The 12 tales of Christmas: A song for healing
Welcome everyone to the final story of the 12 tales of Christmas Challenge. Well, it’s been a long time coming. I hope these stories have given you some joy and Christmas spirit. Or at the very least provided you with some entertaining stories. I do my best to please, now let’s get to it.
For the twelfth tale of Christmas Mike Petersen asked of me...for 12 and Healing? Yeah, I know it’s unusual but the prompts are 12 and healing with a question mark? This is going to be an interesting story to tell. For this one we’re delving into the realm of fantasy. In fact, we’re heading to the universe of one of my serials.
We’re heading to the universe of the Willowsbrook Chronicles. Only in this story the protagonist isn’t Gunther wIllowsbrook. We’re delving into a character who makes an appearance in the story arc Shattered ties. Get ready for some feel good fantasy goodness.
Enjoy the story.
Morning dawned on the island of Pyha Paratiisi. At the temple of Sacred Light one Mira Sunstar walked through the hallways. The elf of over 50 years listened to the sound of the choir singing hymns in praise of Solarin and all the gods of Light. The young elf woman had been born in the village on this sacred island. She had gotten influenced by the culture.
So, she understood the privilege it was to serve at this temple. And right now, she was in the service of a newcomer to the island, Karla Eisenberg. The elf woman found the room where Karla was and knocked on the door. From within a voice called out, “Yes,”
“Gods be with you Lady Eisenberg. Are you decent?” The acolyte greeted.
Karla answered, “I’m dressed and have finished my prayers Mira, so come right in.”
The elf woman turned the knob and opened the oak door. The brunette woman wore deep blue robes with gold trim on them. Her hair tied back as she stood a symbol of authority. By human standards it’s hard to believe that one so young could hold such power, the elf woman thought.
Mira said, “It’s almost time for breakfast milady. You know Brother Amantias will want us at the cafeteria in short order. You know how the servants of Father Time are.”
Karla Eisenberg rolled her eyes. “As righteous as brother Amantias is he can be more than a tad impatient sometimes Gods forgive him.”
Mira giggled at this before the two women left the room and headed for the cafeteria. Mira noted a thoughtful look on Karla’s face. “Milady, you seem troubled this morning.”
Karla sighed and explained, “My training in the use of the healing song has reached an…impasse.”
Mira’s face furrowed at this. She knew of the healing power of Karla’s voice. She knew how Karla had gotten sent here by decree from Solarin himself to train in using it. “I wish I could be of some help milady,” Mira said flashing a sheepish smile.
“But I’m afraid I know very little about the sacred healing song. Even then what little I know is legend.”
Karla sighed and said, “I know, but talking about it with you helps. You are quite the comfort Mira.”
The priest of Solarin’s wife, the Goddess Cinya said, “I only seek to carry out the will of my Goddess.”
“No, I’m serious, you have the capability to be one of Cinya’s great Confiders.”
Mira’s face furrowed at this notion. “Me a Confider, I never thought about it. I know that Confiders were close to some of the greatest Kings and Queens of Lavokia History.”
But then Mira’s face creased in confusion. “But I could never be anything that grand. I’m a humble servant of Cinya.”
“You give yourself too little credit Mira. You’re older than me and have seen more. Being an elf gives you an advantage over us humans.”
Karla then said, “What troubles me is in the book of the Sun verse 9 chapter 10. It’s about curing of disease and poisons. From what I’ve been able to read it says the way to unlock the power comes in the hour of greatest need.
"But I fail to see when that great need is.”
“The Gods move in mysterious ways Lady Eisenberg. I suspect Lord Solarin, Lady Cinya and the rest will let you know when the time is right.” Mira observed.
And then they reached the cafeteria. A gruff priest wearing an apron and dirt brown robes served food from a gigantic cauldron. Quiet whispers of conversation weaved through the dining area. The two women grabbed their plates and headed over. The gruff looking man was serving up soup and rolls to the various priests and priestesses in line.
The two ladies took their spots in line and made their way to the front. As soon as they reached the front the pepper bearded priest harrumphed. “At least you two are consistent in your timing.” He stated before serving them.
Karla flashed a smile and said, “Gods be with you as well brother Amantias.”
