The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (19 page)

Unable to breathe he dropped to his knees. He tried to call out to the others, but no sound escaped his mouth. Instead, a white frothy fluid trickled out. He again tried to get their attention, but failed and fell over in pain. In a coarse and quiet voice, he called out for Liniana. “Liniana! Liniana, I’ve been poisoned.” He coughed up blood, but seemed unable to get her attention. More blood filled his mouth and his lungs tightened. He couldn’t believe he would die here, without being able to tell her how he truly felt.             

Matt led another Goblin out of the woods, who babbled incoherently. Liniana turned toward Tirene to inspect his wounds and noticed him crumpled on the ground. “Tirene!” She yelled. She couldn’t understand why he lay on the ground; he only had a small wound to his arm. While painful, it shouldn’t have been life threatening. She called his name again as she made her way to his side. He had fallen face down on the ground.

She rolled him over and fear sliced through her as she noticed his appearance. His face had turned a pale white and green filled his veins. He looked like he had died, but he still breathed, even if just barely. His mouth was filled with a white foam. She stuck her fingers in his mouth and started pulling out foam so maybe he could breathe a little better while incessant tears rolled down her face.

Jaeden and Matt realized something didn’t seem right and they hurried over to her side. Jaeden asked, “What’s going on? I don’t understand, he took the arrow through his arm, right?”

The Goblin cackled with ear-piercing laughter. “He's gonna die. He's gonna die!” The Goblin kept chanting as he laughed.

Liniana put her hands to his wound. She tried with all her might to heal it, but couldn’t get through, and she couldn’t figure out why. “Poison!” She said. “What did you do to that arrow, Goblin? I need to know, NOW!” Tirene's breathing sounded ragged now and she knew she didn’t have much time. He reached for her and tried to speak, but only a small garble escaped his lips. Her heart ached and she felt sure she would lose him. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes, again.

The creature kept up its raucous laughter. “What difference be it to me. He goin' be dead soon and so will I.” His returned to his chant. “He's gonna die, he's gonna die!”

What Matt saw disgusted him and he approached the Goblin. “Tell her what you did, so she can fix it.” He refused to say anything and Matt reached his boiling point. He raised his knee and jammed it into the Goblin's chest, stopping his laughter. “Tell me what you did and your death will be quick. Let this man die, and I swear to you I will torture you, but keep you alive long enough to crave death.” To reiterate his point he stuck one of his daggers underneath one of the Goblins overgrown, yellow fingernails. He positioned the blade below the nail and pulled up, ripping it away from the finger and tearing flesh with it. The Goblin howled in pain and doubled over. He opened his mouth to speak, but vomited instead.

Done retching, he managed to sputter out “Rolweed. It be Rolweed.”

Matt took his dagger and sliced the creature's throat. Blood poured out of the wound. Matt pushed the Goblin over. The creature grasped at his neck to staunch the flow of blood. Gurgling sounds filled the air as he tried to draw breath. If he didn’t die from the amount of blood flowing out of his throat, he would drown as his lungs filled up with fluid from his increased attempts at breathing.

Liniana tried to concentrate through her sobbing and tears. She knew the Rolweed would attack the lungs and heart, forcing his systems to collapse. Even though the wound was in his arm, the poison had spread to his lungs and heart by now. In fact, she noticed he hadn’t drawn a breath in almost ten seconds. She put her hands over his chest and isolated the problem, forcing it away from his heart.
You have to pull through this!
She thought.
Why did I have to ignore you the other day? I should have told you how I felt. Now I may never have the chance.
Her throat tightened when she noticed his heart beating and desperately switched her energy to his lungs.

