Chapter 25 WAKING IN THE HEALER'S HOUSE
The first thing he felt when he got in was a pounding on his head. It felt like he had just been slammed into a brick wall. His whole body was hurting quite a bit, but it wasn't something new. He had felt this pain quite a few times before, but there hadn't been a time when it had hurt this much.
Magnus slowly opened his eyes, being greeted by a dark wooden ceiling. He was in a room where there weren't any windows. Everything was pretty dark. However, it was familiar to a certain extent. He knew he had been here before, but there were a few differences. The wood was darker, that was for sure, and he didn't remember the bookshelves. However, those thoughts were all pushed back as he thought through the situation. If I'm here, then that means…
A smile graced his face as he slowly began sitting up, fighting back the pain. He was happy about the stabbing in his body. It meant he was really still alive. It also meant that Darren and Xyra had gotten him to the next town safely. Apparently, they really could be trusted with another's life. It was comforting to know since he would be trusting them with it rather often.
"Ah, you're awake," chimed a soft, very light voice. He fixed his eyes on the woman that was now approaching. There was a very soft smile on her pale face, her blue eyes shining even in the dark room. Her white robes seemed to emit their own light, along with her golden-colored hair. She was almost like an angel, but then again, most healers were.
The woman walked over and took a seat on the edge of his bed. He just stared back at her for a moment before returning to her smile. He sat up more and started stretching his sore muscles. After a healing process, everything always hurts. He had gotten pretty used to it by now.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"Yeah, thanks to you." His smile brightened. "It's been a while, Sirona."
"That it has. It's nice to know that nothing's changed though. You're still getting into trouble." Magnus only laughed a bit at that, a sheepish smirk on his face. True, he had always been good at getting in trouble. It wasn't his fault though. It tended to follow him.
"Are my companions here?" he asked curiously.
"They went out a while ago to get some supplies. It's a long way to the next town."
"Then we'll have to leave as soon as possible." He swung his legs over the side and began to stand up. Once again, it hurt, but he just continued moving, knowing he had to stretch out his muscles.
"Were always tolerant of pain, weren't you? Nothing ever stops you."
"My goal's too important. I can't waste any time."
"Then tell me why you've taken on two companions."
Magnus stopped for a moment, hanging his head a bit. That was something he wasn't even sure of himself. He had never allowed anyone to follow him before for a multitude of reasons, the first being that his journey was dangerous. He didn't want to be accountable to anyone. The second was simply because he worked better alone. With that in mind, he realized that he really had no idea why he hadn't argued with Darren and Xyra when both had mentioned tagging along.
"Don't know," he told Sirona at last, a small shrug placed to emphasize his point.
"You've been alone for such a long time… Maybe you just got sick of it." He didn't say anything to that. He couldn't really argue it. In some ways, it was probably true. "Anyway, as soon as they return, you should get going. It isn't safe here right now for a sorcerer."
"Why?" he asked curiously. This town had always been fine during the other times he had visited.
"The Sorcerer's League recently set up their business here," she explained a bit darkly. "They have bounties for a good number of people. They're drawing a lot of attention. Plus…they say that Albus is in the area. It's best to be careful. If they find out you're a sorcerer, you'll be questioned."
"Thanks for the warning," he sighed, wishing that things could be easier. Why did the Sorcerer's League always seem to do something that got in his way?
"Before you go," began Sirona as she walked over, "You should take a few of these." She held out a few sealed vials of a green liquid. "It's an antidote to all poisons. I mixed it up while you were sleeping. If you ever get in trouble like that again, just take one right away. It'll only work if you take it just after you're poisoned."
"Thanks. I'm sure this will come in handy." He tucked the vials away in one of his cloak pockets, giving Sirona a warm smile.
"By the way…" she began, a crafty smile on her usually calm and peaceful face. "What ever happened to your guard?"
"Guard…? Oh, you mean Layton?" She nodded. "He's probably out looking for me. I'm sure he has realized that I left by now."
Sirona laughed a little at his response. Magnus really hadn't changed any. His guardian was probably frantically searching the country for the missing boy. This was exactly what had happened the last time she had spoken with him. It wasn't like he needed a guardian. He was strong enough, but Layton had always insisted on watching over his young master.
"I'm gonna get going," he told her as he grabbed his cloak off of a nearby desk. "Got a long way to go."
"Very well. Good luck."
He gave her a warm smile and a thank you before opening the door and leaving the house. He had to search for his companions now. This town wasn't that big though, so he'd probably have no problem finding them. However, despite its small size, there were a lot of people wandering the streets. It was just like Sirona had said. There were bounty hunters everywhere.
Magnus walked along, doing his best to not look suspicious. He didn't need to be mistaken for a wanted criminal. He couldn't have any hindrances to his goal. I really hate bounty hunters. They always mess things up.
"Magnus!" called out Xyra, drawing his attention to a nearby store. She and Darren were just leaving, each with a bag slung over their shoulder. They had obviously gone on a shopping spree with his money, no doubt. However, he trusted them to buy things that were actually useful. Even with as much as he had, money still had a tendency to run out.