As the first of the Realm's four suns peaked over the ramparts of the town of Stinkwell, Sterling was awaken from his sound sleep by the opening of his cell door. A beautiful woman with long brown hair in her late 30's/early 40's walked in with one of the Deputies holding the equivalent of a large picninc basket. She eyed the Drow curiously as the guard gazed upon the prisoner with some measure of contempt. The woman walked forward and introduced herself, "My name is Helene, I'm the Constable's wife and town healer as well. And what is your name kind sir?"
"Sterling" replied the Dark Elf calmly. He had expected the Healer to drop by sometime during the night, yet not so early in the morning. Still he was greatly relieved to have her there, inspite of his deep sleep, the Swordsman woke to find that his chest still stung him from where Skullsplitter had kicked him.
"Well, Sterling, why don't you tell me where it hurts." Gently removing the handkerchief that the Drow had tied around his head to stop his cut from bleeding, Helene examined his cut and smiled satisfactorily. "At least you won't need stitches for this one, it seemed to have healed up nicely."
"My chest, it hurts like hell, everytime I move." replied the Swordsman taking off his mailshirt for the Healer to see. As he finished his task, Helene examined a dark bruise in the shape of a footprint on his hairless chest. She smiled admiringly, "Hmm, how about we put some salve on that and you can tell me how it feels."
As she gently smoothed an icy cool liquid on his bruise, the Swordsman immediately felt a sharp burning sensation, but as time went by it began to cool and the pain itself began to die down.
"That's all you needed," smiled the Healer reasssuringly. "I'm sure you'll be alright, as soon as you have a hot meal inside you. Rob, could you hand me that basket there?" The guard did as she asked, "Thank you." Turning back to Sterling she offered, "Here, eat this, I hope you like bread and mutton. Granted it's not much, but I see no reason why you should leave here on an empty stomach."
"Why are you being so kind to me?" asked the Swordsman a little suspiciously. "You are a Healer and you've done your job well. I feel a lot better now, but this meal is a little above and beyond the call of duty."
"Why?" Helene pondered the Drow's question. "Because I think that you and your friends are our town's best hope for a meaningful future. I overhead your companion, the woman warrior, talking to old Jeremiah about how you were going to find Gareth and save Blossom. She seemed committed to doing it, and if that is the case, then I want to help in anyway I can. My husband and I have two boys at home, one is eight and the other is seven summers old. They deserve better than to live like this, with death, misery, and despair all around them. If you can find Gareth and undo all that Venger has done, then the meal that I'm giving you is a small price to pay for their future."
"I understand," acknowledged Sterling as he took some bread and ate it. It was soft, warm, and all but melted in his mouth. "Can I have some rainwater with this?" He asked between mouthfuls.
"Of course," smiled Helene. "But eat quickly, my husband will be here shortly to take you to the outskirts of town. I sincerely hope that he wasn't too hard on you last night."
"He's a fair man," replied the Swordsman with some measure of respect for his jailor. "I got a good night's sleep without fear of reprisal or being attacked by a lynch mob. I have no complaints. Thank you for your kindness, Helene, I truly appreciate it. And if we can, my friends and I will return the kindness that you have bestowed upon me."
((A Point To Ponder))
((NEXT))
