so I had full confidence I could block anything she threw at me.

“As you wish Sarah. Don't disappoint me.'

I cast the shield spell with at least twice the power needed to block an overcharged fireball. There were some oohh's and aahh's as the 30-foot-wide shield sprang into life. It wasn't necessary to make it so large, but I wanted the company to imagine themselves being protected by it.

Sarah brought out her amplifier. I hoped I would get one for myself someday, but they were incredibly rare and purchasing one like Sarah’s which apparently wasn't even significantly powerful would cost thousands of gold. Even if I could afford that, finding someone to sell it to me is next to impossible without having the right connections.

Sarah cast an overcharged firebolt at my shield; that was easily deflected. She then tried the same steam of fire spell I knew. It blasted out a code of flame so wide that it engulfed the entirety of the 30-foot shield. While I did feel a slight strain on the shield spell it was nowhere close to breaking. As the flame dissipated the ground around me was scorched with the exception of a 30-foot ring around me.

“Come now Sarah, I thought an adept fire mage would have more power than this.' I teased.

She smirked and began to charge the fireball. Garett had assured me several times that I would easily be able to block an overcharged fireball with this level of power in my shield. But a slightly paranoid part of myself prompted me to empower my shield even more. Anticipation built within me as her spell circuit glowed and angry red and lightning began to crackle off of it. I noticed that some of the other members of the company started to back away further into the forest.

Then she fired.

The massive pulse as she unleashed the spell was unmistakable. The ball of fire flew across the clearing and detonated as soon as it made contact with my shield. I was nearly brought to my knees by the massive amount of power that was drained from my shield due to the concussive force of the blast. For a few seconds, the only thing I could see was fire. Eventually the air started to clear, and I could finally see outside my shield. All around me was little more than blackened earth except for a 30-foot-wide circle of untouched grass.

There were some shouts of approval as I was clearly unharmed by the explosion.

“Garett my friend you have done excellent work. Sarah, what do you think?” Sten said.

“His power is acceptable,” she said. That was likely as close to a compliment. As she would ever get.

“What about attack magic? The shields are nice and all but blowing stuff up is nicer.” Mikah said.

Sarah responded before I could. “Light mages are limited in their offensive ability; I assume you taught him basic offensive magic at least” Sarah said.

“Of course, and a little bit more.” Garett said. He looked even more smug as he said this. There was definitely some competitiveness going on here. Is this some kind of common occurrence between different types of mages?

“Moon how about you demonstrate?” Garett asked, without breaking eye contact with Sarah.

One after the other I went through the offensive spells I knew compared to Sarah's they were not very impressive.

Since Garett seemed to be having some competition with her, I put significant effort into Radiant Lance. I overcharged the spell to the point where the circuit almost became unstable. And then starting from my left I fired a blinding white ray of light into the forest. There was a loud roar of disintegrating bark as I walked the laser from left to right. As I moved my arm, hundreds of trees fell as the laser cut cleanly through bark as if cutting through butter. I finished the ark and stared in appreciation at my spell.

My limbs were on the verge of becoming completely numb and could barely keep myself upright. Such was the level of power needed for that spell. I could only imagine what it would do to humans even if they were heavily armored, they would be little more than grass waiting to be trimmed when faced with that spell. I couldn't stop a massive smile from forming on my face appreciating the devastation.

I turned around to see their reactions. Before most were watching with fascination as if they were enjoying a good play. Now they looked at me with fear. Only Sarah Sten and Garett hid their expressions well, but I could still see it in their eyes. I wasn't going to lie to myself. I thoroughly enjoyed their fear.

Turning to the tanner I said. “Well Tanner, what do you think? "

I did my best to hide how truly exhausted I felt. I was tempted to force an invigorate on myself but abandoned that idea when I thought about the crash. The crash after the spell wore off was something I didn't want to deal with.

“Ummm. That's good…. Good job.” as her eyes didn't look away from the devastation behind me.

“Well Sten, what do you have to say?” Garett said with an expectant look on his face. Sten put a fist on his heart then said.

“Your debt to me has been repaid now and forever.” Sten replied.

