Chapter 209: To Tend What Remains
The chill of the blizzard still clung to me, but here in the Upper Keep’s infirmary, the air was warm, thick with the scent of herbs and antiseptic.
My gaze was fixed on Head Healer Avir as he finally straightened from the chair, a weary sigh escaping his lips.
"How is he?" I asked, my voice softer than I’d intended, the question hanging heavy in the quiet room.
Avir turned, a reassuring nod settling the knot of anxiety in my chest.
"As you may have noticed, he suffered severe internal and external injuries from the recent battle. That immense burst of power he channeled... it must have worsened his condition, pushing his body far beyond its limits. Thankfully, you managed to aid him on time, Mr. Lumin. Thank you both." He gestured slightly towards me and Zephyr, who stood silently beside me, his own face drawn with exhaustion.
We simply nodded in response.
Avir continued, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "Even so, he’ll require daily care and strict convalescence. A month at minimum before he can stand - longer if his meridians don’t mend cleanly."
The healer rubbed his thumb against his fingertips absently, the calluses there catching the light. "Certain rare medicinal treasures could accelerate his recovery... but procuring them now would be..."
His words trailed off as he shot a deliberate look toward Butler Veylan.
The butler had withdrawn half a step into the shadows, his lowered head making his silver-threaded livery appear dull in the infirmary’s light.
His gloved hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, the only outward sign of the shame burning through him - not just at their nearly empty coffers, but at having to admit their poverty before outsiders.