Sauragia

Chapter 20

Astron made his way to the kirk yard, which was being used as an aid station for minor wounds after the battle. The more seriously injured were inside the kirk itself. The healers were mostly the very old and very young who were unable to fight, though there were others as well, some of whom simply could not bear to take up arms with the intent of harming their fellow dinosaurs. An admirable notion, Astron thought, but somewhat impractical as well.

Seeing that there was no particular order, and that his wound was hardly serious despite its b****y appearance, the temporary Guard commander sat down on the lawn with the others and waited to be tended. He could not help but notice how lovely the day was and how beautiful the sky looked. If there had not been a war on, he would have gladly taken this time to go for a walk in the woods with Johnny. The trees there would provide decent shade from the rising heat, and the low-growing wildflowers would be everywhere. He vowed to himself that when it was over, the first thing he would do was take a leisurely stroll out there with his friend, assuming Edward and his horde didn’t ruin it with their very presence. They were a truly scummy lot, just like Alf had said. He almost let his thoughts wander down this trail when he felt a gentle touch on his wounded arm.

Shifting his gaze from the sky, Astron was extremely surprised to find none other than Princess Alyssa kneeling beside him with a case of cloth bandages and ointments, wiping away the blood from his arm.

“This shouldn’t take too long,” said she in a very businesslike manner. “It’s not much more than a scratch, whatever it looks like.” She went on wiping and applying a soothing salve very casually.

“What’s one of your station doing here, if I may ask?” asked the Guard commander, having recovered from his initial surprise.

“You needn’t act so amazed,” she replied, tying a dressing on. “My mother was a healer, a kind sort. She taught me most of what she knew before she died a few years ago. Besides,” she added, tying the bandage tight, “we’re all in this together. We’ve all got to chip in now, haven’t we?”

“Absolutely,” replied Astron. Both paused for a moment as their eyes met. Though he did not know why, his insides gave a brief but noticeable flutter, much to his annoyance and delight at the same time. Breaking off their wordless conversation abruptly, Astron stood up, helping her do the same.

“Well, that should do it,” said Alyssa, a little distractedly. “All wrapped up and it shouldn’t even hinder your movement.”

“That’s good news,” said Astron. He paused awkwardly before continuing. “Listen, I’m sorry about the perfume bottle. Truly I am.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. It really wasn’t one of my favourites anyway. It is I who should apologize for…” She hesitated. “For my unkind words. I say things like that sometimes when I really don’t mean them. I hope you don’t think less of me for it.”

“Not at all, my lady. I understand completely. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve a job to do. As have you, I’m sure.”

He turned and walked away to resume his duties, satisfied that on one front at least, he had managed to make peace amidst the conflict. Alyssa watched for some time until he disappeared into the bustle of Saurahall. Then, with a fleeting smile and a sigh, returned to her nursing duty.