CHAPTER FOUR
Xanna and Kai sat there speechless. Lady Sia was dying?
The thought was absurd; she was only in her middle years and one of the most skilled healers that Earthias had ever known. How could this be happening?
‘I know what you are thinking,’ Sia said. ‘It is true that as a healer I should be able to cure myself of most ailments. But this one, like the other that swept our dear forest all those years ago, truly eludes me.’
‘Is...is it the same one?’ Xanna asked tentatively.
Sia shook her head. ‘No. If it were, then I would have realised sooner and isolated myself from everyone, for that particular disease was highly contagious. Fortunately, this illness appears to be far safer.’
‘Safer?’ Kai spluttered, half-rising from his seat. ‘How in Earthias can it be safe if it is ki