A look of relief came over his face as whatever burdens the debt had on him was released. Garett came over to me and handed me a large brown leather satchel with a single buckle that held it closed.

“That contains all the essential medical supplies you would likely need for some time.”

I Peered into the medical satchel there was more yarrow paste, bandages and other dressings, a few different ointments, salves, a splint as well as some suturing equipment.

“And take this” he said as he handed me an envelope sealed with wax.

“It's a letter of recommendation if you ever decide to go to the Institute of Light Magic. Once you demonstrate your power and the fact that you're an elf will likely have them begging you to join.” I placed the envelope in one of the many pockets that were inside the satchel.

“Thank you for teaching me debt or no debt, you have my gratitude.” I said, offering him a hand.

Lori, who was standing close by, had a sad look on her face. “Are you leaving Moon?” she asked, her large brown eyes somehow appearing even bigger.

“Yes, though I will miss you.” she actually gave me a hug that I returned.

“What are your plans for the future Sten? “Garett aske.

“Hmmmm not sure yet there are a few contracts floating about that I’m thinking about taking.” Sten said while rubbing his chin.

“With how much you taught Moon hells he might be the strongest light mage in the barony, this needs some consideration.”

His estimation of my power while correct was more likely a result of their being so few mages, especially light mages, this far south in the empire. Sten was likely thinking of the best way to profit off of me.

After some final goodbyes, the entire company headed back to the main road. Interestingly they were traveling in a large open carriage pulled by two horses. The entire company took a seat as we headed back to the Vernon Capitol. As we rolled along the road back to the capitol bypassing Vendel, I asked Breala.

“So, what happened you all looked like fresh hell.”

“The trip to the capitol went smoothly, but on our way back to Ruben with the baroness, we were attacked by a hoard of Luguar” she said.

“What in the world is a Luguar?” I asked.

Mikah, who was sitting near the front of the carriage said.

“Weird scaly monsters, stands half again as tall as a man. damn dangerous.”

Breala continued “They live in the swamp’s northeast of Ruben. The baroness wanted to get home faster, so we moved through their territory. In the night we were attacked and several of the servants were killed. Thanks to a warning from Lilian of the imminent attack we avoided many casualties.”

“What about the Baroness “I asked.

Breala sniffed in disgust. “Her light mage put up a shield and her knights killed any that got close. Her fire mage didn't even need to do anything. They just left us to fight them off. She didn’t even leave her tent and the bodies of the dead were left behind.”

“How was the payment?” I asked.

“It was acceptable,” she said. She seemed to dislike the fact that the baroness’s guards did little to safeguard the lives of their servants.

Changing the subject she asked. “How was your training with Garett? Is magic everything you thought it would be.”

“It was. I proved to be quite adept at magic and learned all he could teach me. Having such power at my fingertips is……………strange.” I said that I cast the light orb spell and held it in my hand.

The fact that I could likely kill most of the company with a single spell was an amusing thought. Armor, weapons, years of training dedicated to their swords, axes and spears would mean little. Only Sarah and Lilian would likely cause any problems for me. But it's best that I don't become too arrogant. I still need people to guard me when I sleep or defend me when exhausted.

“You will grow accustomed to it and most peasants will never be comfortable with the idea of a single person with the power to cause so much destruction.” Sarah said her gaze on the horizon. She, unlike the rest of the company, didn't look like they were just fighting a war.

“They will simper, bow and cajole in the hopes that they will not raise your ire.”

She did have a point, as terse as someone like Caan was. I've never seen him show so much as the smallest disrespect towards Sarah. The fear of immolation was likely enough to keep him docile.

“How does magic work? Sarah never answers our questions.” Tanner asked, butting into the conversation.

Explaining magic to a normal person was almost like explaining color to a blind man. At least this is how Garett explained it. There was some truth to this since without seeing and touching the ether much of the explanation would fall on deaf ears.

“Ether is everywhere you just tell it what to do with spells” I explained simply. While casting an incredibly weak stream of fire. Tanner watched in fascination.

“Should ‘a known id get the runaround. Why’d I even ask? “Tanner said mostly to herself.