“I offer the same,” Mira added.
The man muttered something under his breath about getting acknowledged.
The two ladies took their seats and started to eat. Once they'd finished their meals their bowls and plates went to the proper area for Amantias to wash. The two then left heading for the main cathedral. “Another day of prayers and research,” Karla said.
‘Better that than the insanity of the outside world.” Mira pointed out.
Karla said, “I suppose so, and I’ve realized isn’t the First Star festival near.”
Mira nodded her confirmation. “Yes, The High Clerics of the Temple have been setting up the decorations for days.”
The Eisenberg woman went to the pouch at her side. She patted the bag and contents. Mira asked, “If you don’t mind, what is in that pouch that you seem to hold so dear.”
“A little something to remind me of the family I lost and the family I gained. And the urgency of the mission I am on. I seek to learn how to use the full extent of my healing song to free the family I lost from the Warlock Masters.”
Mira’s face brightened. “I recall you mentioning that. Was that the time you met that innkeeper. Gunther…Willowsbrook is what his name was?”
Karla nodded and said, “Indeed, Gunther helped me in my darkest hour and gave me some hope. The least I can do to repay that kindness is to work hard to be the best I can be.”
“The elders I’ve heard have admired your dedication to your faith and mastering the healing song.” Mira put in.
Karla explained, “There are many types of Holy Crusades my acolyte, and not all need force of arms.”
The elf woman nodded and said, “There are as many crusades which call for the pen and the mind as shield and sword. The book of the Sun Maiden verse 9 chapter 12.”
As they headed to the main chamber for morning prayers, they heard footsteps coming up behind. “Make way for Galdor’s servants!” someone shouted.
The ladies moved to either side of the corridor. A group of armed and armored war priests ran by heading for the main chamber. Why do I have an uneasy feeling in me? Mira wondered to herself.
The two women headed for the main hall. That’s when several of the Temple elders came out. One was a Priestess of Cinya a middle-aged woman dressed in a long flowing gold with blue trimmed robes. The woman wore a crown with the symbol of the sun at the center. Mira knew this woman as Mother Kera, Leader of the Sun Maidens in service to Queen Cinya.
The younger women approached the elder who looked very troubled. “Mother Kera?” Karla inquired.
The High priestess noted the younger women. “Karla and Mira praise the Gods, I’ve found you. We may have a serious problem on our hands.”
Mira felt her heart sinking into her stomach as her worst fears got confirmed. “What’s going on milady?” Karla asked.
“A ship has pulled into the port of Faith Point. Such a thing is not uncommon save for this time…the ship is under a curse.”
“A curse?” the elf and human woman yelped.
Mother Kera told them, “The Galdoorian Guards explained things to me. The crew and the two dock workers who went on to the ship got infected by some strange disease. Whatever it is has rendered all aboard mad with delirium.
"And their bodies, Gods their bodies have crimson splotches all over their skin.”
“How horrible,” The Eisenberg woman said.,
Mira Sunstar’s face paled at this as well. While she wasn’t the greatest of scholars, she was still a competent scholar. “Hold both of you,” she stated.
“What is it Acolyte Sunstar?" the Reverend Mother ventured.
“I do believe I’ve seen this before. In the accounts of the Last Days before the Cataclysm that brought an end to the war with the Mage Kings.” The elf observed.
“How can I help?” Karla asked.
“Our normal healing spells seem to strengthen this infection.” Mother Kera stated
“Where did this vessel come from?” Mira asked.
"Mariner’s Bucht in Wohlhabond. What puzzles me is we’ve never had any trouble from there before.” The reverend mother thought out loud.
“Oh no,” the two women said.
“That’s off the Central Northeastern coast of the Northern Star Ocean.” Karla stated.
“How is that of importance?” Mother Kera asked.
“Because my homeland in recent years has fallen under the sway of some unsavory forces. The kind with ties to the Warlock Masters.”
The Reverend Mother’s face paled. “And since they’re a top shipper of goods to the Island, oh Gods!”
Kera’s face took on a look of concern. “Karla, you come with me.”
Then she looked at the elvish Cinya acolyte. "See if there's anything else you can come up with from any of our books that may help."
