Strongest Among the Heavens

Marcus, the boy that challenged a Great Noble and did exceptionally well. He was an apprentice to a Sangoma, a spiritual healer called the thwasas. No older than seventeen, his connection to the divine realm and his knowledge of both the spirit world and healing were far beyond his years. Kazi had been impressed from their first meeting and appointment.

Kazi had hired Marcus for 10,000 points per session, or a pouch of 33 gold coins. The sessions had become a routine part of Marta’s life over the past month, with this being the eighth check-up. Twice per week, Marcus came by to check on Marta’s progress, both physically and spiritually.

Marcus sat on the floor, loose red blouse pooled on his lap. Legs crossed, behind Marta, he placed a hand on her back.

"How are you feeling, Marta?"

So young and yet he carried a lilting rhythm that made his words feel soothing.

Marta shifted slightly. Her blonde hair fell over her face, and she absentmindedly pushed it back behind her ears. She wore a faint grimace that she tried to hide.

Kazi noticed the strain on her face and gestured toward her. "Tell him, Marta," he mouthed softly. His eyes, one glowing faintly with a supernatural hue, locked with hers. "He needs to know."

Marta sighed, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she avoided both Kazi’s and Marcus’s gazes for a moment. "It’s... the phantom pain," she admitted finally. "It’s getting worse. More intense than before."

"Worse how? Is it constant or does it come in waves?"

Marta hesitated again, then sighed, frustration blowing up. "Both. Some days, it’s like this dull ache that never goes away. Other times, it’s sharp, sudden, like my limbs are still there, but twisted and burning. It’s hard to concentrate on anything else when it gets bad."

"Did it happen in class?"