The Chosen Healer

By T. Alan Martens

With the Staff of Ramah in hand, Rose, Chosen One of Ya, sets forth with her faithful companions. Empowered by the Creator to spread healing and forgiveness in the broken land of Terros, hopes are high, but a new threat rises from the southern plains. Close friends are torn apart and perfect plans are ruined, as the Fallen One unleashes his hateful rage on all who stand in his way.
In this sequel to The Staff of Ramah, much more is revealed of Rose and her special calling. New friends are made and romantic relationships grow, but unknown terrors await the followers of Ya as they seek to do his will.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. Alan Martens
• Release date: Sep 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370118007

T. Alan Martens

Born in Cranbrook B.C. Canada in 1968. Lifelong fan of fantasy writing. Lives in central Saskatchewan where long winters give much time indoors for writing. Married since 1990 and the proud father of two young boys.

Book preview

The Chosen Healer

By T. Alan Martens

Copyright 2016 T. Alan Martens

Smashwords Edition (v.1)

Prologue

It shall come to pass, at the closing of the dark age, the One in White shall arise; blazing red and shining as the dawn, she will stem the tide of the Dark One’s enmity. The Word of the Eternal One and his Provision shall be her keeping. He who has slain the hand of the fallen will be lost for a time, yet will retrieve that which was forgotten. Behold the Raven shall be heard from the great southern plain. Many will follow its cry, but it shall pick clean their bones. Heaven and earth shall tremble as darkness meets the dawn.

From the scroll of Haiasi the prophet

***

Chapter One

For a second night in a row, a new dream haunted the mind of the Chosen One. Rose shuddered in her spirit to see Belial himself standing before her, waving his bony hands in some type of evil incantation. Horror beyond reckoning was unfolding, despite her attempts to avoid the terrible vision. The Fallen One stood at a writhing pit, churning with the twisted souls of forgotten slaves, who were being transformed into unspeakable monsters. Before a scream of fright could escape from her gaping mouth, Rose awoke with a start, sat up quickly in the dark bedroom where she and Jirah were sleeping. She had asked her dear sister to stay close last night, after having Belial invade her dreams the night before.

Did it happen again Rose? Jirah asked as she gently pulled the matted hair from the young woman’s sweaty forehead.

Rose simply nodded in response, still catching her breath. Like most nightmares, with each passing second, the frightening effects wore off and Rose remembered she was safe on the farmstead of Mosan and Zinora. She was thankful that Jirah was not the kind of friend who would pester her with a bunch of probing questions at a time like this. The matronly huntress simply kissed her gently on the head, and left her alone in the room to gather her thoughts. After all these two women had been through, over the last few weeks, much could be left unspoken between them. The Chosen Healer of Ya moved into a position that was becoming very familiar to her now; she fell to her knees in prayer. She prayed no words of petition, and did not request anything of her Heavenly Father, for the dangerous path she had walked since becoming a follower of Ya, had taught her the true purpose of prayer. Prayer was all about surrender. Ya’s chosen one gave herself over completely to the will and the way of her Creator, for he was the one who had placed this path before her, and only he could take her safely to the end.

***

Emily leaped to her feet when Jirah finally came out of the side room.

Is Rose awake yet? the nervous young girl asked.

She awoke just now dear, Jirah answered gently, a worried look on her face. We should give her some time alone right now though, sweetie. I think she needs to pray for a while.

The deep sigh that came from the orphan girl revealed she was tired of waiting. Rose and her companions had arrived during the night and Emily still had no idea what had happened on their quest. Did Rose get the Staff she was searching for? She sat at the table in a huff and put the biggest frown possible on her face.

Jirah did not think herself the best storyteller and much of the last week’s events were a blur in her memory, having been poisoned by an assassin’s dagger. Give me a minute or two to gather my thoughts, Emily, and I will tell you what I can, ok?

Emily nodded and spoke a simple, Thanks to the huntress.

Jirah raised her slender arms to the sky and took a deep breath as she stretched her athletic frame. The morning sun was shining through the kitchen windows bringing with it the hope of a new day. She made a slight wince from the sharp pains that lingered in her shoulder but she was so glad to be alive on this day that the pain did nothing to diminish her optimism.

Zinora, the lovely mother of Logan, was creating a variety of smells in the kitchen, all of them delightful and she seemed to glide while moving in her blue dress. The silver haired matron handed Jirah a steaming cup of coffee and gestured for her to relax at the kitchen table.