The blonde-haired elf woman nodded and said, “I’ll get on that at once.”
The young lady rushed to the library. Without another word she began to look through the sacred texts. Her mind raced as she skimmed the tomes searching for what they needed to find. And then the answer came to her as she read one passage of the Revelations of the Cataclysm.
“Oh Gods,” Mira gasped as she read the horrific details of the disease known as the Red Blight.
Even if Karla had a full understanding of the purification verse, how does it apply to such a magic blight? The young lady wondered.
Her mind raced for a solution. And finally, her mind came to one verse. “Of course, the sacred tome of Cinya’s Light.” Mira realized.
The young lady soon found the book and the passage she needed. “Verse 5 chapter 7. And through word and song Cinya’s voice did ring out for all to hear. Her words and songs bringing the light of purity.
"In this light no evil can hide, and those who serve her, Solarin, or their children may gain greater power.”
The Elf woman put the pieces of the puzzle together. She put the book away then ran out of the library. As luck would have it, she almost ran into a certain Galdorian war priest she knew. "Hold Mira why are you in such a rush?" he asked.
Mira took a moment to clear her mind. “I need your help, Raymar, I need to get to Reverend Mother Kera and Karla fast. I know what we’re dealing with, and I have a plan which can help stop this magic plague from spreading.”
The male half-elf nodded and said, “They were heading down to the docks last I checked.”
Then a thought crossed her mind. “What of my parents and my brother?”
Raymar flashed an assuring smile. “When the plague ship first arrived, I checked on them and they’re well. They’ve closed their bakery along with the rest of the town. Better safe than sorry.”
Mira sighed in relief knowing that was one potential issue that was out of the way. “We need to get to them with haste.”
“I’ll talk to Commander Brill. He can get me the means to get through.” The Galdor war priest told her.
Mira knew enough about the Galdorian head of security to know he was gruff, efficient, but not unkind. The two rushed off to find him. It wasn't long before they found him and got the papers with his signature needed to go about their business. Afterwards they rushed down from the temple and through the deserted streets of the town. Mira and Raymar observed how quiet the usually bustling town was.
All it takes is a plague ship to turn things upside down. And when we're so close to the First Star festival, it makes the town feel eerie. The elf woman observed.
They soon arrived at the docks and found the ship. There they found a baffled and unsure Mother Kera and a frustrated Karla staring at the vessel. A protective shield encased the ship. “Mother Kera, Lady Eisenberg,” the woman called.
The two women turned to the elf. “From your looks I’d say all has not gone well?” she ventured.
Karla grimaced and said, “My song has no effect on the ship’s crew. It’s as if something is blocking it. And I fear this protective field will not hold out forever.”
Mira summarized what she'd learned then added, "If I may offer a suggestion."
Kera said, “At this point acolyte we’re willing to try anything.”
The elf first explained what she’d uncovered in the book of the Cataclysm. The human women’s faces went pale. “A magical blight from the time of the Mage Kings. This speaks clear as day of the Warlock Masters’ treachery.” Kera noted as her face darkened.
“There is hope though. Let me offer up verse 5 chapter 7 from the book of Cinya’s Light.”
The Sunstar woman explained the verse. Kera's eyes widened in understanding. “Of course, the power of the Queen of the Gods of Light helps compliment the power of Solarin and their children.” The Reverend Mother observed.
Mira turned to the Eisenberg woman. “Try your song of healing again. This time think of the verse from Cinya’s tome. Let the magic of that and Solarin’s power flow through you lady Eisenberg.”
The half-elf guard approached. “I apologize for the interruption Reverend Mother Kera. But as a servant of Galdor I can help. Commander Brill has trained me not only in combat but in exorcism of evil magic.”
The woman turned to the young man. “It's colonel Raymar isn't it, one of Brill's war priests? The power of Cinya and Solarin's eldest son would be most welcome."
The armored half-elf got out his medium shield and flail. “By the will of the Lord of Warriors I will aid as I can Reverend Mother!”
“Sing your song milady. Channel the verses of Cinya and Solarin through you and let their power guide you.” Mira told the woman she served.
