The Dracons' Woman Read Online Free PDF Page B

over the course of, I believe, several days.  I sense that whatever it was her captors wanted, they did not get from her.  She thwarted them, though I do not know how.  I believe she was rescued.  Perhaps she escaped.  Now, she is filled with a fear of again falling into the hands of those who did this to her.  She believes herself still in danger and that if she suffers similar treatment again, it will shatter her mind.  I believe she is correct.
    “However, she is strong minded, and it is in her nature to be happy and optimistic.  If the threat to her is removed, her mind will recover fully.”  Riata paused for a moment, then added, “In light of what she suffered, that says much about her.
    “I think it is important to note that as badly as she was hurt, none of her injuries were life threatening.  I think that her captors were very careful not to do anything to her that would cause her to die.  Also, she was not sexually violated during her captivity.”  Riata frowned.  “I am, of course, glad that she did not suffer such a violation, but I admit I find it surprising.  With the level of brutality she suffered, it seems, somehow, odd.”
    “I can tell you what it means, Healer,” Garen said in a voice that was little more than a growl.  “It means her captor was either a female, or a male with no interest in females.”
    “Yes, I suppose that is the most logical explanation,” she said uncertainly.  Her expression became stern and she looked directly into Garen’s eyes.  “This young woman has suffered greatly.  Though her injuries are now fully healed, her body is still traumatized, as is her mind, though she hides it well.  She will feel much stronger now, but she will tire easily and need a long period of rest.  She needs an environment that will not be stressful for her.  She is also in need of better nutrition than she has been getting.”
    “Do not worry Riata,” Garen said, “Lariah is the most important person in our lives now.  Her health and well being are of the utmost importance to us.  We shall personally see to it that she receives anything and everything that she needs.”
    Riata bowed, satisfied that her patient would receive the best of care.  “Thank you, Highness,” she said. 
    “No, it is we who thank you, Riata, for your help, and your healing of our Arima,” Garen replied.  “We would offer you a boon.”
    “No boon is needed, Highness,” she replied.  “It is mine to Heal.”
    Garen felt her sincerity.  “Your name precedes you Riata,” he said.  “We have all heard of the good works you have done, using your talents for our people.  May I ask, why do you now work in this small facility?”
    A faint peach color tinted her white skin, recognized by the Dracons as an Alverian blush.  “You honor me too much, Highness,” she said...  “To answer your question though, I do not work here.  I came to see a friend off on a journey and stopped to speak with a colleague.  When Jackson Bearen requested help for your Arima, I offered my services.”  She carefully omitted the resident physician’s outright terror and near collapse over the idea of treating the Prince’s Arima.  She herself had been a bit nervous at first.
    “You know much about our history, Riata, and I know of your skills.  I also know that Lariah feels comfortable with you.  I wonder if you would be interested in learning more about us.”  Garen kept his tone casual, knowing full well that what he was offering had never before been offered to anyone not of their species.  He watched Riata very carefully.  Her eyes widened with shock and her skin flushed again, this time with excitement.  It was plain that she understood exactly what she was being offered.  She opened her mouth, then closed it firmly and took a few moments to think before she spoke.
    “I must admit that my first reaction, aside from surprise, was excitement and, perhaps a bit of greed,” she admitted