The Great Healer

By Talee

The Great Healer is classic fantasy, set in a meticulously realized world of traveling witches, powerful sorcerers, warring kingdoms and scheming duchies.

“Sorceress Olga, the high council has decided to treat this as a sorcerers challenge since you defeated these two in open battle.
Challenge rules apply, and you have claim to the power and property of the sorceress Fein and the wizard Jacques. Do you wish to claim their power?”
Olga was stunned, by the situation and the question. She looked at Francous and he smiled and nodded.
“Yes.”
“The right to claim the power of another is part of the challenge as defined in the rules of the Council. This ritual requires the assistance of two sorcerers of the first tier. Before we assist you with the ritual, you must agree to submit to the authority of the council. Are you willing to submit to the authority of the Council?”
Again, Olga was confused by the question. She had never considered that she had a choice in accepting their authority. Francous saw her confusion and spoke up.
“I’m sorry, I should have explained this to you before bringing you here. The council holds authority over this continent and the two island nations. If you do not wish to live within the rules of the Council, you will be given the option to move to the other continent, but you would not be allowed to remain here.”
“So if I say no, and refuse to leave?”
Faras responded immediately.
“Then we would be forced to either block you from the power or push you out. There are many ways to have a say in the council rules, but you must agree to live within them to stay in the territory we protect.”
“So I really have no choice if I want to see my family.”
“That’s unfortunately correct. To keep the peace, we cannot allow any exceptions.”
Olga looked up at Faras.
“I am unwilling to leave my family, and I need to retain the use of the power to protect myself and those I care about. Therefore, I will submit to the authority of the Council.”
Faras nodded her understanding.
“Very well. Tem as the instrument in this case, will you assist with the claim?”
“Yes, I will assist.”
“Thank you. Olga, you have proven yourself, as described by the Sorcerer Francous, to be a Sorceress of the first tier. Your defeat of Fein, a Sorceress of the first tier and Jacques a Wizard who could have been a first tier sorcerer, is the proof of that. Tem and I will be the confirmation team, but you must make the claim using the spell of claiming which is done as follows.”

The Darth Chronicles is an epic fantasy series perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, Sarah J. Maas and Ursula K. Le Guin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talee
• Release date: Oct 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463854297

Talee

A dedicated reader and writer, I have always loved a good character. Heroic magicians, iconic warriors, and everyday people who overcome adversity are what I seek in both my reading and my writing. Some of my favorite books are Andre Norton's Witch World series, Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders, and Christopher Stasheff's Warlock series. I like to take characters that are believable and show how they overcome long odds to succeed, or simply adapt to their environment to accomplish happiness for themselves and others.For me, writing is just like reading, I may know how the story is going to eventually end, but the joy is in the journey that unfolds day by day.

Book preview

The Great Healer

(A Darth Chronicles Novel)

Talee

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously

Copyright 2019 by Talee

First Edition: October 2019

Second Edition: July 2020

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all who have encouraged me to write. Especially those who have helped me to improve as a writer.

This book is dedicated to my wonderful wife Olga. I am constantly amazed that she chose me to share her life with. She is far more amazing than any book could depict. I pray that I can be worthy of her as we enjoy many more years together exploring all the wonders life has to offer.

Chapter 1: The First Tier

"Sorceress Olga, the high council has decided to treat this as a sorcerers challenge since you defeated these two in open battle.

Challenge rules apply, and you have claim to the power and property of the sorceress Fein and the wizard Jacques. Do you wish to claim their power?"

Olga was stunned, by the situation and the question. She looked at Francous and he smiled and nodded.

Yes.

The right to claim the power of another is part of the challenge as defined in the rules of the Council. This ritual requires the assistance of two sorcerers of the first tier. Before we assist you with the ritual, you must agree to submit to the authority of the council. Are you willing to submit to the authority of the Council?

Again, Olga was confused by the question. She had never considered that she had a choice in accepting their authority. Francous saw her confusion and spoke up.

I’m sorry, I should have explained this to you before bringing you here. The council holds authority over this continent and the two island nations. If you do not wish to live within the rules of the Council, you will be given the option to move to the other continent, but you would not be allowed to remain here.

So, if I say no, and refuse to leave?

Faras responded immediately.

Then we would be forced to either block you from the power or push you out. There are many ways to have a say in the council rules, but you must agree to live within them to stay in the territory we protect.