“Was it hard to learn?” Mikah asked.

“It was simultaneously more difficult and easier than I expected, “I said.

“Moon, you turn into mage and suddenly stop make’n sense,” Mikah said in much the same tone as Tanner.

Explaining the intricacies of magic to individuals, half of which couldn't even read, seemed like a waste of time to me.

I shrugged then said. “That’s just how it is.”

“Still though that light you did was as impressive as Sarah fireball. I wonder which of you is stronger.” Mikah teased. While looking at Sarah.

“It's called Radian Lance. Hopefully, we’ll never have to find out. “I said.

“Your shielding and healing was also impressive; I’m sure Sten will want you contracted as soon as possible.” Breala added.

Signing the contract with Sten at the Vernon capitol was a certainty at this point. According to Garett the terms Sten proposed in the contract was something most light mages would never agree to. Light mages can earn coins simply by working for some notable or some rich merchant; it was something he would personally never agree to.

But my circumstances were unique, and he even admitted that training in magic is often priceless. His suggestion was just to spend those 3 years honing my skills and earning coin so in the future I can pursue my own path. Sten wasn't a fool, and he wouldn't want the contract to end on bad terms or with me dead.

“Do you intend to stay with us? You know you could leave and there would be nothing to stop you.” Breala asked.

A few members of the company turned concerned glances my way. Apparently, they didn't realize that I hadn’t been contracted so I technically had no obligations to stay with them. I have long since made up my mind on the subject, so I said.

“Of course. Sten and I are going to head to the House of Law sometime soon.” A look of relief came over them and Breala had a soft smile on her face.

“Well let me be the first to say it.” Brandon said, as he stretched across the small gap between us and shook my hand.

“Welcome to the Bronze Spears.” he said with a large smile.

“Happy to be here,” I said, returning his smile.

It took a few more hours until we reached the entrance to the city. The sun was still quite high in the sky and the streets were packed with stalls and people trying to sell their wares. Like last time one after the other the company dispersed after an agreement to meet at Grassy Grove in a few weeks. I didn’t know where that was but I’m sure I will find out eventually. Before we left Brandon came over to me and whispered.

“Hey Moon, you know that Invigorate spell, right?”

“Yes?” I said with suspicion in my voice.

“Could you cast it on me,” he asked.

Remembering where he went the last time, we entered the city I said.

“Need a little boost for your ‘Darlings’,” Putting emphasis on darlings.

“See Moon, at least you understand me. Come on now, help a friend out.” I shrugged and cast the spell on him. A few of the passers-by jumped as the spell circuit popped into existence but since there was no violence being done, opted to give us a wide berth.

“Haaaaa '' he said, shivering as his body was energized. It would last most of the day and he’d crash in the morning.

“Hell’s that is fantastic, I owe you one.”

“I'm sure you know about the crash after it wears off.” I warned him.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s not like I plan to do much tomorrow. You know, maybe you should come with me. I'm sure the girls would love you.” he said.

“Maybe some other time I will have some business with Sten.”

“You're loss then. I'll see you in a few weeks.” he left at the same moment, practically skipping towards Gardenia’s.

Everyone else cleared out and Sten and I headed towards the same inn as last time. As we walked, I asked him.

“Tell me Sten, do you know of any healing work I could do in the city While you all are on leave?”

“Hmmm, you could help with the temples. They mostly help the poor so not much coin to be earned there. I know a tavern where plenty of mercenaries drink. They always need healing. Good coin there.”

I didn't want to waste time on the poor if there was no coin to be had, nor did I want to involve myself with more mercenaries.

“What about the guards around the city? I'm sure they wouldn't mind having a light mage at their disposal.” I asked.

“That's not a bad idea actually. They would have to pay out of their own pocket though. It costs a lot of coin for a light mage to heal them. There's only two other light mages that I know of in the city, and they charge a hefty price.” he said.

The price on healing is usually set according to the type of ailment. Cuts and lacerations would cost a few sterling. Wounds that needed constant healing over a period of hours or days required gold. Setting up a clinic that offers these services was one of the many ways light mages could earn coin.

