Healer's Strength: Forest Guardians, #3

By Ali Ings

Healers can't save everyone…

When she gets the opportunity to study at the best Healing Centre in the country, how could she say no? She'll get to see magic used in ways she never imagined were possible. Who knows? Maybe it'll help distract her from the family secret she discovered…

A new forest also means new dangers. Being so close to the mountains, there are storms like she's never seen before, too. Scouts are constantly researching the new plants discovered in the rainforest, and any of those could be a new healing potion ingredient, or a deadly poison. Scouts aren't the only mages around the forest, though.

People fall ill, and the healers get to work immediately. But nobody has seen this sort of illness before, and none of the standard treatments are working. Aili's abilities let her see the illness differently, but what is she even looking for? Can she learn anything useful and develop a treatment somehow?

As the sickness spreads, anybody could be next. When someone she loves and depends on falls ill, can she find the cure and save their life? Will she lose them forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ali Ings
• Release date: Jan 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781778239212

Book preview

Chapter 1

Inner Turmoil

Aili didn’t know why she had to read the letter again. The contents wouldn’t change, they were set in ink. Her eyes danced over the words again, hoping for a miracle. No, her world was still upside down. Why didn’t anyone tell her?

The letter was from the archivist, Cailin. There was no error in her genealogy after all. Her mother was not her actual mother, though her father really was related to her. Someone in the Central Archives translated the runes where her mother’s name was supposed to be. The rune meant ‘source of all life.’

Aili folded the letter and stuffed it back into her pocket. The paper was soggy from the mist, as she sat here by the waterfall. It wouldn’t matter if the paper dissolved. She knew the message by heart now. It was short and direct, a cruel way of finding out she was living a lie all these years.

Surely the researchers are wrong? It has to be a mistake. When she first saw her family tree, she knew it had to be an error. No, the archivists looked into it, double checking for her. Her family had been lying to her all this time.

Aili figured Darik would know the truth. He joined her family around her birth. She snuck up to the stables and called him on her mirror, hoping for some answers. No, he arrived shortly after she was born, so he couldn’t tell her anything, either.

Darik had the gift of foresight, an uncommon gift and almost uncontrollable. He knew she would be born, but nothing else about that moment. He couldn’t help her.

Why wouldn’t her father write back? Only a week ago, Aili helped uncover illegal activity by several mages associated with the University, including the Grandmaster. As the representative of the Magic University on the Mages Council, her father had to sort through the mess. They uncovered several more mages’ involvement since the Grandmaster was arrested. He was a busy man right now.

He was her father, though. He must know who her mother was. After all, that’s how biology worked. Both he and her mother were together at some point.

Still, she had the Scouts. Andvari and Kyson were like fathers as well as friends, and they had become her family. She wasn’t alone. She met others who she’d grown close to over the last few months. They loved and supported her. Why does it matter who her mother is?

It mattered, she realized, because she grew up an outcast. Family was all she had. Her father, Darik, Ilia, they helped her learn and grow. Even though Darik and Ilia weren’t related to her, they felt like family to Aili. Her mother, well, maybe now she knew why she had never been close to her mother like her sister was. Was this why her father had been so attentive to her when she was growing up?

She had to admit, though, she didn’t handle the news well at first. Her wild emotions affected her control over her abilities. Cloth would unweave and the occasional person found themselves walking right out of their boots, or standing in their underwear, shreds of fabric around their feet. Papers would blow around without a wind, or miniature tornados would roam the camp. Aili even melted a pot when the fire below it went crazy.

That’s how she wound up here, outside the camp, at the waterfall. Andvari, her magic teacher, was camping out here with her and Kyson, his Scout partner. She’s far enough from camp that her stray abilities won’t disrupt other peoples’ lives. When normal mages got emotional, they sometimes lost their ability to perform magic. Not Aili, though.

Andvari settled onto the fallen log beside her. Still no word from your father?

Aili shook her head. He knew that already. Her mail came through official Scout channels, so they came through his magic mailbag. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her. Aili leaned against his side and closed her eyes.

Get changed. Jeril will be here any minute for your swimming lesson.

Aili’s eyes popped open. She straightened up and stared at him. Jeril? I thought he stayed in the Western Wood?

Andvari chuckled, a light and warm sound that always relaxed her. He heard you weren’t feeling well and chose to come help. That might be him there. He pointed through the trees at a shape approaching in the distance.

One person on a horse. Aili smiled.