Karla nodded and turned to the ship. She began to hum a few bars and then she let out a powerful note that seemed to echo. As she sang Mira felt the surge of magical power building. At first nothing happened, and Mira wondered if she had acted in too hasty a fashion. That is until they saw the strange crimson red glyph on the ship.
Mira sensed the dark power coming from it. “That’s the source of the Red Blight!” The elf woman called.
“In plain sight yet unseen by us,” Mother Kera snapped.
"But now we do see it Reverend Mother. Thus, we can defeat it, with the power of Galdor." Raymar stated as he aimed his medium shield at the glyph.
The holy symbol of the Warrior God on the shield began to glow as Raymar concentrated. "I call upon the power of the God of Warriors to help defeat the evil that threatens this sacred isle!"
The symbol glowed as power from Karla's song flowed into the power that Raymar used. The half-elf muttered holy verses under his breath then called out, "Sacred exorcism!"
A beam of pure white light shot from the symbol at the glyph. The stream of holy energy collided with the unholy glyph. The source of the Red Blight cracked and shattered as if made of glass. The power of the healing spell then had its intended effect on the ship's crew and the dock workers. The clouded eyes cleared as sense returned to the men.
The red splotches on their skin vanished and in moments it was as if the blight had never happened.
"The Warlock Masters' treachery will not take this holy place! Solarin, Cinya, and Galdor's will be done!" Karla Eisenberg stated.
Raymar nodded and said, "Indeed Lady, all praise to the Gods."
Karla finished the song and sank to her knees. Mira was at her side at once. “Are you all right Lady Eisenberg?” the elf asked.
She nodded and said, “Using the magic of the song took more out of me than I thought…I'm a little weak.”
Mira looked at the Galdoran war priest. “Are you all right Raymar?”
The half-elf sighed and said, “Exorcising that blight glyph took more out of me than I thought. But I should recover in short order. What an experience twelve days before the first Star Festival.”
Mother Kera thought for a moment. “This is a very troubling incident. The Warlock Masters were able to send a ship with a plague glyph to us undetected. I fear we may have underestimated their power and influence.”
But then she looked at Mira. “Acolyte Sunstar!” she called.
Mira was on her feet and curtsied. “Reverend Mother?’ she inquired.
"You handled yourself well today despite the pressure. And you acted in the fashion of some of the finest Confiders of Cinya.”
Mira flushed and said, “I only did what needed doing, Cinya’s will be done.”
“And the fact remains because of you we found the solution we needed. All 12 victims of that plague glyph got cured with no fatalities. I will see that your superiors hear of this.
"I'd say you’re about due for a promotion.”
The elf's eyes widened at this. “A…A promotion, Reverend Mother I am unworthy.”
Kera waved it off. “Do not think so light of yourself Mira Sunstar. You helped us with your wisdom and intellect. You came through when needed, the sign of a true Confider.”
“If you think so high of me, I will accept it. But with yours and my superiors' permission, I would like to remain at Lady Eisenberg’s side.”
Raymar added his own thoughts. “I will talk to Commander Brill about it. But I would ask to become a personal guard to you and Lady Eisenberg. If you would have this war priest.”
Karla Eisenberg looked on in clear Suprise. “I must confess I didn’t expect this so soon after my arrival. But I welcome the companionship of both of you.”
Mother Kera smiled in satisfaction. “A most excellent turn of events.”
She then turned to the ship and said, “Captain, if you would lower the gangplank we’ll come aboard and check you all out.”
Said boarding ramp got lowered. A grizzled middle-aged man nodded and said, “You’re more than welcome on this ship servants of the Gods of light.”
Mira meanwhile was in a daze. After all her time as an acolyte through Karla she had found her sense of purpose. Whatever destiny has in store for you Lady Eisenberg I will stand at your side, she thought.
The four then boarded the ship to check everyone.
And there you go good readers out there. That's the last story of the 12 tales of Christmas. I hope you’ve enjoyed these twelve tales. I’ve done my best to make them as feel good as I can. If you like this story, make sure to like and share this across social media.
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Well, I hope you enjoyed this holiday challenge. Until we meet again this is Animeman73 signing off. Stay true to yourselves, stay classy, and God bless you all. Enjoy the Christmas season.
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