She found and isolated the poison, but her energy waned. She had never pulled poison out of a person before, and it took more energy than she would have thought. She reached deep within herself and summoned more, pushing through his bloodstream with all of her effort. She pulled her hands toward the wound in his arm and he gasped, finally drawing in air. His skin returned to a normal color, but his eyes were large and appeared on the verge of popping out of his head as he pulled in a breath. Her hands were positioned above the wound and she worked to remove the poison; a white liquid spewed out of the hole in his arm. It didn’t look like much—about a half thimble full—but she wouldn’t stop until she ensured none remained in his body. Tears continued down her face; no longer from fear of Tirene's death, but instead from the exhaustion enveloping her body. Satisfied no poison remained, she sealed the wound as the hole shrunk and the skin replaced itself. With the damage gone, she released her arms and slumped over, depletion taking over.

Tirene sat up. He looked normal again, the damage having been healed, but he felt like he could sleep for a week. “That felt most unpleasant.” He laughed, although it came out weak.

Liniana managed to roll her head over and she glared at Tirene. “You know, I just brought you back from death. A little thank you would be nice.”

Tirene and the others stopped laughing. He put a hand at the base of her neck. “Of course. Thank you.” He bowed his head to her. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve thanked you first, but that was the worst pain I’ve ever felt.”

She smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re all right. Next time remember to thank your healer first.” She wiped away the tears now drying on her face, feeling an intense rush of emotions.

He gave her an appreciative look. “I’m forever indebted to you. I didn’t pay attention. Goblins never travel alone; I should’ve known better.” He pulled her closer to him and embraced her in a hug. She couldn’t believe it, but she loved the feel of his strong arms.

Matt nodded his head in agreement as she said, “Don’t blame yourself. I felt wary and should’ve spoken up.” She pointed to the Goblin. “That filth revealed the poison when Matt pressed him. Poison is tricky, and if you don’t know what poison is used, you have to waste energy looking for it. In most cases the patient dies. Once he said Rolweed, I could hone in on the areas the poison targets. It pushed the limits of my energy, though, so try not to let it happen again.” She looked up at him from his arms and gave him a smile, which he returned.

“At least you’re talking to me again. I’m grateful for that.”

The smile disappeared from her face. “I should’ve told you how I felt the other day.” She pushed him away and tried her best to get up, but couldn’t find the energy.

Matt and Jaeden rushed to her side and helped her up. Tirene pointed to a tree and they both carried her to it. Tirene managed to stand and pulled Jaeden and Matt to the side. “I need to attend to her. You both should build a fire. I don’t think either of us will have the energy to travel any more today. Also, you should dispose of those bodies before someone else comes down the road.” Jaeden seemed about to protest, but Matt dragged him over to the road to do as Tirene requested.

The two of them set about their tasks, and Tirene walked back over to Liniana. He noticed she tried to move away when he drew closer, but she didn’t have the energy for it. He sat down next to her.

“Can we be honest with another for a moment? You know my feelings.”

She rolled over and looked into his eyes. “Against my better judgment, I must say, I love you too.” Tears spilled forth at her admission.

Relieved and delighted, he grinned from ear to ear. It sounded wonderful flowing from her lips. He moved his head closer to hers and pressed his lips against hers. They felt soft and supple, just the right amount of moisture.

The passionate kiss lasted long enough for Matt and Jaeden to take notice. They stopped working and looked on in wonderment. When it stopped, the two went back to their work trying to appear as though they hadn’t been watching.

She gave him the biggest smile he had ever seen her display. “I know I must be crazy.” She again looked into his eyes. “I haven’t been able to think of anything else but you. How can this work?”

He kissed her again, happy she had caved to her heart’s desire. “You seem to be feeling better. I should go and help the others prepare the camp for the night.” He got up to leave and turned to her. “I don’t know who I am, but I do know my heart. We can talk more later.” He was concerned for her health. He could tell bleeding the poison from his body had drained her.

She tried to stand up. “I can help.”

He leaned close to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “That isn't necessary. You should rest; I think it would be best.” With her strength waning, she agreed and sat back down.

He turned and walked toward the others. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought he glimpsed them watching their kiss. He rounded the wagon and saw the pair picking up one of the Goblin corpses.