“How about this, I offer them a discount for my services regardless of the type of healing. Something like half the going rate at a clinic. I'm sure they would come running, maybe stress that I'm some powerful elven light mage in your employ. That would do wonders for your reputation.” I said.

A grin spread across his face as the idea began to take root. I presumed that having friends among the guard force of the city would be a boon to both of us. And combined with the potential for profit I was sure Sten would jump at the idea. Since this wasn't contracted work all the coins would go to me.

“I have few friends amongst the guards. I know exactly how we should spin this.” he chuckled a little then said.

“Once it gets around that you're as good as a court mage, your prices are low and you're under my employ. The contracts will come rolling in; they'll practically beg me to take them.” he said as that coin crazed expression I have come to know spread across his face. He looked at me then said.

“I think we will work well together, Moon.”

Of that I had no doubt.

The next morning Sten and I headed to the House of Law. It was a large stone building a few streets down from the inn. While we broke our fast Sten went over the details of the contract and produced a copy for me to go over.

I read it thrice and found nothing that was not a pre-established agreement between us. We headed up the steps leading to the entrance. All around me were men and women dressed in fine clothing. Sten even bothered to wear a dark blue doublet and black pants.

I felt slightly self-conscious of my own clothes. It's been over two months since I had purchased them, and it was a testament to the tailors’ skills that they still held together. However, the color was beginning to fade and here and there the fabric was fraying.

We waited in a line to enter the building when we finally reached it. The armored man, who was checking each person entering, turned his attention to us and said.

“State your business.” By their voice, the armored man was actually a woman.

Sten took the lead then said. “Contract Ratification between Sten Barlow and Moon here.”

“An elf hm.” then she asked.

“What are you doing this far from Elven lands?”

This was something Sten said would happen and we went over what I should say.

“I'm a Light Mage and I've been spending time seeing the empire. I've realized that I need some coin Sten here offered me a position in his mercenary company. I found his terms acceptable.”

The moment I said that I was a light mage. her stormy demeanor softened a bit. “Very well then proceed.”

She lets us pass without another word. A small chuckle came from Sten then he said. “Reminds me of when I brought Sarah here.”

“Just a mention of being a mage is enough to open doors?” I asked.

“That Radiant Lance. Imagine what kind of destruction you could cause within the city.” I thought back to the damage I had done in the forest.

“I could kill hundreds in moments.” I said, looking at my hands.

“Exactly that's what most people think of mages. There has been many tales of a mage being angered by someone. It usually ends with a large amount of death and destruction.”

“What if someone pretends to be a mage to get their way. “I asked.

This time Sten barked out a laugh “That’s a good way to end up dead the mages like their power and hate sharing.”

Inside there was a line of people all waiting to speak to a woman sitting behind a desk all around the large chamber, there were people sitting and waiting. Occasionally someone would come out of a side room and call out a number and head off into said room. Sten and I eventually reached the front of the line.

“Business?” the woman asked.

“Contract ratification for Sten Barlow and Moon.” Sten repeated.

She quickly wrote down a note and a younger girl came and took it. She handed us a slip of paper with the number 37 on it. We sat down and half an hour later an older man shouted.

”37”

We got up and without a word we followed him into a room. From wall to wall there were books and he sat down behind a large desk.

“Hand me the contract,” he asked. He spent several minutes reading over the contract.

“Do all parties agree to the contract's contents?”

“Agreed.” Both Sten and I said. He then spent the next several minutes copying the contract word for word. His quill moved at incredible speed without a single mistake.

“Moon, stand there for a moment,” he said.

Following his instructions I stood in the center of the room. Occasionally he would glance at me and write down something most likely taking down my description. He apparently didn't need to do one for Sten. He then stamped Both copies and sealed it in a large envelope with wax.

“Your contract is officially ratified. The Moon the elven light mage is now officially contracted under the Mercenary company Bronze Spears owned by Sten Barlow of Vernon. Standard rule of contract breakage applies.” He sat down and signaled us to leave.

“That was fast” I said as we exited the building.

“They try to get people in and out as fast as possible. If a contract can be ratified on the spot they try not to waste time,” Sten said.

