Free Healer by Bonnie Watson Page A

Where
are you?
    Outside
with Chanté. You should see
this! White Wings showing off their plumage is a performance in itself!
    Wisdom had to chuckle
at the mental image, and he shared the same with the group. There was Chanté, a
crest of feathers raised in full around his head. Wings spread to display a
glorious cream underside that matched his skin tone closer in to the shoulder
blades. He had drawn the attention of not only White Wings coming from leading
other carriages, but its guests. The spectacle of these graceful show-and-tells
between ‘ Ken Wisdom had not seen, even when he had lived with his kind
right under their nesting grounds.
    Don’t be long, he cautioned to his brother when he noticed several
announcers starting to get everyone’s attention. I think they’re about to
lead everyone in.
    Soon enough, guests
began meandering down the main hallway with one of the servants leading the
way. Polished marble floors captured a semi-reflection of each guest dressed in
their finest attire. As Wisdom adjusted his own clothing, a midnight blue
overcoat and matching tunic, he took notice in the ones his friends wore. While
Nemmerl preferred a longer garment to Nickademis, both trimmed in gold and
black, Alexander donned a crimson outfit with gold lining and matching boots.
The Simpleton Mididus was a reminder of his forest dwelling with his fine, dark
green fabric and silver-patterned vest, though it did bring out his mottled
skin coloration. For Ashpin, a rustic red-brown tunic over
dark pants and belt.
    Of all the richness
combined, Glory stood out most. Hers was the fairest and drew many an admiring
gaze. Wisdom checked her expression, almost positive there would be a look of
disgust from all the stares. Finding none, he reassured her by slipping his
hand into hers, and they walked side by side while their group was received by
a servant to show them the way.
    “Do you suppose my
parents will be here?”
    “ All
the better,” Wisdom said. “It will probably put your father at ease to
see how lovely you look.”
    Glory blushed. “My father, yes. But not my stepmother.”
    Wisdom leaned closer
to whisper, “Let me worry about her,” and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. A
few comments from his companions drew his attention to another mingling with
the party, one who stirred memories of his servant days at Luxor. “Nicolas!” he
called after the doctor released his son from a bear-hug.
    The resemblance
between the two was remarkable. Nicolas had taken some gray to his hair, though
he kept his face clean-shaven, unlike his father. When his eyes shifted to the
prince, they lit up with memories of their own. Immediately, he bowed with
respect.
    Wisdom grinned.
“You’re too flattering.” They clasped hands and exchanged a few words of
greeting, with an added introduction to his current company.
    “Good to have you
back,” Nicolas said.
    “It’s good to be back.
How’s Lord Gracie?”
    Nicolas chuckled. “His usual self.” He dipped his head to Glory. “You have a
rare beauty here tonight. The Elite Family? I remember
you when...” As he recalled a moment when Glory had been little, Wisdom kept
his mind open to the thoughts of others: Mididus content with small-talk
between the other leaders, Glory enjoying the current attention, and Ashpin
taking in all the sights and sounds. A hint of his brother’s return tuned his
sight-reading to his whereabouts. Chanté was still outside, so Shy was heading
their way.
    A slight tug to the
sleeve prompted a new thought – Ashpin’s concern for his father. “Do you really
think Lord Gracie will know where he is?”
    “Relax,” Wisdom
soothed. “Even if he doesn’t know offhand, he’ll at least give us the curtesy
to find out. He has lots of resources. I’m sure you’ll get an answer, one way
or another.”
    “It’s just...so busy!”
Ashpin noted the hustling servants, guests pouring in, with no sign of their
host as they were directed into a large