The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

tumble down, down, forever down to the forest below.
    Several long moments later, it landed. The rockfall continued, on and on until the wonderful machine disappeared in a cloud of dirt and debris.
    “It’s gone,” she whispered. And with it went the last tangible link to her machines, to Hanassa.
    “I flew it once.” She smiled. “That’s all I really needed.” Then she stood up, brushed dirt off her trews, assessed the situation, and began issuing orders.

    Late afternoon, home of Myrilandel, Ambassador from the Nimbus of Dragons, Coronnan City
     
    “This is ridiculous!” Katie and Quinnault said in unison.
    They quirked half smiles at each other. The familiar blending of their minds warmed Katie’s heart anew.
    “I am King of Coronnan. I will not be imprisoned in the home of my best friends by foreigners who do not like my system of justice.” Quinnault marched out the door to confer with his guards. The dozen uniformed men faced twice their number of mercenary soldiers famed for their fierce thoroughness.
    “At least you have a system of justice,” Katie whispered to him. She sent him that reassurance mentally as well. Then she turned back to their other business.
    “Now, while my husband deals with the soldiers outside, I shall tend to your medicine, Nimbulan.” Katie rubbed her hands together eagerly. She had something to do.
    “You have the gift, Katie.” Myri smiled at her. “People jump to your orders and believe themselves blissfully content. When I give an order, servants look at me as if I were talking to air. It’s easier to do the work myself.”
    Katie shrugged off the compliment. She had work to do.
    Much to her surprise, the journeyman healer maintained his vigil over the simmering digitalis in the kitchen.
    “You didn’t succumb to Scarface’s compulsion!” She stopped dead in the kitchen doorway.
    “Your orders seemed more important. Besides, I’m only a journeyman. The call went out to masters. Some of the apprentices obeyed because they don’t know better. I do.” The young man shrugged and continued his chores.
    “What is your name?” Katie asked. She moved to the open hearth to inspect his procedure.
    “Luucian, Your Grace. Journeyman Healer Luucian, at your service.” He bowed slightly, then returned to his remedy.
    “Journeyman Luucian, you just became the king’s personal healer. And I’ll do my best to elevate you to Master Healer before the night is finished.”
    “Thank you, Your Grace, but only the Commune of Magicians can grant me master status.” His face fell a little in disappointment.
    “By dawn the Commune may undergo a major restructuring. Right now, His Grace, the king, and Master Nimbulan need people around them who are not influenced by a power-mad crusader.” Katie ladled a bit of the raw drug into a clay mug. “It’s ready. Take this to Master Nimbulan and make certain he takes all of it, even if you have to pinch his nose to make him swallow it.”
    “Me? You want me to command Master Nimbulan?” Luucian almost stuttered in his awe.
    “Yes. That is your job as his healer. When you have seen to his medication, we’ll have a job for you to do. We are all going to be very tired by the time this night is through. But you must make certain Nimbulan only supervises. I don’t want him lifting anything.”
    “I’ll take the medicine to Lan,” Myri said from the doorway. “Shayla just requested a healer. Powwell and Yaala have rescued Rollett and King Kinnsell from Hanassa. They need a healer. Luucian here seems the only one available.”
    “Me?” Luucian squeaked again.
    “What in bloody blazes was my father doing in Hanassa?” Katie asked in bewilderment. Myri had said “rescued.” They needed a healer. Her father was alive. She still had a chance to . . . to . . . She didn’t know what she needed to do to him, or for him. She was just very grateful he lived.
    “Rouussin is waiting for you on Sacred Isle, Luucian,” Myri said. “He’ll take you to Shayla’s lair and your patients. Gather a little of the Tambootie on the island to take with you. I’ll dose my husband and make certain he takes all of his medicine.” A look of determination settled over her features. She looked very much like Quinnault when he put on his stubborn face.
    “How will I get past the mercenaries out the back door?” Luucian asked as he gathered up his black satchel.
    “Nimbulan said you should wrap yourself in shadows and divert their