Tangled By Fate

"…a light came out of nowhere and swallowed almost all the healers that Synetia hired from us. They are missing for a week."

Two sentences kept ringing a bell in Veronica's ears. She did her best to understand what the Head Priest told her but she couldn't figure out the logic behind his words.

In the end, she couldn't stand it anymore and asked him, "How can a strange light make people disappear?"

The Head Priest shook his head, feeling helpless. "We don't know. This matter is being investigated by the investigators of Synetia. In the midst of the war, losing healers means defeat. No matter how strong an army is, it cannot withstand without the help of the healers. Moreover, the casualties will increase. So many people will lose their lives."

He added, "If it was the worse part, people would sigh in relief. But Synetia sent another envoy with a huge sum of gold coins. They want more healers. I'm not ready to lose another soul."

Veronica's heart was shaking. Her voice quivered as she spoke, "What do you mean you have lost, Head Priest? They haven't died, right?"

The Head Priest commented with a grave expression, "I have to think about the worst possibilities."

"That's horrible!" Veronica couldn't accept it.

There were at least fifty people who went missing and they had friends and families. How would they feel about missing their loved ones like that?

A sudden thought came to her mind and she inquired, "What about the tribal people? They have the right to live in the place they were born. If the war is happening in the desert, aren't they injured as well."

The Head Priest moved his right hand above his left hand and placed his chin on his right hand. He spoke in a solemn voice, "They are but who will help those unfortunate souls. Moreover, I have bigger things to care about. We cannot rely on Synetia forever. I have to find a way to get them back."

'Is this why he asked for me?' Veronica pondered. After gathering some courage, she questioned him, "How can I help you?"

The Head Priest finally disclosed the reason behind his summon, "You are going to Synetia camp as a healer and going to investigate how the light took all of our healers."

Helping people as a healer didn't surprise her but doing investigation did make her flabbergasted. "Me? How can I-"

"That's a suicide!" A sharp voice came from the opened door.

"Saint Ava!" Veronica stood up in surprise. She wasn't expecting her to come here.

Her eyes landed on Saint Ava's feet. Looking at her empty feet, her eyes widened. 'Wait, she is barefooted. Don't tell me she walked on the snowy path barefooted. Ouch!' Thinking how painful it would be walking in the stone, she flinched.

"I was sure to close the door," the Head Priest commented. He didn't want others to hear their conversation and interrupt them. He was so focused on talking to Veronica that he didn't notice when Saint Ava started eavesdropping on their conversation.

"You can lock the door but you cannot hide from me." Saint Ava entered the room and protested, "I'm against her going anywhere near war. She can't properly heal anyone completely with her limited power. She will become a hindrance."

The Head Priest helplessly declared, "We have to send our remaining healers to aid Synetia."

Saint Ava argued, "Without one won't make any difference."

"That's the king's order," the Head Priest announced. "This is out of my hand." 𝑓𝐫𝑒e𝒘𝚎𝘣𝚗𝘰𝘷𝐞𝑙.co𝑚

"What?" Saint Ava could hardly believe that.

The Head Priest stated, "He ordered to send her there to investigate."

Veronica, who was quietly listening to their argument, finally opened her mouth, "Why me though?"

The Head Priest answered, "You are the only one who lived in the Rosemary Temple. The king trusts your honesty and bravery."

Veronica was confused. "How does living there make me honest and brave?"

Saint Ava responded, "Did you think a person with devil's heart could live there that much longer?" She let out a deep sigh. "If he just knew how much hindrance she would cause."

Veronica sulked. "I'm not that bad. Even if I can't completely heal a scar, I can at least help a person recover. Or, you have been dead by now."

She was right at that part. Saint Ava would have died in blood loss if she couldn't heal her injuries. No healer could heal their own wounds.

The Head Priest clapped his hands. "Excellent. My child, I think you are ready for this task."

Veronica answered, "Count me in."

Saint Ava was angry. "Fine, do whatever you want. Don't come to me crying if you screw this."

"Cough!" The Head Priest cleared his throat. "Language," he warned her since Veronica was with them.

"…" Saint Ava glared at those two and then turned around and left. ƒr𝙚𝙚𝘸e𝚋𝐧૦ѵ𝒆𝒍.𝒄𝒐m

'Will I be screwed?' Veronica pondered while looking at the open door.

"Don't mind her," the Head Priest assured her.

'I'm not worried about her anger. I'm worried about me.' But, she didn't say that out loud.

The Head Priest said, "I think you have brought whatever you needed, didn't you? Just don't forget to take a food pouch."

"What should I pack?" She had no idea what he was talking about.

The Head Priest questioned her, "Didn't you bring your clothes from the temple?"

"I only had a temple uniform and this gown." She looked down at the dress she was wearing.

"I… see…" the Head Priest didn't expect her to be this poor. He surmised that Saint Ava would give her some clothes she made in her boredom.

Since it wasn't the case, he gave her a pouch of money and instructed her, "Take this and buy something comfortable. Since you are not an official healer, we cannot allow you to wear a healer uniform. You are not part of the temple and so you cannot wear our uniform either. Some regular clothes will do. Take your friend with you. You should walk alone in the town."

'I can go to the town!'