“Let's head over to guard barracks. “He said.

We walked towards the main gate. Apparently, the large building close to the gate was actually the guard barracks. Sten and I munched on some skewed meat on sticks as we walked towards the main gate.

“Hoy Laron, lend me your ear.” As soon as Sten shouted this one of the guards who was giving a group of peasants the stink eye as they passed through the gate looked at us and shouted back.

“What do you want, Sten and what's with the elf?” Laron asked as we approached him.

We stood off to the side of the gate while he watched travelers enter the city.

“The elf here is Moon and he's a light mage, a powerful one at that.” as soon as he said that Sten got Laron’s full attention.

“And?” Laron asked.

“Well, he’s looking for work while my company is on leave. I'm sure there are many a guardsman who could use his help, “Sten answered.

“What are his prices?” Laron askes suspiciously.

“Half the Standard rate at a clinic regardless of time spent healing,” Sten said.

Laron looked incredulous. “What's the catch?” Before Sten could answer he looked at me and said.

“I want to hear it from you,” he said, locking eyes with me.

“I want to practice my skills on humans as I have recently contracted with the bronze Spears. Sten can attest to my abilities and if you wish to verify it for yourself, I will perform the first healing for no charge.” I said.

He considered that for a moment then said. “I'm off shift in an hour. Let's meet at that tavern. I'll see what the captain says.” he pointed to a tavern next to the guard’s barracks.

Sten and I went inside and sat by the bar. We both ordered a drink throwing down a few shillings as we each received a tankard. I got some odd glances from many of the off-duty guardsmen and women. But they seemed content to not bother with me. Laron returned over an hour later with a man dressed in pristine armor. Everyone who was calmly lounging sprang to their feet and saluted, crossing their hands across their chest. In a commanding voice he said.

“At ease”

Everyone calmed down and went back to their drinks. He came over to us and said, “Laron here says you are willing to offer your services for reasonable prices.”

He completely ignored Sten and had his full focus on me.

“Yes, I'm sure your man has explained my terms. “I stated.

“That he has if you would come with me, I will take you to our sick bay so your abilities can be verified. You said you will do this for no cost, correct.”

“Yes.”

“Is there any limitation on your healing ability,” he asked.

“So long as it is a physical ailment, healing them would be no problem.” I answered with confidence.

“Very well come with us, Sten your presence will not be required.” Sten looked like he didn't want to leave but it's not like I was defenseless.

“It's fine to show me to your sick bay captain” I said.

“Captain Rodrick Heith, you may follow” the captain turned on his heel and started to leave.

“I'll meet you at the inn later” I said to Sten, he gave me a nod and downed the rest of his drink.

I followed the captain to the large stone barracks as we walked through the building. Men and a few women would stand in salute as the captain walked by eventually, we exited behind the building and entered a smaller wooden building behind the barracks. A woman greeted us outside the captain and said. “Ho Captain Heith, what can I do for you?”

“This elf here is a light mage. He has offered his services to us, and we wish to test his abilities, how is Derek” The captain said.

“He's a bad way our medicant says he's not much longer for the world.” the woman said a note of sadness appeared on her face.

“Perhaps I should take a look at him, “I said.

“Can you save him, Sir mage.” The woman asked with hope in her voice.

I needed these people to trust me and saving Derek will get me well on the way to that end.

“Rest assured there is nothing I cannot heal.” I said with confidence. While internally hoping I could heal whatever ails the man.

“Very well. Take us to Derek''. The captain ordered.

Inside the building there were rows upon rows of beds, a third of them occupied by someone. Some were awake and watched with fascination as the captain walked towards the back of the room with me in tow. We finally reached the end of the room. There was one bed closed off with a curtain. The woman drew back the curtain and my nose was assailed with a sickly-sweet stench along with the smell of ammonia and yarrow root.

“Examine him and give me your opinion.” The captain ordered.