So, I really have no choice if I want to see my family.

That’s unfortunately correct. To keep the peace, we cannot allow any exceptions.

Olga looked up at Faras.

I am unwilling to leave my family, and I need to retain the use of the power to protect myself and those I care about. Therefore, I will submit to the authority of the Council.

Faras nodded her understanding.

Very well. Tem as the instrument in this case, will you assist with the claim?

Yes, I will assist.

Thank you. Olga, you have proven yourself, as described by the Sorcerer Francous, to be a Sorceress of the first tier. Your defeat of Fein, a Sorceress of the first tier and Jacques a Wizard who could have been a first-tier sorcerer, is the proof of that. Tem and I will be the confirmation team, but you must make the claim using the spell of claiming which is done as follows.

Olga watched closely as Faras demonstrated the spell. Then she performed the spell and Faras released her spell, forming another in its place which Tem replicated.

Now, you must claim the power of Fein with your will by bringing the feel of her magic into your mind and heart and claiming it as your own. Once your claim is clear, Tem and I will confirm the claim and the power will shift.

Olga focused and pulled the memory of the feel of Fein’s power and instantly she could feel it once more. Suddenly she knew what to do, and she opened her heart claiming the power as her own. Then she felt Tem and Faras join their will to hers and Fein’s power became hers. Tem and Faras pulled back and Olga released the power.

Now we must do the same to claim the power of Jacques. Form the spell again and we will confirm once more.

Olga formed the spell, and focused on the feel of Jacques’s power. When she could feel it once more, she claimed it and felt Tem and Faras join their will to her. When they pulled back, Olga released the spell, but drew deeply of the power and felt it respond quickly. It was clear that there was a greater response now. She felt that she could pull nearly as much as she had witnessed Francous pull on occasion. She released the power and focused once more on Faras, who spoke again as soon as she saw Olga release the power.

"In addition to increasing your own significant claim on the power, this ceremony will make all the personal protection spells formed by either of those you claimed respond to you as though you had created them. It will also reveal anything they have hidden with their magic, to you. This will greatly simplify the claiming of their property.

Now to the business of the council. As a former apprentice of the Sorcerer Francous you present both great potential and a significant threat. Fein, however wrong in her approach, was not wrong in her belief that an alliance between the Sorcerer Francous and one with your obvious skills would be a threat to the stability of the council and those we protect.

It is therefore incumbent upon the council to find a solution to the problem you represent; in the best interest of the balance we have struggled so hard to build."

Olga felt all the members of the council draw the power at the same time. She drew the power instinctively in response, but knew if they acted together there was no chance she could defend herself against them.

Faras continued speaking as she formed a spell that Olga recognized as a variant of the spell of swearing.

"Sorceress Olga, the council has ruled that due to the threat you represent, you must accept a position within the council rules or leave this land forever.

Are you willing to submit to a hearing on your future placement within the realm, and comply with the judgement of the council?"

Everyone present started flowing power to Faras, including Francous. It was clear that she spoke for them all, and the decision Olga made here would be enforced.

She reached out to Marcus but could not find his mind.

You must make this decision on your own Sorceress. We will not allow communication with others until your decision is made.

Olga was stunned, she had never heard of or read about any method of detecting mental communication if it did not involve use of the power. But clearly Faras knew she had reached out. Not only that, she had blocked that communication.

I’m sorry Olga, but we must have your decision now, and that decision will be final. If you agree to submit to our decision and fail to keep that commitment…. Well, you have seen the consequences firsthand.

Faras did not say what the consequences were, but Olga had no doubt she meant what had happened to Fein and Jacques.

She swallowed her fear and pulled focus to consider the question and its consequences.

If she chose to leave the land, she would never again see her family, Francous or any of the others she had come to depend on. On the other hand, she had no idea what they would demand of her in order to stay.

She also had no idea where she could go if she were sent away from the land. Possibly Marcus would take her in, but somehow, she did not believe that would be a desirable situation. And she was still unwilling to leave her family behind. She had no doubt that Francous would protect them, as long as it was in his interests to do so. But not a minute longer.

The decision solidified in her mind. No matter what they demanded of her, they could not prevent her from defending her family if they needed defending.

I will submit to your hearing and the decision of the council provided I am free to defend my family from any threats.

