Chapter 28: The Healers’ Guild

After visiting the Blacksmiths' Guild, the old man and the chronicler made their way to the Healers' Guild, located in the quietest part of the city. Healers were respected for their skill in treating injuries and illnesses, and their guild was a haven of peace amidst the growing chaos. Unlike the other guilds, here the air was filled with the gentle scent of medicinal herbs, and the tranquility was almost palpable.

The guild's building was simple but welcoming, with gardens filled with plants and flowers used in treatments. The healers, dressed in plain, simple robes, moved silently among the patients, tending to them with care and compassion.

The guild leader, a middle-aged woman with her hair tied in a tight bun and a serene gaze, sat on a stone bench in the garden, meditating. Upon noticing the old man and the chronicler's arrival, she rose gracefully and approached the visitors.

"Welcome," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "I have heard of your mission. You wish to speak with us about the union of the guilds, do you not?" The old man nodded, sensing the wisdom of the woman who seemed to see beyond words. "Yes, ma'am. War is drawing ever closer, and I believe that if the guilds unite, we can avert a great tragedy. I have spoken to the merchants, artisans, and blacksmiths, and they are all willing to consider an alliance. I have come to ask for your guild's support." The leader of the healers looked at the old man with eyes that seemed to pierce his soul. "War brings pain and suffering," she said, her tone sad. "And we healers are the ones who face the consequences of that suffering firsthand. We heal bodies, but we also understand that the deepest wounds are those of the soul." She paused, contemplating the old man's words. "An alliance between the guilds can indeed save many lives, and that is something we value above all else. However, we also know that unity is fragile, and the bonds that bind us can easily be broken by mistrust and fear."

"That is why I have come here," the old man said, his voice thick with sincerity. "If there is a place where wounds can be healed, both of the body and the soul, it is here. You have the power to heal, not only the people, but the divisions between us."

The leader of the healers was silent for a moment, considering the old man's words. Finally, she nodded. "We accept your request. We will support the alliance, and we will do our best to maintain peace between the guilds. We believe that healing the city begins with healing its inhabitants, and we are willing to do our part."

The old man smiled, relieved to have won the support of the healers. He knew that with them by his side, the guild alliance had a real chance of surviving the challenges ahead.

"Thank you," he said gratefully. "With your help, we can prevent this war from destroying everything we have built."

The leader of the healers waved goodbye, and the old man and the chronicler left the guild with a lighter heart. As they walked through the quiet streets, the chronicler looked at the old man with renewed admiration.

"You have gained another ally," he said with a smile. "And this time, an ally who can truly make a difference."

"Each of them makes a difference," the old man replied thoughtfully. "But there is still much to be done. Uniting the guilds is only the beginning. We must be ready for what comes next."

With that determination, they moved forward toward the next challenge, knowing that each step they took strengthened the city and brought them closer to the peace they so desired. War was at hand, but the old man would not give up until he had done everything in his power to protect those who still had something to lose.