Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

compassion is. I’m not sure how Goose has offended you, but it was evidently unacceptable along with my own actions. Please understand we appreciate what you are doing for us. You’re our only hope at this point. We need you. Please…forgive us.”

Stone stares at me, awaiting something more. I look to Astor, and she’s doing the same.

“What?” I wipe my face and look down at my attire to see if something is amiss. “Oh…an apology.” They’re waiting for me to apologize too. “I’m sorry, Astor. Everything Stone said goes for me as well. I give you my word.”

Astor’s expectant stare turns into more of a glower. Stone’s as well. Nero and Crescia stand back with delight as if the show must go on.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Astor mutters. She forces a smile. “Apologies accepted. Let’s continue.” She turns back to examine Jaymes with determination. “You’re sure there was no salve used on these wounds? This would be an odd substance for the body to excrete naturally.” She points at a pale-green, tacky substance covering the majority of the wounds. “It appears to be especially fibrous and pasty, like a plant. A salve.”

I should speak up now. At this point, hiding it will only make matters worse for everyone. “It’s umm… well… I know it as Everweed, but I’m sure there’s a more accurate term for it.”

Her mouth gapes open to say something, but Stone beats her to it. “Oh yeah, that damned magical plant. But he only applied it once. Early on. Right?” He looks to me for confirmation. I give none. “I don’t think it could have caused too much damage from the one dose. And it’s been cleaned since then.”

“Did I hear you correctly?” Astor replies to me, not Stone. “You said ‘Everweed’?” Her last word comes out as a whisper.

“Yes, Miss Astor. It’s a hybrid of aloe and clover. From the tales.” A gross feeling wells inside me. I’ve been dishonest. Is this guilt?

“You’ve got it wrong.” Her tongue is sharp. “Everweed is a hybrid of aloe and thyme. The thyme contains natural oils preventing bacterial growth and infection. The aloe soothes the skin and minimizes scar tissue. It’s a topical salve for flesh wounds. Not deep lacerations. Where did you find it?”

“So you’ve heard of it? It’s real then?” Stone asks in disbelief. “I still don’t believe one application could have this impact. Can you heal it?”

“Yes.” Her response sounds like more of a question. “And yes, I’ve heard of it, but only in stories, same as you. I haven’t a clue as to its whereabouts or the truth behind it.” Astor gives me an intense look. “I must look at the facts. Goose…there are no records of hybrid cure-all plants. I studied botany while enrolled at the Academy. The plant you’ve been applying is probably a common clover.”

“Okay, so it’s not Everweed,” Stone comments, “but it was only a one-time dose, so I don’t see why that matters.”

“Her current condition is my fault,” I admit. I ball my fists together.

“Not necessarily, but you definitely slowed the healing process. Stone says only once, but the evidence suggests otherwise. How long have you been applying this salve?” She waits patiently for the answer.

I turn away, avoiding her eyes, and Stone’s. But only to meet Nero and Crescia’s stone gazes instead.

“Twice a day, for a score of days.” I confess, not turning to see either of their responses.

“Oh my,” Astor gasps. “I believe that explains why Stone’s attempts at healing have never progressed. My personal experience, you should always rely on a Lahyf before resorting to antiquated medicinal practices. They have their time and place, such as this village, but a Lahyf’s talent is natural. And better suited for the task.”

“What can you do to fix it…” my voice trails off as I look at Stone. His eyes are like precisely targeted arrows and I patiently wait for the bowstring to release, knowing I cannot outrun this.

“What did you say?” I recoil at the sudden shouting as Stone erupts. “Why? Why would you lie? You’ve been applying that slop since the incident? Goose…we discussed this when you first showed me the plant. It didn’t work then, and we agreed to let me handle the healing. What were you thinking? This whole time I could’ve been improving her condition, and you’ve made matters worse. Now, the infection is far enough along that it is beyond my capabilities and probably anyone’s for a hundred leagues.”

“Stone…I didn’t know. I thought it…I thought it had to work.”

“Since when is magic real, Goose? Relying on some fabled plant when she had a Healer right in front of her. You’re damn right you didn’t know. That’s why I told you not to use it. Get out, and go pretend to save some other damsel in distress. I can’t afford to risk any more of your ridiculous attempts at heroism. They only end in failure. My sister is in a fatal state now. You’ve done enough. Get out!”

I slink my head into my shoulders like a turtle hiding from danger. Some hero. My stomach feels as though it’s going to uproot all over Astor’s floor. The guilt and shame is overwhelming. My thoughts drift to my father… I take a deep breath, trying to keep calm and hold back the disembowelment of my insides, so I don’t have two sets of glaring eyes stabbing me in the heart.

“I care for her too, Stone! She may not be blood, but I’ve been giving her advice, aiding her whenever she calls for it, and watching her grow into a woman for the past four seasons. You act like I have no feelings for her, but I do. It means just as much to me to save her life as it does for you. The three of us are a family, and it’s the only