THE HEALER
ACT ONE
SCENE TWO
SUB ACT ONE
The King arrived with a retinue of guards and servants.
The entry was without his accompanying guards, which would have crowded the
already packed healing station. However, the King was not without his servants,
which comprised the senior officers, the adjutants, and more officers. All of
them, including the King, were dressed in military fatigue and carried side
arms. Of course, the guards carried their rifles, and the men in suits
stationed outside were fully armed.
“Scram them the unneeded.” The King called out when he
met the entrance. “I do not think we need more healthy ones for the wounded.”
The entourage was reduced to the few that were close
to the King, and the so-called healthy ones were made to go outside. The inside
of the station comprised the on-duty seven Healers, twelve attending
assistants, and two dozen wounded officers. There were three maintenance crews
that were removing the discarded man-suits or unrecoverable officers.
“Who is this bloody man? From the looks of him, he was
in the thick of the battle. He will not be...” The King stood by the officer
that was removed from the man-suit and placed on a gurney for the Healer to do
the needed recovery.
“Captain Ian Kintock, Squad Leader.” The Healer spoke
out while he was applying the incision to the chest of the dying officer. “Your
Highness.”
“Noted, Healer. Carry on with the recovery. We need
officers like him alive and.”
“Trying my best, Your Highness.” The tone of sarcasm
tinged in the words of the Healer.
“Hold your tone, Healer.” The one who reacted to the
sarcasm was the King’s son, Malcolm. He was stopped by the King, who held up
his right hand.
“Continue on, Healer. I will move on.” The King moved
forward to another. “Aye, who is he?”
The one lying on the gurney was wounded in the chest
and right leg. He still had one of his jackets, and the insignia was that of
the Infantry Unit.
“Cougar Company. He is Sergeant McCauley. He is my...
second at the first squad." Malcom stepped up to the wounded non-com
officer. “He was wounded, saving my squad. Brave man.”
“Aye, the very person I was told to see.” The King
smiled and moved towards the wounded hero. ‘I am King Duncan of the Highlands.”
“Your Highness…” The wounded sergeant moved to sit up
but was calmed by the King to lie back.
“You are fine as you are. A brave man needs not bow
before me.” King Duncan smiled. “More so when he’s my son’s saviour.”
“And all of you here are brave men. And women.” King
Duncan addressed all at the station. The army of the Highlands was mixed, with
no gender deprived of a deserving ranKing.
“Tell me, Sergeant. How do you fare?” King Duncan
returned his attention to the wounded non-combat officer.
“I am better now, Your Highness.” The sergeant drew a
faint smile. “Is the …”
“Malcom is fine. He had some bruises, but he will
live.” King Duncan cut in. “I have more injuries being King than him.”
The entourage there laughed, leaving Malcolm
uncomfortable. The King then asked.
“How fared the battle?” It was a crucial question, and
he needed to know from the ones there and not the ones reporting. “Speak
freely, Sergeant.”
“Aye, your Highness...” The non-com uttered.
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