Free A Turn of Curses by Melanie Nilles

A Turn of Curses
    A fantasy novella
    by Melanie Nilles
     
    Paperback © 2009 by Melanie Nilles
    Kindle E-book © 2009 by Melanie Nilles
     
    All Rights Reserved.
     
    For Information, contact [email protected] or visit melanienilles.com.
     
    ISBN: 1-441-49486-3
     
     
     
     

    A Turn of Curses
     
    The faint light from the mark on Selina's neck confirmed the release of power. When it faded, she sat back and blinked away the dizziness from expending her energy. The room's sparse décor spotted before her, from the bare wood walls to the bed with its handmade quilt.
    The boy lying beneath the quilt groaned.
    "Toby!" The distraught mother kneeling on the opposite side of his bed bent over and pulled her son into her arms. She kissed his forehead and held him tight until he squirmed away. "Thank you, Na'Y'dom ! Thank you!" Tears filled the woman's eyes.
    "You're welcome." Healing the sick was Selina's calling, although she wished she could heal in other ways. To be chosen as a child of Y'dom was both a blessing and a curse.
    The boy reached for Selina's hand and smiled. "Thank you, Na'Y'dom ."
    She gave a gentle squeeze of his hand, glad to know she could do some good. "Avoid the needles of the baru blossom. They don't care who touches them."
    "I will."
    "Good." She let go and stood, eager to leave the reminder of what she would never have.
    The mother released the child and stood with her.   She moved around the bed, a worried look on her face as Selina took the sheer, green scarf from her attendant, Beth, and covered her head. The mother spoke in a low voice. "Blessed Na'Y'dom . I have nothing to give in return."
    "It's my place to serve. I saved your son's life but I won't see it fade because you can't feed and clothe him. I ask nothing but that." The lack of decorations in the small, one-room dwelling proved the family had nothing of material wealth. That didn't matter to Selina. She freely gave of her healing gift, whether the priests of the temple approved or not. All needed healing, rich and poor alike.
    The woman's lips quivered, her eyes puffy and blurred with tears. "Thank you!"
    Selina smiled and strode from the single room of the house, Beth a step behind. Her green robe over her pantsuit billowed behind her. The gold trim on the high collar highlighted the swirling and looping pattern of the mark around her neck, while allowing the top of the growing mark to show only from the front to hide its progress to completion. Her long brown tail of hair ended at her waist.
    Outside in the chill of the night, Selina gazed down the quiet, darkening street splashed by the light of the lantern Beth held. While using her powers to save a life tired her, it also gave her a rush of satisfaction. This time had been different, though. She would never have children.
    "Selina?"
    "Go on ahead. I'm not tired." Beth knew better. It was late and had been a busy day. Of course Selina was tired, but she needed to get away. She rarely had time alone. Always in demand. Always surrounded by worshipers or servants. She often wished for a quiet, normal life.
    "You're sure? You didn't look too well this time. It's been a long journey and we've far to go." Beth had joined her when the request came from the White Prince, Sorvin fay Renald, to make the journey to heal his father. They traveled a full cycle of the first moon already. Selina vowed to make the most of what time remained to her and to experience what she could on the journey. It would be her only true adventure in her short life.
    "I know. That's why I need a walk. I'll be sitting the rest of the journey. Some time alone to stretch my legs is what I need more than sitting in a room staring at four, boring walls."
    Beth gave her a look of worry. "You shouldn't go off alone."
    Selina pointed down the dusty street. Two armored men bearing poleaxes stood near the end. "I'll be fine. See, two of the soldiers patrol the area."
    "But the reports of the feyquin, Faldon—"
    "I thought