Master Ahlee seated himself on the edge of Bill’s bed and smiled. “I shall close your wounds in due time, Lord Bili, never fear. But first, tell me how you received these hurts and what varieties of weapons inflicted them.”
Bili raised a hand to tap at the fresh cloths which Mother Behrnees had wound about his head. “The head wound is not much. My helm was struck and dented and the scalp beneath it split. I was struck from behind, so 7 can’t say what kind of missile hit me. But I’ve suffered such injuries many times ere this. You have too, I’d imag-ine.” He smiled, waving at the scars on Master Ahlee’s own head.
The physician smiled also, saying softly, “No, I am no stranger to the sight of my own blood, Lord Bili. But to continue, did you swoon at the tune of the injury or at any time since? Did you become dizzy or queasy? Did your vision blur? Did you feel a heaviness or a prickling in your arms and legs?”
Bili shrugged. “At the time I took the blow, it was all I could do to sit my horse, nor do I know for how long it was so. I could hear, but I could not move or speak or even open my eyes. But eventually I came back into control of myself, and then Ahndee, Mahvros, and I fought until both Ahndee and Mahvros were wounded. Then…”
“Wait a moment, please, Lord Bili.” The physician looked puzzled. “I was not told of a third casualty. This man, Mahvros, did he return with your party? Do you know how serious is his wound?”
Blankfaced, Bili said, “Yes, Lord Ahlee, Mahvros was beside me for most of the journey. As concerns his wound, he took a javelin in his right shoulder. One of Komees Djeen’s troopers is tending him down in the stables.”
“Lord Bili,” Master Ahlee spoke urgently, “this Mahvros must be removed from the stable as quickly as possible. There are many guest chambers in this hall. Can he not be accommodated in one?”
“No,” said Dili flatly. “His kind are not allowed inside the hall.”
Master Ahlee’s manner cooled noticeably. “If this Mahvros was good enough to fight beside you, surely he deserves better lodgement than a stable! You disappoint me, young sir.”
Bili kept his face blank with great effort. “Where else, Lord Ahlee, do the men of your own land lodge their horses?”
The physician regarded Bill’s twitching mouth and mirth-filled eyes for a long moment, then grinned broadly, chuckling, “When I am done with you, Lord Bili, I shall be happy to take a look at Mahvros … in the stable.”
Bili sobered. “Now that is most gracious of you, Lord Ahlee. I would much appreciate such generosity, for Mahvros and I are … well, we’re closer than you probably could understand.”
The physician nodded. “But I do understand, Lord Bili, and I will certainly see to your friend. Now, back to you. Have you lost consciousness or control since that first time?”
“Only once,” answered Bili. “I unseated a man, threw him off his horse into the stream. But when I mounted his horse, I became very dizzy and couldn’t lift my axe. Then I fell off the horse and I recall nothing more until I awakened in a horse litter.”
Ahlee nodded, then shifted his position and pointed at the bandaged leg. “And how was that wound inflicted, Lord Bili?”
“I don’t know,” Bili admitted. “Honestly, you know how things are in battle. I can’t remember even taking that wound, much less when or where or with what. From the look I got when I bathed though, I’d say a small-bladed spear or a javelin.
“But, Lord Ahlee, let me warn you. I don’t think I can remain unmoving whilst you sear these wounds. It might be better if you strapped me down, or called for servants to hold me … a good dozen men, anyway, for Sacred Sun has given me great strength.”
Ahlee smiled again. “Yes, I am sure you are a very strong man, Lord Bili. But wait.” He extended his right hand over his shoulder, palm open.