Andvari frowned. Is your scanning still active all the time?

Aili hung her head. It’s not as far out now. Each day it’s more under control.

Oof.

Aili giggled, a hand over her mouth to cover the noise coming from the trail to the pond. He doesn’t ride much, does he?

Andvari shook his head, failing to hide his own grin. There’s not much need in the Western Wood. He spends most of his time patrolling the ponds or being busy in his lab. Maybe you should teach him to ride in exchange for swimming lessons?

That might be a good idea. She watched the horse weave between the thin trees, the hills and the camp visible behind them.

Hey, did you miss me? Jeril stopped Shadow, a large black Scout horse, at the edge of the clearing.

I missed you so much, Aili enthused, greeting Shadow with a scratch under her chin. I haven’t seen you in days, she crooned at the horse and stroked her shiny hair.

Oh, you’re killing me, Aili. Jeril slid from Shadow’s saddle.

Hey, Aili, since you love Shadow so much, untack her and let her graze with the others. Andvari stepped over and clasped hands with Jeril.

Sure. Aili took Shadow’s reins and led her away from the tent and camp kitchen.

Charger, Andvari’s massive horse, whickered at Shadow. She neighed back. Her high-pitched voice caused Aili to cover her ear. Leya, Aili’s own golden pony, eyed Shadow and grazed faster. Trickster, Kyson’s big black gelding, was hock deep in the gradually sloping pond edge, browsing on succulent water plants, ignoring Shadow completely.

Stay with them, or I’ll have to tie you. Aili slipped Shadow’s bridle off.

Shadow nuzzled Aili’s face and neck. Aili stroked her soft nose. She moved beside Shadow and removed the saddle. The saddle and bridle joined their own equipment under a tarp to protect it from the weather.

So, has she been practicing her swimming? Jeril glanced sidelong at Aili.

Yes, she has, Aili retorted.

Great. Get changed and show me how you’re doing. Jeril pulled his shirt off and kicked his boots aside.

Aili grabbed her shorts and crop top from the line strung between trees near the tent. She smiled when they felt dry already. Andvari insisted she do most things without magic while she regained her control. When she initially protested, he explained it would help her focus her mind. He had been right, though she wouldn’t admit it out loud.

Still, she could dry clothing in seconds when her focus was good. Then again, if her powers acted out, she could dry the pond up, so maybe he had a point? Doing things without magic meant planning ahead, or she’d be wearing wet clothing. Aili wrinkled her nose at the thought.

She ducked into the tent and closed the flap for privacy. Aili folded her day clothes, standard Scout clothing with no patches for rank or specialty, and set them on her bedroll. Her swimming clothing felt soft against her skin. Aili was glad it was warm out, so she wouldn’t get cold. The weather was turning as winter approached, but today was still pleasant.

Aili stepped out into the sunlight. The grass was soft beneath her feet, so she ignored her boots. She took a moment to look around. It really was beautiful here, the sun dancing on the surface of the large pond, the water cascading down the falls at the far side. The mist kept you cool on a hot day.

Come on, Aili. Jeril stood at the edge of the pond, wearing only his shorts. Like all Scouts, he remained fit and athletic, even allowing for his age. His dark hair was greying.

The grass tickled her feet and ankles as she walked over. Andvari was under a large tree, his lap desk on his legs, where he settled into the routine paperwork that came with running the Scouts. She noted he was well out of splash range, unless her magic went wild.

Shallow dive, swim out two body lengths under the water, and surface and face me.

She cringed, her shoulders tightening. Diving was not her thing. Fortunately, the pond was deep enough here by the tent to dive in safely, even if it was shallow by the horses. The edge here had more rocks, closer to the cliff and the waterfall. She stepped up onto a large rock beside Jeril.

Aili balanced on the rock and closed her eyes. Focus on control, she reminded herself, as she slowed her breathing. Just like Darik taught, calm and collected. Slip into the water like I’m part of it. Focus. She pushed off, her body forming a shallow arc.

Her hands broke through the surface, letting her body slide smoothly under the water. She let her breath out slowly as she pulled herself through the water. That’s it, controlled and smooth. Aili kicked hard and swam forward before arching her back and pushing up. She gasped as her head broke the surface. Her lungs welcomed the fresh air. Aili rolled over and looked at Jeril, treading water comfortably.

He pushed off and dove in, barely making a splash. Aili watched him move under the water towards her. Jeril surfaced beside her, water streaming from his hair. Aili stared at the water droplets falling from his closely trimmed beard, watching them land back in the pond.