Faras waved her hand and Olga was suddenly standing in the dark separated from all sound and all vision. She knew it was a spell, but still had to fight to hold fear at bay.

Moments later, she was standing back in front of the senior members of the high council.

The High Council has agreed to your condition, provided you agree to notify the council before you take actions to defend your family, or as soon after as is feasible.

Olga felt the stress subside.

That is acceptable to me. Thank you.

Faras formed the modified spell of swearing once more, this time more slowly.

Form this spell and place it on yourself.

Olga did as requested, watching as Faras put the spell she had formed on herself and the council members.

"You must swear to put the welfare of the land and the peace we have formed here ahead of all other personal wishes. Further you must swear to uphold the decisions of the Sorcerer’s Council provided those decisions do not prevent you from defending your family.

The council will in turn swear to protect you within the rules of the council’s authority unless and until you break your covenant with the council."

Olga thought for a moment then spoke.

I, Olga swear to put the welfare of the land and the peace that has been formed here ahead of all other personal wishes so long as that does not prevent me from defending my family. I further swear to uphold the decisions of the Sorcerer’s Council provided those decisions do not prevent me from defending my family.

She saw the shimmer in the air as her commitment was made, and felt the spell settle into her permanently using her power to enforce the swearing.

Then she listened as Faras, without hesitation swore on behalf of the council to protect her within the rules of the council’s authority unless and until Olga broke her covenant with the council.

Again, the shimmer in the air then a settling of the power on all the members of the council.

Faras spoke once more as she formed a portal spell Olga had not seen before.

Very well, we will retreat to the Sorcerer’s Council Chambers. We will begin the hearing tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate the addition of a new sister.

Olga could see a large room filled with amazing art and an incredible display of wealth in the form of gold and gems inlaid in the flooring and walls of the room. She watched as the members of the council stepped through the portal and then followed when Faras indicated she should.

She stepped through the portal and immediately realized she had misjudged the size of the room. It was much larger, and the wealth on display took her breath away. She followed the council members as they moved toward a set of tables at the other end of this enormous room.

As they reached the tables, she saw that the tables themselves were all round and one in the middle of the collection of tables had ornate chairs around it. The Council members all headed for that table and spread out taking seats in chairs that appeared to be designed specifically for them. As she approached, a new chair appeared in the one space that had been empty when she first saw the table.

There was no question in her mind when she saw it, that this chair was for her. She went to it and sat as the members of the council all had. Then Faras came and sat in the seat next to hers, smiling at her as she did.

The rest of the day was kind of a blur as food arrived, and sorcerers and sorceresses came and went all stopping to greet her and welcome her to the community of sorcerers. At some point in time musicians appeared and she was asked to dance many times by many different sorcerers. Some young and handsome, some old and scarred, but all with absolutely respectful attitudes.

Olga danced and celebrated, knowing that whatever happened next, she had been accepted as a full sorceress, a truly exclusive and powerful group of people. She would never be made to submit to the laws of the kingdoms again. She was now, like the witches, free to go where she wanted and would be honored when she got there.

Provided the council did not deny her that of course. That thought sobered her toward the end of the evening.

Eventually, the Sorceress May came over to her and offered to show her to her rooms in the palace.

She looked up to see Faras smiling and nodding. Then a quick glance at Francous showed him nodding too. So she accepted the offer and followed May out of the great room and into a series of halls which eventually led to a round junction with halls going in every direction.

All the sorcerers and sorceresses of the first tier, which you clearly are, have their own place here. Yours is here.

Olga already knew which hall would lead to her space as she felt it among the others. She did pause briefly though to count how many halls there were. In all there were 48 halls, and one was darkened and beginning to close.

May noticed her looking at it and spoke.

That one belonged to Fein, it will be gone by tomorrow morning.

Olga felt a deep sorrow as she looked at that closing hallway. One of only 48 first tier sorcerers was gone, and the world was less for that loss.

She went too far, even those of us who counted her friend could not abide breaking of the sacred alliance. It is good that in her departure we found one of greater talent.

May settled a hand on Olga’s shoulder and squeezed gently.

I know the feeling of sorrow you are experiencing. It never goes away, no matter how many times you experience it. It is the burden we bear for the strength we were given.

Then she pulled back and pointed down Olga’s hall.

