Chapter 55: The Vengeful Healer
Healer U-Mao’s eyes narrowed, his voice rising in irritation. "What kind of attitude is that? Of course, I am here to check on Darius’ wound."
Abel, standing firm in the doorway, didn’t budge. "Darius’ wound looked fine before you treated him the other day, and now his condition has worsened." His words were sharp, carrying an accusation that struck deep.
A flicker of something unreadable—guilt, perhaps—passed through U-Mao’s eyes, but it was gone before Abel could catch it. The healer’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t forgotten the injuries his two sons suffered at the hands of that damned soldier. Three days had passed, yet their bruises remained black and blue.
The healer saw an opportunity, a way to extort more silver to soothe his wounded pride—and his sons’ aching bodies.
"Watch your words, young man." U-Mao’s voice lowered, but the warning in it was unmistakable. "What do you know? Wounds are unpredictable. Infection can set in at any time. If healing were guaranteed, patients would not need to go for follow-ups."
Abel bit his lip. He had to admit the healer had a point.
U-Mao exhaled dramatically. "Do not delay me further. Your brother’s wound did not look good yesterday and might have worsened overnight. I brought rare herbs to treat it, but they are expensive. You’ll need to pay extra."
Inside the house, Lara, silent until now, smirked as she listened. So that’s what this was about. Greed. She had already given him more than enough.
"But Healer U-Mao, didn’t Sir Kane give you more than enough? You even said it would cover treatment for the entire next year." Abel’s voice carried newfound realization. He had been blind to it before, but now it was glaringly obvious—the village healer was a greedy man.