It was late Confusion, 3466. The bustle of the Guilded Market sat just outside the doors of the Patriciate. In the front large audience chamber, I sat with the Idol.
By noon of each day, we would call a congregation of those who needed help, and those who could help them. One by one, I would approach with the idol. They would speak of the woes they have. Then they would grace the tiny bunny's back, ears, or head with a single soft pet. Some had maladies or injuries. For others, their life was about to change. Perhaps A new family member, or a change of passion. Others came by for the comforts of the Idol of Luck.
After, we would face the congregation. Arms outstretched, we'd open our vessel as a gateway. Our very soul would call for help, and Caduceus would be our beacon.
Life would pour out over congregation. Many would be healed. We would repeat it again for those still hurt. For those sick, it reversed the aches and pains of recovery.
Our mentor, Plessius, would watch and help organize the needy. Occasionally, he'd pour our miracles too - but in recent years, he had left the work to me.
---
On the 65th of Confusion, we had just finished sending the congregation home for the afternoon. A plain clothed Sheep was brought to the Patriciate. Their movements were weak and his breaths heaved with weight. I brought him to Caduecus, and provided him blessings. It was then, I realized he was the Lord, Edval Eg. I conferred with Plessius, and he helped me procure additional medicine. We treated him best we could, and sent him to the castle - keeping this in secrecy.
---
Two days later, on the 67th. A contingency of guards arrived to bring me and Caduceus to the castle, at once. I brought Plessius along, since he had been around Egland longer than I. We arrived at the Castle and we brought in.
The lord, Edval, was bedridden and sick. I asked for the best medicines, antiplagues, and antipoisons our land could provide, and the guards provided them. We spent that entire day treating him, well into the night. There was word of new merchants in the area, so I checked the Lord with the magics of the idol. A spell of divination, Detect Poison. He and what he ate were entirely clean. We returned to the Patriciate with the Idol.
---
- Following day, 3-68-3466, I was called back to the castle in the morning. I returned with the Idol and Plessius. The Lord's medical ward had only several single rooms, dedicated to treating single patients. A wide chamber, bed opposite of the only door with walls lined of books and messy desks. I re-entered Lord Edval's room with Caduceus to help. Edval's long face was pale, and he was too weak to blink open his eyes. I tried to stave it off, checking him for anything I could do. I set the idol on Edval, and Caduceus was not as panicked or concerned. The idol nestled into the side of the Lord's chest, wiggled between him arm and heart.
- I had trained every day for this. But no progress against this divine task before me. If the Caretaker of the Idol of Luck and Life could not do something, why was I graced with the chance to save him? How I could not seize it?
- I instructed Plessius to get the Lady in here. It's. his last moments.
- The reindeer cleric ran into the hallway, with the door moving quietly to not cause a scene. I knew if they were running, it would take him half a minute to find her, and half more to return. I can still hear his steps in my mind, hooves echoing away. Calling for Lady Bethany.
- It was just us now, and the idol. Barely past morning. Did he hold on just for to give me a opportunity?
- I reviewed everything we did. We were prepared but he was still dying.
- I had no special miracles to save him. I knew of no magic that could reverse this. He wasn't poisoned, I helped against whichever disease but it didn't spread to anyone else.
- Twenty Five seconds later. Plessius would begin returning with the Lady.
- At that same twenty-five: Edval would stir. Just his arm.
- The possibilities overwhelmed me. I panicked. I didn't even call out to the spirit of life when he made took his last breath. No healing flowed through me.
- I watched. This was my responsibility. I was his guide in his final days, every choice an influence to his future. And I led him astray.
- Lord Edval clutched the idol, who cuddled him during his final breath.
- I rushed over, knelt before his bed and checked for his heart.
- I knelt in silence, stuck waiting to feel the beat of life through his arm. The trot of deer and sheep would turn the corner.
- I said nothing, only shaking my head. I had no words. This was my responsibility.
- The Lady would gasp, slowly walking over without word. Plessius took the moment to move me out into the hall. My ears were sensitive enough to hear her heart break through the door.
- After ten minutes, Plessius would bring the idol out of the chamber. He told me that I did my best, and to take the Idol back to the Patriciate. He would handle things at the castle regarding the Lord.
- Three guards escorted me out with the Idol. It was like I had died, too. I went to the Mystic Lemon to tempt fate, but did not muster its strongest drink. I shuffled my way back to the Patriciate for the coming days.