As the caravan was about to continue its journey, a strange silhouette appeared down the road.
"What's that?" Kael asked, pointing ahead.
A squat, furry creature ambled closer—its steps soft, yet deliberate.
Nyric narrowed his eyes. "Looks like a tundrak. It's a mount."
Kael squinted. The creature looked like a walking ball of fur, almost like a panda—except its limbs were longer, and thick hair covered every inch of its body.
As the mount drew closer, they saw the rider perched calmly atop it, a long veil covering her face. Nyric stepped forward, hands folded.
"Hey," he called out. "State your name and purpose."
The figure slowly lifted the veil, revealing a striking woman beneath—smooth golden-brown skin, sharp cheekbones, and eyes like still water. Her black hair whipped in the wind. She looked serene, but there was a quiet confidence to the way she sat.
"Apologies if I startled you," she said. Her voice was rich and melodic. "I'm Mina. I was told someone here needed help." Her gaze swept the caravan, settling on Anita's pale, still form. "Seems she was right. I'm a healer."
She... could it be the blue-haired woman from earlier? Nyric wondered.
"Oh, that's no surprise," Rasterk said, stepping in with a wide grin. "A beauty like you's clearly a healer. You've got that gentle-touch look."
Mina gave him a flat stare and slowly dismounted. Up close, her mount resembled a shaggy bear more than a panda, though its eyes were gentle and wise. She patted its head, and it settled down obediently.
Nyric sighed. "We could use a healer, yeah. Badly. Do you mind?"
"I'd love to," she said, brushing imaginary dust from her cloak. "But there's a small issue."
Nyric's brow furrowed. "Which is?"
"You really shouldn't frown so much." Mina winked. "You'll get wrinkles." She folded her arms. "My services aren't free."
Nyric groaned. "How much?"
She tapped her chin, mumbling to herself and counting on her fingers. "Ten crowns."
Nyric's eyebrows twitched. Rasterk coughed into his fist.
"Ten crowns? Are you mad?" Nyric snapped. "A top healer in Ashspire costs fifty shards!"
Kael watched the exchange, torn between laughter and exasperation. After everything they'd just survived, a flirtatious argument over healing costs felt absurd. But maybe that's what made it comforting.
"I'm not a top healer," Mina replied sweetly. "I'm better. And you don't exactly have many options." She nodded toward Anita. "She doesn't have much time left."
Right on cue, Anita coughed up blood, her body trembling faintly.
Nyric clenched his jaw. A vein pulsed at his temple. Mina hugged herself and took a step back.
"What a scary expression," she murmured. "Maybe I should just leave."
"No," came a voice from behind.
The merchant stepped forward, his eyes haunted and tired. "Can you save her?" His voice cracked on the last word.
Mina studied Anita carefully. "Her injuries are internal—massive trauma. I can try, but I make no promises."
"You're not even sure—" Nyric began, but the merchant lifted a hand to silence him.
"Do it," he said softly.
Mina nodded and walked toward Anita, casting Nyric a mischievous wink as she passed. Nyric just clicked his tongue and muttered a curse under his breath.
"She's ripping you off," he told the merchant.
"I know," the merchant replied, his eyes never leaving Anita. "But she nearly died protecting me. If there's even a chance…"
Kael watched in silence.
Mina knelt beside Anita and placed her palms together in a prayer-like gesture.
Green veinfire bloomed from her hands—vibrant, pulsing with life. It smelled of crushed herbs and fresh rain, of pinewood and healing balm. The light covered Anita like a blanket, sinking into her skin. Cuts sealed. Bones shifted with faint cracks. Her breathing deepened. Slowly, her pained expression eased into calm.
Kael's shoulders finally loosened. He hadn't noticed the tension until it left him. You can use veinfire this way? he thought. It's... beautiful.
Mina stood and wiped invisible sweat from her brow.
"There," she said. "She'll live."
"My payment," she added brightly.
"Not so fast," Nyric said. "You've got others to heal."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "That'll cost extra."
"The ten crowns weren't for everyone?"
"I never said that." She beamed. "Two crowns per person. It's a bargain."
"You're shameless," Nyric growled.
"Do it," the merchant said again.
"No." Ling stepped forward, his side soaked in blood, an amateur wrap barely holding. "Sir, thanks for the offer, but I'd rather bleed to death than see her rob you blind."
The other mercenaries nodded in agreement.
"We're close to Ashspire anyway," one muttered.
Mina shrugged and headed for her mount. Nyric just shook his head, wearing the same exasperated look Kael had seen far too often today.
"I'll take it," Rasterk said, raising a hand.
Nyric turned to glare at him. So did everyone else.
"What?" Rasterk muttered as he jogged after Mina.
She turned, smiled sweetly, and raised her palm. A green wave of veinfire swept over Rasterk, instantly closing his wounds.
"Good as new," she said with a wink.
"I'll take it too," came a soft voice beside Nyric.
He turned in surprise. "Kael?"
Kael nodded, his expression calm but resolute. His arm throbbed, limp from the battle. "I've had worse," he said.
Nyric gave a short, reluctant nod. "Fine. But if she charges you three crowns, don't say I didn't warn you."