"None can enter your hall without your personal invitation. But you will find a bed chamber in the second room on the right. A library in the third room on the right. The first room on the right and the first two on the left are meeting rooms for greeting and entertaining guests. Access to those can be granted while not granting access to any other part of your hall.

Across from the bedroom is a gym of sorts where you can practice your war skills or whatever form of fitness work you prefer, if you are into that stuff. Beyond that on the left is an armory, initially, it has been filled with the contents of Fein’s armory. You now own all her arms and weapons. Choose what you wish to keep and dispose of anything you do not wish to keep.

I recommend you leave all that for another day. Tomorrow we will start early and it will likely be a very trying day. You need your rest today. Welcome to the first tier, I hope that we shall become friends over the coming years."

Olga was surprised by that last comment, but smiled graciously and bowed to her.

I’m honored to be here, and hope to one day be as great a sorceress as you are.

May smiled accepting the complement well.

You are certainly on the right path for that. Have a restful evening. I will meet you here at first light, and escort you to the dining hall before we go to the council chambers for the hearing.

Then she turned and walked toward a different hall as Olga moved toward the one that was hers. As she entered the hall, Olga felt the slight tingle of crossing a power portal. She knew immediately that this hall was not in the same location as the large room she had been in earlier. She was not certain where it was, but she had very definitely passed through a portal as she walked in.

She checked the rooms in the hall and found that May had accurately described them each. There were many more rooms beyond the armory, but when she opened the door to the armory and saw a massive collection of crystals, stone, and odd objects along with a number of traditional weapons, she forgot all about the other rooms. She walked in and cautiously focused on each object cataloging the feel of it and theorizing on its uses.

Sometime later, she remembered that she would soon be standing in front of the council who would decide her place in the world. Olga put her curiosity aside and forced herself to leave the room and head back to the sleeping quarters.

As she entered the room, she felt the stress of the last few days settle onto her and the exhaustion that came with it. She carefully removed her arms and armor and settled them where she could reach them if needed before climbing into a very comfortable bed and drifting off to sleep.

Olga came awake and lay still listening and scanning the room for others. Once she was certain there were no others anywhere near, she opened her eyes and sat up forming a spell and watching as the room lighted up. Then memory came streaming back in and she felt the loss of Fein, Jacques, and two soldiers of note, once more. Two by her hand and the other two might as well have been by her hand. She wiped tears from her face and forced herself to stand and draw the power.

She did not have her clothes which remained on her horse wherever he was, and she was about to meet the council in a hearing to determine her future. The torn and tattered clothes she had come here in would not be good enough.

Olga formed the portal and stepped through into her room back in Wren. She moved quickly to her closet and pulled out a set of riding clothes some fresh under clothing and the spare brush from her wash room. She looked at the bath longingly and then returned through the portal turning to watch as it closed.

She drew the power once more and formed a spell of cleansing placing it on herself as she changed clothes and put her armor and weapons belt back on. Then she made her way back to the armory and selected a sword to replace the one she had lost in the battles the previous day. As she sheathed it she felt the tingle of power on it and paused a moment to examine it, concluding it was a spell of sharpness that likely would make the sword capable of slicing through other swords.

Then she turned resolutely and headed back to the end of the hall and the junction where all the halls joined. As she stepped out into the junction, she saw May step out of the hall she had gone down the previous evening.

Sorceress Olga, you are prompt as would be expected from a student of Francous. Shall we?

May pointed back down the hall they had come up the previous day and Olga nodded stepping forward toward that hall.

Thank you, Sorceress May. Can you tell me anything about this hearing? Are there things I need to know, such as protocol, or things I should not say or do?

May smiled at her and then spoke.

"This is not a kingdom or dukedom. We do not have protocols or formalities to follow. The rules of the council are simple. There is to be no use of the power except for the swearing spells during a hearing. No physical assaults of any kind are tolerated. The truth is to be told at all times. These rules are enforced by the combined might of the council.

Faras will operate as the facilitator, and I as a peer of your teacher, will act as your advisor. Francous will not have a vote on this decision because of his relationship to you, but he is allowed to present and argue on your behalf.

You are allowed to present any arguments you wish during the hearing, and your preferences for role will definitely be considered by all present. However, you are a new and unproven member of the first tier, so you must understand that the council will likely wish to have you in a role that can be overseen until your skills and tendencies are known by all."

As she spoke, she guided