The muffins will take another ten minutes, Zinora said, flashing her bright smile. I want to hear some of what happened too.

Jirah enjoyed a long sip of the coffee, took a deep breath and began to tell her story.

Once we left you at the farm, Emily, we headed straight to the port city of Goram. We arrived there...

Wait a minute, Jirah, Emily interrupted. Didn’t you get attacked or something along the way? Don’t skip parts of the story please.

Please do not cut me off, Emily, Jirah gently scolded. I will not leave out any of the exciting parts, ok?

The impatient young girl closed her mouth tight and listened intently after the scolding, but mostly because Zinora had just snapped her bottom with a towel for being so rude.

After that, Jirah continued without interruption for a good while, telling of how they met the man, Seafas. She had never met the old fisherman Pete, but had heard enough from Jer to tell many stories of what had happened to the young thief in Goram with Gaost and Pete’s dog, Jonah.

The plan was for Logan, Rose and I to wait with Seafas at his little home on the outskirts of Goram, while Gaost and Jer found someone who knew the location of the Isle of Shadows. That’s when things went terribly wrong.

Rose quietly emerged from the bedroom but Emily did not noticed yet, still enraptured by Jirah’s tale and eager to hear what happened next.

Emily gasped in horror as Jirah told of the fight they had with the three assassins that Logan had discovered just in time. This is where the story gets a little fuzzy for me sweetie, Jirah said, rubbing her shoulder once again at the memory of her wound. You will have to tell the rest of the story, Rose.

Rose! Emily exclaimed as she sprang up to embrace the smiling priestess.

Good morning, Emily, Rose spoke with a yawn, Once I get some of that fresh coffee inside me, I will be glad to finish the story.

Zinora brought over the fresh blackberry muffins, along with a steaming cup of coffee for Rose, and they all sat down once again to hear the rest of the story.

Emily nearly cried as Rose told of how the assassin had attacked Jirah from behind, stabbing her in the shoulder with a poisonous knife. Even Zinora sat on the edge of her chair, not daring to even take a sip from her warm mug for fear of missing part of the story.

Leaving Jirah behind was one of the hardest things I have ever done, Rose spoke, looking into the face of her dearest friend, but getting that Staff in my hand was the only thing that would save her.

Emily and Zinora both gasped to hear of how Bane, the disciple of Belial was waiting for them on the dark island once they had arrived and they nearly held their breath when Rose described the fight Bane had with Gaost.

This part of the story is where I started living out my dream. Rose said simply.

Is it the dream where you are running down a dark tunnel with the taints chasing after you? Emily asked.

That’s the one.

Let me get this straight, Emily asked in frustration, Jirah is slowly dying from a poisonous dagger. Goast is fighting for his life against the disciple of Belial. You and Logan are being chased down a dark tunnel by an endless sea of Taints....did I leave anything out?

That about covers it, my dear.

Well, where is Jer during all of this?

Jer can tell you his part of the story when he is ready. Do you want me to continue?

Emily nodded a quick yes without saying another word.

We both nearly died, Logan and I, but we made it to the end of the cave and I finally saw the Staff of a Ramah.

Emily bit her lower lip to keep from interrupting again. She just realized that this mysterious Staff of Ramah must be in the house right now, somewhere.

Just then Logan and his father entered through the back door coming in from feeding the animals. They were quickly shushed by Zinora who gestured for them to get their own coffee if they wanted one. Both men simply smiled and let Rose continue with her tale.

Once I had the staff and made sure that Logan was going to be ok, I ran as fast as I could back out of the cave. Every second counted if I wanted to save Jirah’s life. Rose paused to take a few deep breaths, the sounds of someone chopping wood outside only slightly breaking the awkward silence.

I emerged from the cave to find that Jirah was already on the Island. Jer had brought her across to the island with Seafas in his fishing boat, getting directions from Ya himself the whole time.

There was not a dry eye in the whole kitchen as Rose told of the final events. Jirah had died. Rose had given her own life to bring her back, and the mighty Cleric of Ya had traded his eternal life to bring the healer back to life again.

So Gaost just rose up into the sky and that’s it? No more Cleric?

I really don’t know for sure, dear, Rose answered with frown. At any rate, he did live for a very long time.

A long silence followed in the crowded kitchen as they all took a moment to remember the man Gaost and all he had meant to them.

