Mending

Arlen is the Academy’s literature, history, and healing instructor. And she guards the secrets of healing to those who have a talent for the art form. The only students in her class are Darren, Kira, and Norry. Their current lesson requires them to heal a cut across their palm. And while they are all able to undo the inflicted injury, Arlen points out their shortcomings. Before she can continue with her lesson, Volodar storms into the room with an injured student. Come discover if Darren will be pulled into another confrontation with Volodar. Or will he keep his calm and follow his instructions?

“Remember to stay focused on the end goal,” Arlen said, wiping her dagger clean.

Norry turned his hand over and watched the blood pooling in his palm. “We’re required to heal the cut you just made.”

The elven instructor slipped the knife into her sheath as she returned to the chair and crossed her legs. She folded her hands together and laid them on her knees and answered, “Yes, Norry, you need to mend your injury. Keep the entire process in mind as you attempt the healing.”

Darren lifted his sliced palm and placed a finger on either side of the cut. With a deep breath, he reached into himself and found the source of his magic. The wild energy coursed through him as he focused on the laceration. While Darren forced more power to flow into the divided skin, he concentrated on the edges of the slice coming together. After several moments, the wound refused to mend.

Closing his eyes, Darren inhaled and repeated the exercise. With several deep breaths, he increased his focus, and after a few painful seconds, the coursing energy flowed through him and into the laceration. The exposed muscles began to tingle as they mended. He cracked an eye and tried to examine the injury, but the blood obscured his view. He pulled a small rag and wiped away the crimson liquid. He smiled, brandishing his healed hand. “I did it.”

“You possess a talent for healing,” Arlen said as she approached Darren. She grasped his hand and examined it. “There’s a slight scar where the cut was.” The teacher wrapped the scarred area and her hands emanated a faint glow. “With a little more practice, I think you’ll be able to achieve your desire without leaving that scarring.” When the radiance vanished, Arlen released Darren’s hand.

While the young half-elf gawked at his hand, Kira exclaimed, “Darren isn’t the only one with a knack for healing.”