Path Of The Broken

27. Lockdown-5

Kevin walked out of the gates, entering the outer gardens of the Guild. He looked around and spotted the man he’d come to meet. He was angry since he knew that all in the Healers’ Guild were being watched now. He just didn’t know why. That detail had not been revealed, even to those of them on the Council.

Walking across the manicured lawns, he noted the immaculate garden beds; even the trees were well trimmed, and the leaves raked every morning. There was nothing out of place.

Simon had taken a horrible risk coming here, of all places, particularly now, while the Guild was alert for anything that was strange or out of order. Still, there he stood by the tree waiting for him, not looking concerned in any way as to his fate. Surely he should have known to stay well away if Kevin was late reporting back. There was a reason. Simon turned and smiled as he recognised him.

“Kevin, it’s good to see you.”

I thought I’d check if you needed a hand. Some of these Master Healers are too sensitive for me to shout at you over great distance.

“Simon, what are you doing here?” Kevin kept up their verbal conversation for the sake of the observers in the garden to disguise their double talk.

I’m fine, at least for now. What is going on? The Grand Guild Master hasn’t been very forthcoming.

Master Healer Meagher looked around and saw that there were a few within the boundaries of the outer gardens that looked at them curiously. He wasn't known to have friends or family visit at all—in fact, he wasn’t known to have any family; it wasn’t in his carefully rehearsed backstory—so to anyone who recognised him, this was unusual.

Frustratingly, Simon smiled at him, unconcerned by the attention that they were drawing. “You missed our family meeting. I became concerned.”

Alex cleaned out many of my people in his temper tantrum but I still have some eyes and ears in the palace. One of your pet healers was taken, he was in the hands of Master Healer Aaron and the Elite.

Kevin nearly ground his teeth. “I’ve been busy, Simon, I am a Master Healer, Head of Journeyman Healers now. I’ve been vetting the new journeyman healers about to go out into the realms. I have responsibilities. You should realise by now that I will certainly drop by when I can.”

How much do they know?

“Ah, of course. My mistake. I just worry about you. I heard there was a fuss here at the Guild. You do understand?”

Don’t worry, I’ve had people take care of it. He’s dead and can’t reveal more than he already has. If your identity had been revealed, the king’s men would already be here to take you.

Kevin could see that they were still drawing the keen attention of the others in the gardens, yet at least some had turned away, dismissing the meeting. He breathed a sigh of relief, trying not to let it show when he realised what he’d done.

“I know, Simon, it was resolved easily enough. I’m sorry. You know I will come and visit when I can.” Kevin kept a pleasant smile plastered on his face.

Thank you, I should be fine for now. I’ll leave this place if I must.

Simon smiled and nodded.

Be careful, Kevin, this is a dangerous game you are playing. If Edward finds out what you are up to, well, I doubt you will live very long.

He kept his eye on his Simon and nodded acknowledgement of the warning as the man then turned and walked back down the road. He smiled. Despite the risk, Simon had come to see if he needed help.

His pleasant smile faded from his face. He was right about Edward’s likely reaction if he found out. Of course Simon failed to see he’d be just as dead for helping him. His friend needed to stop being so scared of Edward and pick a side.