Emily was the first to break their meditation with yet another question. Who in the world is chopping wood outside? I see everyone in here except for Jer, and I’m pretty sure that Jer does not chop wood.

Everyone else in the room had a good laugh at that statement, bringing an air of levity to the somber mood that had been forming.

As if prompted by Emily’s question, at that very second the side door opened and in came Seafas with an arm full of wood. The sweaty, red faced fisherman placed the wood by the stove and looked around the room with a puzzled face, obviously wondering what all the laughter was about.

We were just laughing at something our young Emily said brother, the kindly Zinora reassured. Please, sit down and rest. There is no need for a guest to work so hard.

Just earnin’ my keep ma’am, and hard workin’ clears the mind eh.

Well thank you, Seafas. You are much like Mosan in that way.

Mosan nodded with shared admiration, just before his dear wife gave her apron a brisk straightening and spoke to the room in a rather commanding voice.

Listen up everyone, as I give you the rules for today.

Each of them gave Zinora their full attention, not just because of her commanding voice, but due to the respect her very nature demanded. Before them stood not only a respected wife and mother, but a devout follower of Ya.

Today must be a time of restoration for all of you. I ask that you would stay here for at least one more night so you can use this whole day to relax and reflect.

Zinora stood with her hands on her hips almost daring someone to defy her, but of course, none would.

Furthermore, there will be no talk of Belial and his filthy minions in my house. Now is the time to rise up against his evil and it may as well start in my kitchen.

Most of the companions smiled and were pretty sure that Belial would not dare to step into this kitchen right now.

If chopping wood helps you relax, chop away. If going for a swim in the stream is your idea of comfort, go right ahead. I will ring the bell at meal times and I expect you to come when it rings. Questions anyone?

Not one of them was about to argue, with the tastes of Zinora’s savory muffins as their most recent memory.

Well, let’s get to it then. I love you all and will be praying for the restoration of your hearts as I work. Ya bless you.

Emily was about to head outside when her surrogate mother grabbed one of her sleeves to pull her back.

Not so fast, young lady.

Emily’s heart sank. She wanted to go and see Jer and get his side of the story.

You may go out for a little while, but I expect you to be back in here to help me with lunch alright?

Sure thing Mum, was all that the young girl said before she flew out the side door, her long yellow dress flowing behind her as she ran.

***

From his vantage point on the roof of the barn, Jer knew that the others were awake already. He most likely should have gone in and visited, but the young thief was not in a very good mood. His fitful sleep was not due to the firm bed of hay he had used in the barn loft, but rather from the torment in his heart. He was mad at Ya, and the one man that could help him deal with his feelings was gone. Maybe he was just mad at Gaost for leaving them. Why would he do that? Too many things had happened in the last few weeks, leaving the boy with unanswered questions.

Finally a distraction came to his restless soul in the form of a young girl. Emily came out the front door, tossing her white apron over the porch rail and lifting the skirt of her long dress so it would not get wet in the morning dew. She skipped through the damp grass towards the barn, calling out his name. He did not answer, of course, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. Although he would never say it out loud, he liked how pretty Emily looked today with the morning sun dancing in her golden hair. Jer held his breath, taking special care to avoid detection. He knew the right thing to do was get off the barn and go talk to the girl, but he was not ready yet. Even thinking about sharing what had happened; about what he had done, brought tears to his eyes and a lump in his throat. Eventually, frustrated by her fruitless search, Emily headed back to the house, grabbing her apron as she went.

Sorry, Emily, he said in a whisper.

Taking one last look around the area and seeing that he was alone, Jer slid skillfully down the rope and into the loft below. He opened the back door of the barn and with cat-like stealth slipped into the nearby forest.

***

Chapter Two

With every step she took along the groomed forest path, Rose could feel her worries and cares ebbing away. The weather was perfect for a relaxing soak in some fresh, cool water and Logan had assured her there was a perfect little pool in the nearby stream. Jirah was walking at her side, holding her hand and it seemed like every time Rose would turn to look at her best friend, she would be looking at her too. Neither of them liked to talk about recent events much; having seen each other die was rather traumatic. It would be a very long time before they would consider being apart, even for a short time.

Almost there ladies, Logan said, turning to see that the two of them were still following.

Will you be joining us Logan? Jirah asked, flashing her crooked grin.

