The Demon Lord And His Hero

The dowager queen's residence had been constructed at Helios because of the pleasant climate that prevailed at its altitude. The royal family's palace was situated on another plateau and it was much cooler than Helios.

It was morning. Syryn and Utsui were accompanied by elder Toka and they were heading to the dowager queen's home.

"Rusma shows little to no reaction when combined with most drugs, and that's where the healers were neglectful in their investigation," Syryn explained. He had figured out what was going on with the sick rusma patient.

"And how did you find out which drugs it reacts to?" Utsui asked.

"I've seen a case like his before. There was a farmer who smoked rusma while taking a drug for some other ailment he was suffering from. The rusma interacted with the drug, and not only did it prevent healing, it also caused a chain of reactions that triggered an autoimmune disorder. I didn't figure it out till he was dead and cut open for investigation."

"Will his sickness abate if he's taken off Rusma?" Utsui placed a hand on his chin in thought as he asked Syryn.

"Rusma and all the other drugs he's currently on. There's a cocktail of chemicals interacting in his system so the first phase of treating him is to detox his body. No painkillers even."

The duo discussed the case while elder Toka listened along. Syryn and the old avian conducted civil but curt conversations when they were forced to exchange words. Utsui was like a buffer in between them and it softened their interactions.

An unassuming bridge that connected the edges of a deep and wide crevice led them to a split off section of Helios where the dowager queen took residence. Syryn was enamoured by the pink leaved trees that surrounded a simple looking home. A circular pond reflected golden sunlight off it, the water rippling from the presence of insects that skated over its surface. It was peaceful here.

"Looks like her highness is entertaining a guest," Utsui commented.

"It must be princess Orin."

Though the open window of the home, Syryn could make out the figures of two women. The sound of warm and sweet laughter reached their ears.

"Princess Orin," Utsui made a shallow bow after they were allowed entry by a guard.

The dowager queen appeared to be in her 60s. Fine grey hair at her temples complemented the graceful lines of age at the edges of her eyes. The princess that sat next to her shared similarities that indicated their blood relation.

There were beautiful people in the world, and then there was princess Orin - Riaku's older sister. Syryn had heard from Akida that she was known as the heart feather of Nua. It was no exaggeration. Orin had dark wavy hair that fell to her waist like a waterfall. She had delicate and sensual facial features, full lips, and copper brown eyes. A voluptuous figure with a tiny waist sculpted her a feminine figure that was draped in light pink silk.

"Toka, you've brought guests." The dowager queen smiled warmly.

"A new healer, your highness. He might find a few insights that our avian healers have missed." It was high praise from the old man.

The dowager queen's gaze moved to Syryn. At the same time, princess Orin's attention also landed on Syryn. She had heard about him from Riaku.

Remembering his manners, Syryn executed a formal bow unique to Sigil's people. It was done with uncharacteristic grace.

"A young healer. Are you also a genius like Utsui?" The dowager queen asked with a smile on her face.

"I'm afraid I'm no genius," Syryn honestly replied. "I've just had a lot of time to study."

Utsui's lips twitched like he wanted to smile. He thought Syryn was being humble.

"Your highness, tell me what ails you," Syryn respectfully spoke to the dowager queen.

He was attentive, gentle, and charming. The teen's intelligence and patience won over both the dowager queen and princess Orin who observed them silently.

At the end of their examination, the dowager queen was reluctant to part with the teen who had made her laugh with the anecdotes he recounted of his days treating all sorts of characters.

"Come again, Syryn." Princess Orin told him when they were ready to depart. Her smile was infectious.

Syryn nodded. Is this what it felt like when people saw him? He was unable to turn away from her captivating face. Still, Rowan was much better looking. There was nobody alive more attractive than his anti mage. And if there was one, was he as awesome as Rowan? Syryn didn't think so.

"What did you deduce?" Elder Toka asked when they were leaving.

"There's no cure," Syryn replied. "But it doesn't mean there aren't ways to reduce the progression of the disease. The dowager queen can live for another twenty years if she perfectly adheres to the regime I prescribe."

Elder Toka stopped in his steps.

"Do you speak the truth?"

The teen halted and turned to the old man who appeared stricken.

"Yes."

A heaviness seemed to weigh down the old man's shoulders. He nodded slowly while looking at Syryn like he was truly seeing him for the first time.

"Syryn, who is your teacher?" He asked gravely. Elder was Toka was finally seeing the sour fruits of his hubris. There were better healers beyond the rim of his well; healers as young as Syryn.

"He is of no consequence. I killed him," Syryn answered.

"You killed your teacher?" Utsui frowned.

"Just kidding, Utsui." Syryn hurriedly put away the hand that was reaching up to squeeze Utsui's cheek.

"I saw that." Utsui was staring at Syryn's hand.

The teen hid his hand behind his back. "What?"

And in front of his grandfather, Utsui attacked Syryn. The teen's cheeks were squeezed mercilessly between warm fingers.

"Uh-tsuiiiii!"

Elder Toka sighed and resumed walking. His grandson acted like a child under Syryn's influence but it wasn't such a bad outcome. Utsui had always been a serious boy. It warmed the old man's heart to see him loosen up.