65 Burns
1076 Words
The Wellspring wasn't a bad place to be in. It was similar to dreaming, except there was a whole lot of nothing. What there was, was a sense of space where he could glide and take flight. He wasn't that bored during his stay. At least the lights were entertaining.
Still, he was frequently hounded by the voices. Voices that were familiar to him. His sister, the housekeeper, the knight. Some of them were sobbing and weeping. There were goblins, dwarves, ladies, and men alike. There were even cat people. What happened to them? Why are they so upset? Are they alright?
When he heard the voices though, he tried to move away. He found that he had plenty of space in the Wellspring to navigate.
Soon though, he felt the heat. And whenever he felt the heat he would hear the voices again.
There was this voice that bothered him more than anyone else's.
It was that Lady. The Lady had been in this Wellspring before, that he was certain of. That wasn't nice. The Wellspring was his. He was getting good at navigating it each day. He had memorized the places. He named one corner cherry blossom street, as it glowed with pink fluttering petals whenever he arrived. He called another the forge of Hell, as there was a fire raging there whenever he came by, it reminded him of the sun.
Still, he was missing something. Something that was dear to him.
The Lady had been crying again. Her voice grew louder as she visited each day. It was unbelievable.
What does anyone have to do to get some sleep around here?
"Janus? Janus are you awake?" her voice quivered a few inches above him. She smelled of fragrant flowers and powders. It was a nice smell.
Janus opened his eyes.
Searing pain. Everywhere.
His back was stiff. His mouth felt sticky, his right hand was limp. His feet were soggy noodles.
"Water." He said.
"Janus! Thank the Almighty you're awake!"
"You mean 'your highness, Prince Janus.'" He said.
"Oh shut it! Thank goodness, I thought we had lost you. I was afraid they would execute me. It's a wonder they haven't thrown me into prison yet. A foreign dignitary causing destruction and getting their Prince killed? Could you imagine?"
"I doubt that my Lady, if you remember, it was me who called the necromancer from the sewer pit. And besides, no one can arrest you. You'd just throw fireballs at them." Janus said.
"Oh why are you being funny right now?" she said as she wiped her tears.
"I said water." He repeated.
"Oh right, sorry."
Lady Haruna poured a glass from the pitcher and moved it to his mouth. It was the most delicious glass of water he had ever drank. Even when his right had twitched when he saw the glass.
"Tell me what happened."
"Okay okay, where do I start... So many things, first I remembered chanting my spell, then the knight came crashing at me before I could even finish. I sustained bruises from the fall. When I got up you were there, down on the floor where the elemental once stood. Witnesses say you drowned it really well, almost emptying the river, but you were caught in the wave. When I saw you, you were badly bruised and burnt to a crisp. Steaming all over. Your bones were lodged in different angles. Yvaine cried for days."
"Father Galvan..."
"Yes, we brought you to the infirmary. I tried a levitation spell but I failed, too tired and stressed, so we carried you via wagon. He performed a really strong healing spell. The kind only high ranking members of the church could execute. Your village impresses me yet again."
"Still. Pain."
"Yes, he mentioned that you're going to fully heal. But it'll be a process, he's been performing the spell every day. But we were all worried since you hadn't woken up yet."
"Wait, how long was I out?"
"Let's see... Three days."
Three whole days, there must be a stack of papers piled up at his desk by now. He still had to check on the trade routes and strategies for foreign relationships. His classes. That pesky dwarf will be missing the fruit lady again.
"Whelp time to work." Janus tried to stand up, but pain crawled down on his jellied legs. His vision blurred as he attempted to sit up straight. He fell into his fluffy white bed just as quickly.
"Thought so. You should stay in bed. Perhaps until the end of the week. The whole village has been helping with rebuilding and recovery. You need not worry, you have a strong operation going on here. It's crazy."
"The damage?" Janus said.
"I'd rather not..."
"Please tell me. It's not like I can stand up even if I tried."
Haruna sighed.
Seven huts burned. All from Yashiek's tribe. One factory for hunting supplies and food processing utterly destroyed.
"Casualties?"
"Two civilians, both men who were defending their homes. Seven guards dead. Thirteen badly wounded. One Merrimen had to lose an arm.
"Jesus, they must hate me now."
"What do you mean? Take a closer look at the room! Wait... Who's Jesus?" Haruna asked.
Janus looked around, it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust. His attention was previously caught by Haruna's tears. The Lady looked terrible, like she's been through a fiery hell. But still pretty all things considered.
Flowers adorned every inch of the room. There was a smattering of notes from different languages and writing styles.
"Get well your highness!" was plastered along a pack red and white lilies.
There were a few drawings with names signed and scribbled on sheets of paper. "Our hero!" "Thank you Prince Janus!"
On the corner of the room, Sir Arthan's shield was displayed with burns on its edges sustained from the battle. In it, soldiers scribbled greetings and well-wishes.
On the table was a bouquet arranged by Yvaine, it was held by the largest stand and filled with every flower seen in the territory.
"Prince Janus? Are you okay? Who's Jesus?" Haruna asked.
"Nothing... some guy I knew."
"Anyway. I've decided to say and teach you magic. I've devised some plans to keep us safe from the dark arts. Although that will be a long process. I'm already working with the Mystic Flames in defensive strategies against magical entities. Although we lack firepower in the spellcasting department. That's where we'll need your help."
"That sounds amazing." He said.
"But my services won't be free. I'm asking you for something in return."
Janus felt jittery hearing her words.
"What is it my lady?"
Haruna took her notebook and showed it to him. She bowed her head.
"You'll need to teach me as well."
- Writer
