Page 126
Story: The Ryder Of the Night
“This is the best I can do. Now time will tell if he has the strength to battle the poison.” Emrys looked into my eyes. There was kindness there but also honestly. “Our bodies use magic to heal, and without any to use, it’s hard to say which way a fae’s body will go.”
My heart sunk, but I didn’t press. I couldn’t bear the answer.
“Help me roll him over. I need to get to those arrows in his wings.”
I frowned, looking from Nyx to the healer. “His wings aren’t out; the magic in here shifted him”
“Do you think they cease to exist because you can’t see them? You must see them at times. Surely, he doesn’t hide them fully from his mate...” He gave me a strange look.
I returned it, not sure what he meant by that. “I’ve seen them. They flicker in and out of view sometimes, but only for moments.”
“And you didn’t think they existed outside his dragon form?” Emrys laughed, and I helped him turn Nyx.
“No…”
“Where did you think they were?” He did something I didn’t catch, and wings flickered into view. Theywere just like his dragon wings but sized for him as a fae.
I gasped. “Are dragons born with wings like this?”
“They are. Most are taught to shield them when young because they stick out among other fae.” He gave me a sly grin, and wings flickered into view around him.
My hand went over my mouth. “You’re a flyer?”
“I’m a dragon. A lot of us are.” He narrowed his eyes, but then nodded. “How strong is your stomach? These arrows are laced with more Dragon’s Bane and maybe other poisons.” He took Nyx’s wing and showed me one. “See how the flesh has tried to grow over the wound but it’s rotting? We have to get them out or they will continue to poison him. Can you help me, or shall I call another healer?”
“I can help.”
He handed me an apron. “I like you. I hope the elders let you both stay.”
I didn’t reply. We couldn’t stay. We couldn’t leave the Vivi Mortui to ravage the Twelve Kingdoms, and we had to find Kol.
After we worked on Nyx’s wings, I asked the healer to look at my back where I’d been struck. He had me sit so he could work.
“I don’t really want to put you out, but this isn’t going to feel good. Can you stand it, or would you prefer I drug you.”
Panic cut off my throat, and it took too long to get my words to form. “I can stand it. I don’t want to be put out.”
“You are safe while you are in this tent, I swear to you, but I figured you would resist. Most fae born females do.”
“What does that mean?” I looked over my shoulder to see what he was doing.
He ground something with a mortar and pestle. “Your pain tolerance is far superior than those born male.” He laughed like it was some kind of joke. “Females are hardier and more often have stronger stomachs.” He shrugged, stepping up behind me.
“Turn to face the other wall. I need your back straight so I can get at the worst parts.”
I did as he asked.
“You resist Dragon’s Bane better than any ryder I’ve seen. Especially one mated to a dragon.”
I hesitated to tell him my history, but it seemed relevant.
“I was raised in a remote place by fae who grew Dragon’s Bane. I was sick from it my whole life. I recently discovered they were feeding it to me daily to cut off my magic and prevent Nyx from finding me.”
“Goddess forbid.” Emrys gasped.
“I was wondering if I’d become somewhat resistant to it from those years?”
“Hmm. It’s possible,” Emrys mused.
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