Distracted, are we?

Aili grinned. She lay back and swam away, kicking water at him. Her hands scooped at more water, sending it his way as she propelled herself towards the waterfall. He slipped beneath the surface to avoid her splashing. Aili relaxed and let her body float, feeling fully calm for the first time in over a week. She missed play like this.

She glanced at Andvari. As always, he was watching over her, even as he worked. Andvari smiled and nodded, before going back to that ever-present paperwork. She looked around for Jeril, but couldn’t find him. Did he know a spell to breathe underwater? The water was clear. Where was he? It was a big pond, and he could be anywhere.

Aili opened her senses to search for him. Wait, she had to use her abilities deliberately. They were no longer active all the time. She grinned, thrilled to regain some normalcy again. Aili opened her mouth to call Andvari and tell him when she felt the familiar tingle of magic being cast. Jeril was below her, casting a spell on her.

His hand wrapped around her ankle, and he pulled down her. Her instincts yelled to fight. Aili snatched a big gulp of air as she slipped beneath the surface. Her body was tense. He wouldn’t let her drown, but every instinct was to fight. Aili didn’t know what to do.

He pulled her until she was standing on the bottom, facing him. She was running out of air. Her lungs ached. She tried to kick off, but he held her under. What was that spell? Why wasn’t he drowning? She needed air now.

The water moved away from her, leaving Aili in an air column at the bottom of the pond. She gasped and fresh air rushed into her lungs. She panted, taking in as much oxygen as she could. Her muscles ached from holding her breath.

Jeril’s hands tingled and Aili felt the ache in her muscles ease. He was still in the water beside her, not in any distress at all from lack of air. He leaned forward and his head poked into the air column her abilities made for her.

It’s a breathing spell. Come on in. The hardest part is fighting that instinct that you just showed so strongly. Trust you can breathe and step forward. His light green eyes held hers.

She did trust him, a lot, in fact. Aili took a deep breath and let the water flow back around her. She let the air out slowly, little bubbles that rose through the clear water to the surface. The thought of drowning scared her, even swimming with a Master Water Mage. Her lungs ached again, empty of air.

Jeril took her hands and kept eye contact with her, calm as always. He opened his mouth. Aili stared, fascinated. She felt the panic building. Her need to breathe was powerful again. He smiled and squeezed her hands.

Now or never, Aili, she told herself. Aili opened her mouth and water flowed in, but stopped there. Oxygen rushed into her lungs. She felt shaky and scared, but she was breathing. She was actually breathing underwater.

Jeril pointed to the waterfall. He kept one of her hands in his and began swimming. Aili propelled herself along beside him. Now that she wasn’t panicking about dying, she looked around. Small fish darted among the plants rooted in the bottom or clinging to the rocks. Sunlight shone down in columns, distorted by the moving water.

He took her to the edge of the waterfall and pointed to where the water carved a hollow area below it. Water rushed down into the hollow in front of her and she could feel the force it created as it circled around, back up towards the surface again.

Jeril wrapped an arm around her and swam under the falling water. She swept around with him in that circling water beneath the falls, down to the bottom and up again, back down, and up. After a few loops, Jeril swam free with her, taking her to the surface nearby.

She sucked in air as her head broke the surface, despite her breathing being simply fine under the water. Aili clung to his shoulders, her hands shaking. Jeril lay back in the water and held her small body over his. He swam her to the shallow bank nearby, where the horses were grazing. She scrabbled onto the grass and sat, staring at the waterfall.

Jeril settled beside her on the grass. When the water falls down, it goes straight to the bottom. It hits the pond floor with force and gets redirected back up at an angle. Over time, that carves out the shape you saw and creates the circular current beneath the falls.

That was wild. Aili grinned. Once you get over the whole ‘I’m going to die’ thing, it’s incredible. There’s an entire world under there I never knew about.

Jeril laughed and wrapped his dripping arm over her wet shoulders. When you learn to breathe underwater, you can help with aquatic surveys and conservation. Still, always be aware of the water flow. This pond is gentle enough for us to swim out, but larger falls can drown a mage who’s not prepared.

Aili watched the mist rising from the falls, a rainbow shining in the sunlight.

It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Jeril watched the mist rise into the air with her.

She leaned her head on his shoulder, properly tired from her underwater adventure. She was full of adrenaline from thinking she’d drown. Aili focused on slowing her breathing and calming her body as she stared up at the clouds. It had been a while since she saw something magical that surprised her like that.