The big man blushed slightly. The thought of joining these two women in a pool, no doubt in some state of undress, terrified him. I better get back soon, or else Seafas will have all the farm work done.

Jirah is just teasing you, my dear knight, Rose reassured. This is a ladies only event.

Logan was glad to continue on down the path, turning his reddish face away from the snickering sisters. He rounded a tight little corner and stopped at a thick grove of bushes.

The path goes downward from here so watch where you step please.

Rose shuddered as she passed through the thick branches, their clawing hands reminding her of the taints that had nearly torn her apart. This momentary displeasure was soon replaced however by sheer delight as they entered the most beautiful oasis she had ever seen. The comfy little nook was surrounded by a wall of various fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Colorful and aromatic flowers lined the edges of the stream bank, giving way to what must be hundreds of bright yellow butterflies. The crowning jewel of the haven was the soft waterfall that bubbled into a clear, bright pool, circled by shimmering white sand.

This place is breathtaking, Logan, Rose said, shaking off her sandals and digging her toes into the warm sand.

"You can thank the Eternal One for its beauty, Rose. I think that mom planted some of these flowers, but other than that, this spot is just as Ya made it.

The big knight, still acting rather shy for some reason, turned to leave but not before Rose could grab his neck and plant a sharp kiss square on his lips. The unexpected affection caused the man’s face to burst into a flaming red hue.

I was wondering when that would finally happen, Jirah spoke with a laugh.

Logan was not in a laughing mood and his flushed face turned an angry shade.

Sensing that she may have said too much, Jirah clasped his hand and spoke quickly, I am not laughing at you, dear brother. I am just happy is all; please don’t be mad.

The fear in this valiant man’s face diminished slightly as he took a good number of deep breaths.

Rose, oblivious to the emotional storm she had caused was already beginning to undo the buttons on her clothing and was up to her knees in the cool water.

I better get out of here, Logan said, turning to leave.

Don’t make too much of this, Logan, Jirah tried her best to assure him. We both love you very much and would never think of trying to offend you.

The gentle giant did not turn back but just kept walking up the path, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

By the time Jirah turned and made her way down to the beach, Rose had already stripped bare and was soaking in the crystal water.

Are you gonna get in already, Jirah?

The matron was about to scold Rose for her bold behavior, but her friend seemed so happy. The poor girl had been though so much over the last few weeks that her big bright smile had become a rare thing. The rebuke would have to wait for another time.

If you think I’m going to strip down to nothing, you’re out of your mind.

Rose just laughed; a rich, hearty laugh that made Jirah laugh right along with her.

The huntress hung her leather clothes on a nearby tree and was slowly making her way into the water, when Rose kicked up a large splash onto her squealing friend.

The mighty huntress, Jirah, scared of a little water? My image of you has been shattered.

What has got into you today?

The question was heard only by the butterflies as Rose was already diving into the deepness of the pool. Jirah simply shook her head, took a deep breath and dove in after her.

***

Logan, valiant Knight of the Thorn, had faced a great many foes in his day. Never once had he backed away from a fight. Few things in the land of Terros scared a man such as him, but now there was one thing that made the blond giant shake with trepidation; his feelings for Rose. Just when he was beginning to gain some small semblance of control over the physical attraction he felt toward the vivacious redhead, she chose to kiss him. That encounter was most definitely not how he had pictured their first kiss taking place. In a time like this, he would have loved to discuss his feelings with Gaost. The Cleric of Ya always had just the right words to say when Logan was confused, but now that he was gone...

Logan’s brooding came to a sharp end as a dark, furry mass knocked him off his feet, forcing all of the air out of his lungs. It took just a few moments for the mighty warrior to regain his senses, his big hands instinctively reaching for the swords he had left back at the farm. He resisted the urge to curse and reached instead for the long dagger he kept tucked in his boot for such occasions. Pulling out the blade in front of him and looking up to face this new foe, Logan was horrified by what crouched before him. Whether this creature was a man or a beast, Logan may never know, but he wasted no time thinking, and moved in with the sharp dagger to attack. A flurry of fangs and appendages met the knight’s aggression with a relentless rage. Angry snarls gurgled from the monsters face as its many arms clawed every part of Logan’s exposed body. What started as a sense of urgency in the knight’s spirit, quickly turned to fear as the terrible beast began to overtake him. In a desperate attempt to escape its vice-like embrace, Logan rolled the both of them over a pile of