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3,100 words between 9am and 11:20am today for NaNo!
excerpt:
“Sir, pardon the intrusion– are you injured?”
“And what business of it is yours if I am?” he growled with stern suspicion.
A cloaked man hidden in an alleyway after a commotion at the bank. Injured– perhaps in a fight with the Green Man? It seemed all too likely that I was treating with some mad criminal Affined. Better that I had been on my way as I was challenged, lest some terrible fate befall me.
And yet… here was an injured man, who had not–yet– done me harm. Was it not my duty to offer the aid of my skill?
"Only… I’m a man of medicine,“ I offered, with more confidence than I felt.
There was a moment of silence, and I waited to be castigated for my offer.
Instead the dark figure’s tone turned from sharp, to cautious. ”… and you would offer to treat some dark stranger in an alley?“
"It’s my duty, isn’t it? Why shouldn’t I treat you?”
“Why, indeed?” The figure chuckled, and I watched as he winced after the motion. “–very well, I will allow it. But be warned– I will not be forgiving of any… mischief… on your part.”
“None intended, sir, I promise you.” I held up my hands in placation. “My medical bag is in my room, not far from this alley beyond you. Shall I fetch it?”
Another moment of silence. “No,” he decided, and for a moment I was stymied. But he continued. “No, take me to this room of yours, if you’re feeling so charitable.”
Another thrill of danger shot down my spine. It was one thing to treat him in the alley, but to take him back to my room? What foul intention might he have? Or, perhaps he only wanted to get out of public, where anyone might wander upon us. Whatever the answer was, I was certainly stuck for it.
“As you like it, sir,” I agreed. “You’re sure you can move without worsening yourself?”
“Do not take my injury for weakness, boy,” he growled. He started moving down the alley carefully, and I could feel his gaze as he looked back at me over his shoulder, keeping watch for any sudden moves.
“I wouldn’t do so,” I promised, following slowly along.
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