Jaeden gave a cheeky smile as Tirene rounded the corner. “What was that? I knew you were hiding something, but never expected that.”

Tirene didn’t want a hundred questions so he said, “It just happened, Jaeden. You don’t need to know any more than that.” This made the smile disappear from the boy's face. “Where are you disposing of these two?”

Matt spoke up. “We built a pyre close to the river, upwind and away from the camp. We were going to toss the bodies on the fire to let them burn.”

Tirene nodded his approval and tried to pick up the other corpse, but couldn’t muster the strength. He clasped his arms around the legs and dragged the body, following behind the others. They reached the pyre and tossed the corpses on the fire. The flames licked at the flesh of the Goblins, turning the skin a dark black color before they walked back to the camp.

Tirene noticed Liniana curled up underneath a tree, fast asleep. He grabbed a blanket from one of his bags and laid it over her. She snuggled up to it, but remained asleep.

Sure she was comfortable, he rejoined the others as they set up camp. Jaeden had a smirk on his face. “That must have been one powerful kiss.”

Tirene shrugged it off. He told them to take care of the horses and set about building up the weak fire the others had started. He walked around, picking up wood before he added it to the fire. When it roared, his stomach rumbled. He walked to the outskirts of their camp and grabbed various plants he could use as herbs. With a couple of handfuls, he walked back to the fire. The pair had taken care of the horses and Jaeden had taken it upon himself to grab a pot, filling it with water from the river. When he returned, Tirene thanked him and set it on the fire to boil, while he prepared to make dinner.

The food gave off an aromatic scent which awoke Liniana. She walked over to them and took a seat by the fire. “I’m starting to regain my energy, but I’m very hungry. I’m glad the food is almost ready.” She smiled at them. “Sorry I couldn’t help more.”

Tirene looked at her. “You have done enough today. I’m grateful I’m still alive.”

He dished the food into bowls and passed them around, when they heard horses approaching. All reached for their weapons and approached the road with caution. There was a wagon pulled by two horses—probably a farmer just passing by—but after the events earlier in the day they weren’t willing to risk anything.

The wagon came closer to their position and pulled up in front of them. The driver stopped and jumped down from the driver's seat. Matt relaxed and walked over to him. As he approached, it was obvious the two knew each other.

Matt embraced the man in a hug. “Ambry, what are you doing down here as night approaches?” Matt stood back. “Shouldn't you be with your family?” He looked around.

Ambry wore clothes that were common, marking him as a farmer of some sort; probably from Carlith where Matt hailed from. He wore a thick wool shirt, wool breeches, and appeared to be in his middle years. His hands confirmed this, they were callused and well worn.

I should ask the same of you, Matt. You just disappeared after the tragedy befell your family. I’m glad you’re alive and well, and I’m so sorry for your loss.” He gave Matt a sorrowful look. “I can’t say I blame ya. I would’ve killed myself if I had been in your position.” Ambry looked ashamed at his comment. “I’m sorry…I didn’t—“

Matt looked at him and smiled. “Thank you. It’s been rough, but I think I’ve found a higher purpose.” He looked back at his party.

Ambry nodded his head. “I returned from Riverfell where I traded some of my harvest for supplies when the axle on my wagon broke.” He motioned toward the wagon sitting in front of him. “I returned home and hitched up this one. Now I’m here to get my supplies. I cannot afford to fix the wagon, which is too bad. It’s the better of the two, but I want to get my things—what is left from raiders that is—and set off back home.”

Matt smiled at him. “I think you will find most of it there. Well, I mean the wagon is full anyway. There are bags of feed, seed, and fertilizer in there.” He laughed. “Not much to steal and not an easy task considering the wagon has a broken axle. Stay with us tonight. We just prepared dinner.” Ambry looked apprehensive and Matt frowned at him. “No need to worry. You will be safe with us. Come meet the others.” He wrapped his arm around him and walked to the party, who were more relaxed seeing the newcomer was a friend of Matt’s.