When you’re ready, we’ll swim back to Andvari. Want to go on the surface, or under the water?

Aili grinned. Underwater. That was so cool, and I want to see more. There are fish down there.

There’s more than fish. Let’s go.

Jeril took her small hand in his and led her back to the water. He kept walking, confident in his ability to breathe. Aili hesitated and tensed, her body wanting to swim at the surface. She took a breath and let him pull her under. She tried to breathe as normally as possible, but she was about to breathe underwater again. That was not normal.

How did he stay so calm? Jeril waited for her to relax. It must be years, maybe even decades of practice. She let her mouth open and the water flow in, still half-prepared for it to rush into her lungs. After that moment of panic, she relaxed at the feeling of breathing. Aili nodded.

Jeril pushed off the bottom and swam slowly ahead of her, waving for Aili to catch up. She pulled herself through the water after him. The bottom was mud and rock, covered in various water plants that almost glowed in the sunlight. The plants danced and swayed in the current caused by the waterfall.

He pointed, and Aili noticed the tiny invertebrates moving among the plants, little water insects and more scuttling about the greenery. Little fish hunted them, dodging feelers and spikes to get a snack. She’d been here so many times, even discovered her Water Magic here, but never knew about all this life here below her.

She followed him across the bottom and up the sharper bank near the tent. Aili boosted herself up onto the rocks next to Jeril and sat, looking out at the pond.

You okay? Andvari’s voice pulled her from her thoughts of the little fish and animals.

Aili whirled around and her eyes met his. It was scary at first, but so awesome. Have you ever done that?

Andvari shook his head, his hair ruffling in the slight breeze. I prefer to keep my feet on solid ground where I’m not going to die. What’s under there?

Aili moved to the grass beside him and sat, leaving a trail of water behind her. There are so many plants and little animals I’ve never seen up close before. Little fishes and tiny insects, plants that dance, and more. She still trembled with excitement.

Go dry off and change. Once you’re done, I want to hear all about it.

Aili bounced to her feet and dashed for the tent. She shook the water off, using her abilities to help now that she felt better, calm and like herself again. Andvari didn’t scold her, so she slipped inside in case he changed his mind.

Her swimming is coming along great. She needs more practice under the water to lose the urge to panic.

Aili paused, listening. It wasn’t like she was eavesdropping on purpose, but tents had thin walls. Surely Andvari knew she could hear them.

Thanks for coming. That’s the calmest, most relaxed, and controlled she’s been in a week.

Aili took her swimming clothing off and pulled her day clothes back on, quiet as she could. She took her time folding her swimming clothing, listening carefully.

What happened? Jeril sounded concerned. Aili could hear the stress in his voice.

Aili chewed on her lower lip. She couldn’t hear his reply. Still, he was likely explaining her situation. Aili liked Jeril since the day she met him and didn’t mind him knowing, but it was so disorienting, hearing others discuss it. Aili pulled her boots on, since listening in wasn’t working anymore.

It’s okay, she told herself. He already knows she’s not like everyone else. Jeril won’t mind that one more thing makes her different. Mind you, even orphans know who their parents are, whether they’ve met them or not. The archives somehow just knew where people belonged. Family is everything, isn’t it? Strong magic runs in families, so people keep track.

Still, Aili felt like she belonged with the Scouts. They welcomed her and treated her like one of them, despite her incredibly late start as a student, and her unusual powers, and her tendency to talk to her pony. Will they care that she’s odd in every way possible now?

The men had moved to the firepit nearby. Kyson was back as well, she noticed. He’d gone deeper into the forest to practice advanced Air Magic. Andvari waved for Aili to join them, a teapot in his hand. Aili walked over and watched Jeril fill a kettle from his canteen, which she knew was linked to a safe water source and would always refill. She dropped onto the grass between Jeril and Kyson.

What’s got you so upset? Jeril pulled her to his side and hugged her.

Aili felt her lip tremble. She wanted to cry. I’m not even sure. It’s like I don’t know who I am anymore.

Why not? Jeril rubbed her back slowly.

Aili’s fingers gripped her pants. Did Andvari tell you?

He told me about your trip to the archives, and your family tree. How does learning about your mother affect who you are? You’re still you, aren’t you?

She closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. I don’t even know. So much has changed in the last few months. I go from being an outcast with no magic to having abilities I don’t understand yet. I have a new home. Now I learn my family has been keeping things from me all these years. It shouldn’t matter, but it does.

Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a Scout, it’s that it doesn’t matter who your relatives are. What matters is who has your back and who you love. The Scouts are family to a lot of us. You’re one of us now, even if it’s not official. Jeril placed his finger on her lip. Ignore those big city mages. Who cares what they might think?

Aili opened her eyes and released her lip from between her teeth. She could taste the blood she drew by mistake. A moment of magic, a slight tingle, and the blood was gone. Jeril took his finger from her lip, now that her cut healed.

How do I know where I belong? Aili’s fingers shook, still grasping the cotton pants she wore.

Where do you feel you belong? Jeril countered. What does your heart say?

Perhaps the better question is, who do you want to be? Kyson leaned back against his hands and stretched his legs out.

Isn’t my past part of who I am? Aili straightened up and stared at the waterfall.

Well, partly, yes. Andvari poured boiling water into the teapot. But when things happen so long ago, you can’t possibly remember them? Things you have no control over. Are they as important as the choices you make now?

Aili closed her eyes and wrapped her hand around the crystal she wore around her neck on a fine chain. She got it only weeks ago from Ilia, and now her life force filled the crystal. What did her heart say? Where did she belong?

Your magic is coming under control again. Ready for a tracking game?

Aili’s eyes snapped open and fixed on Andvari. Tracking games were her favourite. She leapt to her feet. Any time. Scout games were her favourite, and she loved tracking games most of all. Nothing focused her thoughts as effectively as tracking games, and this promised to be a good one.

Andvari threw his head back and laughed. He knew how she loved Scout games. I’m increasing the challenge. It’s you against Kyson and Jeril. He held his hand up and whispered loudly to her. Between you and me, Jeril needs more practice. He only barely passed his last advanced tracking test.

Hey, I was not that bad. Jeril tossed a clump of dirt at Andvari.

Andvari batted the dirt away with his Earth Magic. No, you weren’t, or I wouldn’t have passed you. However, you both can hone your skills. Aili, we’ve been playing for months, but you’re used to me, and I’m always aware of you because you’re my student.

Aili smiled and nodded. Something linked them magically through the bands. She fingered her neck band, less than half silver now, with more gold strands showing up after each adventure they had in the woods. His name showed, engraved on the plate in front, so anyone who looked knew Andvari was her teacher.

Use any method you want, magical or not, to evade them. They won’t feel you like I can. They can use any method to track you they would use on a Scout mission. You have an hour to evade them and make it to a spot of my choosing.

Aili glanced between Kyson and Jeril. This would be interesting. They had decades more experience than her, though she’d been playing in the woods since she was young. They also both had experience tracking fugitives in the forest. The odds were against her success.

Andvari patted the ground beside him, and Aili moved closer. He cast a privacy ward around them. She could see Kyson and Jeril, but not hear them. They wouldn’t hear her, either, in here.

You have a five-minute head start. You can go anywhere within that time you like, but you need to make it to the top of the waterfall there in the last ten minutes to win. Too early and it doesn’t count. Too late and they get the win. Andvari dropped the privacy ward.

Will Kyson try using Mind Magic or the link with me he has from that spell? Aili’s link with Kyson wasn’t strong, but she could feel it ever since he cast a protective spell on her mind for her a few weeks ago.

I will not, Kyson assured her.

He can use Mind Magic to make you see things or hear things, but he won’t do anything he couldn’t do with any other fugitive. Ready?

All eyes were on Andvari. Aili waited, holding her breath.

Go.

A timer appeared on the back of Aili’s hand, floating an inch above her skin. Her finger passed through it. She raised an eyebrow at Andvari. He grinned and waved for her to go. He pointed to her timer, which was already counting down.

Aili glanced at Jeril and Kyson. Both men had their eyes closed. Aili reached out with her abilities and touched the grass. Let me pass silently, she pleaded. She walked through the grass, not making a sound.

She looked around, searching for the best path to not leave a trace. The woods were obvious. She needed to head deeper in, but it was too obvious. Aili passed towards the open fields and distant camp, where the trees were thinner. She picked up speed slowly, checking for noise, but she was still silent.

Aili grinned and waved at Andvari as she circled around the pond, entering the thicker woods much farther away than she hoped they’d start looking. He waved back, disappearing from her view as she slipped between trees and out of sight.

As an Air Mage, Kyson would probably try to use the breeze to find her. His non-magical tracking