Chapter 25: Healing the Needy

The mid-July heat warmed Serenah's skin as she followed Alastar and Lael to a "surprise destination." She had gotten up that morning feeling down because of the restless sleep the night before. She wasn't having the nightmares as often thanks to Grand High Priestess Sacer's medicine. Last night had been one of those with the nightmare and thus her lack of sleep.

"We're almost there, My Lady," announced Lael with an encouraging smile.

She nodded and forced her rambling thoughts to focus. Her hands started to itch, and she let out a startled hiss. She glanced down at them and felt her healing power welling up. She eyed their surroundings. It looked like nothing but a forest.

"Alastar?"

He turned to her and grinned. He knew what she was asking without her saying it.

So it was illusion magic. She sharpened her perception and spotted the faint shimmer of the magic a few feet in front of them. She wondered what was hidden behind it. She would trust her two friends. They would not put her in danger.

A few minutes later they walked through the barrier and Serenah's eyes widened in shock. They stood on a road leading to a town. That wasn't what had unsettled. It was the smell of disease in the air and the fierce burning of her hands.

"Alastar, take me where I am needed most."

"As you command, Your Highness." He set a quick pace forward and they arrived at the town gates.

Serenah's hands were on fire at this point from the painful throbbing of her gift. Everywhere the commoners listlessly lounged, stood, or laid in their doorways and in the streets.

"What happened here?" she whispered, too distraught to speak any louder.

"His Majesty," answered Lael, her voice full of anger.

Serenah shook her head, her heart hurting with despair for the commoners. Her father, sister, and nobles had treated the lower classes poorly in their old home. She had hoped things would change in this new world. How wrong she was. Nothing was different. Her father refused to change his ways and the nobles followed suit. It was disgusting and discouraging all at once.

"It's Princess Serenah!"

Serenah blinked and saw a red-headed teenager running toward her. She recognized him. He was one of the capital city's orphans.

"Rand!" She walked toward him.

He came to a halt before her, breathing heavily. "Princess, you are here! We heard that you were in a coma."

"I was, but I woke up." She eyed him. He didn't seem hurt and the pain in her hands had not flared up at his approach. It meant he was healthy. "Who needs me the most right now?"

Rand glanced about. "Everyone! The king has refused to send us any decent healers. The few we did receive had commoner backgrounds like us. Their powers are low-level and can't do much besides curing some basic things like minor cuts and abrasions. Our king put up this barrier to "protect us" but what it does is keeps us imprisoned her. We can't even go out to the new world and seek help there."

Anger surged in her veins at his report. How dare her father do this!

"Alastar."

"Yes, My Lady."

"I'm really angry right now."

"I know. Your eyes are glowing."

She huffed at his words. It was the one thing she couldn't hide when her emotions raged.

"What would you like to do, My Lady?"

"I'm going to heal them all. My gift is rampaging in my body and soul. It needs a release."

"Understood. How are you going to dispense it?"

She chuckled but there was no humor in it. "How else? Through the barrier my loving father has provided."

Alastar's eyes widened at her words. "Can you do it?"

"Yes." Her answer was resolute. She would do it or die trying. She would not allow the people to suffer from her father's selfishness. "Rand, how far does this barrier extend?"

"Using this world's measurements, forty miles in each direction."

"Hmm." The pulsing of the healing magic reminded her that she could do it. As long as she believed and her will was firm, she would be able to help everyone. "Very good."

Rand's eyes widened. "Princess, do you mean to help everyone?"

"Yes. Please let everyone know. They don't have to do anything. And, the healing won't hurt. Alastar."

"Yes, My Lady."

"Show me to the barrier anchor."

"Yes, it's this way."

He led her back out of the town and about a mile east before stopping at a tall oak tree. She touched the tree and winced at the aggressive energy of her father that powered the barrier. This was fine, too. She would soothe the barrier's energy as well, making it possible for the commoners to leave and see the new world.

"My Lady, are you going to change the barrier's properties?"

"Yes, Lael. I cannot condone father's actions."

"This might put you in danger."

"When am I not in danger at home? I don't have time to worry about that. People are hurting. Let's get started."

She reached into her soul and touched the wellspring of her magic. Her hands were glowing with a violet-silverish light. Satisfied that her magic was flowing, she placed her hands on the tree and sent four powerful bursts into it.

The barrier's magic resisted for a moment before crumpling under the barrage of her power. She felt the change immediately. The air became cleaner, and the smell of sickness disappeared. Her hands no longer burned with the healing need which meant everyone who was sick was better now.

"Let's return."

With a happy smile, the trio returned to the town to give the people the good news.