I went over to the brown-haired man. He was incredibly pale and looked to be shivering. There was a bead of sweat along his brow. He was bare chest with the exception of a bandaged wound. Since I was sure that there were no mages around, I put a finger on his forehead and channeled some life ether into him. Like with the chicken my mind was assailed with information about his body. From what I could tell he was stabbed the wound slightly punctured his stomach. A small amount of its contents leaked into his abdominal cavity and was causing an infection. There seems to be a drug in his system that keeps him unconscious since otherwise he would be in terrible pain. Sleep Shade is the only drug I knew of that medicants used for this.

I gently removed the bandage to confirm what I saw in my mind's eye. The stench of his infected wound was even worse.

“He was stabbed in the stomach. The wound was deep enough that it pierced his stomach lining. Its contents began to empty into his abdominal cavity and caused an infection. I imagine he must have been in terrible pain before you gave him the Sleep Shade. Your mendicant was right he does not have much longer to live as corruption has spread to his blood” I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

At some point an old woman in a white uniform was watching me examine him.

“Morah is he correct?” The captain said to the woman.

“Yes, correct on all counts. Who are you.” she asked.

“If you would allow me captain, I will begin healing him and as I said I will not ask a price for this.” I said ignoring Morah’s question.

“You may begin Morah, Quina monitor Derek’s condition closely.”

The 3 gave me some space when I began casting. First, I had to stamp out the infection in his blood, so I began casting the anti-corruption spell taught to me by Garrett. It had apparently been used for centuries and was a requirement to learn before becoming a Disciple light mage.

I wanted to guarantee that it would work so I overcharged it to the maximum effectiveness my skill and affinity allowed. While my audience couldn't feel the pulses in the ether there were nonetheless some sounds of surprise as the spell construct popped into existence and started to crackle with lightning.

This level of power was likely not required for this, but I wanted to take no risks. A bright orange light bathed his entire body as I released the spell. For several minutes I kept it at that power. Slowly color started to return to his face and the swelling and the redness around the wound began to decrease significantly. I cut off the spell and placed a hand on his head. I examined his body with the light ether. The infection was almost entirely gone at this point, so I moved on to repairing the wound.

I bathed him with an overcharged focused healing and the rest watched as slowly his wound began to heal, eventually closing completely and after a few minutes scarred over. I kept the light going long after his skin had scarred over so that his stomach had a chance to close the small wound. Examining him again I nodded in satisfaction as he was completely healed though he had lost a small amount of fat and muscle.

“He’s healed; he was going to need some rest and a proper meal soon.” I turned around but everyone's eyes were locked on the man that, only a few minutes before, was on the verge of death. Now he slept peacefully as the color returned to his face.

“Exceptional work, Moon I see Sten did not overestimate your abilities.” He reached into a pouch, pulled out a gelding and placed it in my hand.

“Magic sure is something.” the old woman said as she began removing the rest of Derek's bandages. The lights and magic didn't go unnoticed as some of the patients and most of the staff were watching.

“I did agree not to charge for this healing.” I said, looking at the coin.

“How much would they charge him at the clinic for this healing?” the captain asked.

Given the massive amount of magic used it would likely be several golds. “A few geldings perhaps.”

“A few Geldings? That's robbery” Quina said in disgust.

“Matt, come over here.” one of the young men came. Over he had a bandage wrapped around his upper arm.

“How much would it cost to heal him?” I examined the wound then said,

“A 3 or 4 silver it’s not very deep so it wouldn't require much power.” As I said, I healed his wound, the process took only a few seconds.

Matt flexed his arm and examined the thin scar left behind. “Wow that is amazing thank you, How’s Derek. he looked like fresh hell before.”

Morah said. “He looks good. better than good I think it safe to send him home as soon as he wakes up.”

“Take this as a down payment for everyone in this room. I want them in top shape. Morah, I want you to keep track of any of the staff Moon heals so we pay him fairly. He's offering half priced healing with no overcharge for time spent so keep this in the books.” The captain said.

“For that matter I’m willing to heal anyone so feel free to bring friends or family as long as that’s ok with you captain.” The captain looked at me then said.

“My guardsmen get priority other than that. I'm fine with it, however it comes out of their own pockets.” With that the captain took his leave.

Turning to Quina and Morah I pocketed the gelding then said, “Well then, let's begin.”