They were there in the cave for some time, resting where Ava had previously made camp. Sio used what tools Ava left to spark a fire in the sanctuary to warm herself despite the rather acceptable temperature around her. She felt a chill in her soul she just couldn't shake. Sio did not get the opportunity to pay her respects to her parents the last time she was in the cave. She took that opportunity then, and knelt before the two mounds, bowed her head to the ground, and began to weep.
It was over.
The one who slayed her parents was to be judged by The Symphony, and Sio knew it to be just. Tomak would decide the fate of Ava back in the village if he understood the vision that came upon him. She wept until she could no longer. She faded in and out of consciousness, but saw every so often Kivtius sitting beside her. She saw the fire she set start to fade into embers.
Kivtius carried Sio on his right shoulder, and she sat looking over the horizon. Being a Geminidi, Kivtius shoulders were broad and appeared closer to small cliffs than any human shoulder. Sio sat rather comfortably. It was a long journey they had to make back to the village. Kivtius was stronger than anyone Sio had known. Despite the wound in his arm, he seemed to be doing just fine. He did not remove the blade, as he said that would cause more damage if done incorrectly. He would wait for the expertise of Dr. Tausidi to remove it.
They journeyed along the path most direct to the village. It took several hours and was getting dark by the time they happened upon seeing the lights of the village shell-units. There were moving lights like fireflies on the nearly pitch black backdrop that was the horizon. Sio realized then that the village people were wide awake, and possibly looking for her.
As the sight of them became more clear, Sio heard shouting and saw a few people wave attention using their lamps toward Kivtius and Sio.
The Geminidi found her! Quick, get Dr. Tausidi and Tomak! Were the shouts that Sio could make out. Kivtius continued making his way toward the village as a crowd began to form. As they arrived, both Kivtius and Sio were greeted by all members of the community with a great silence. All the people looked upon Kivtius and Sio with a strange sort of reverence. It was broken by a woman running up to Kivtius.
"Sio!" The girl recognized the voice as Laura's. Sio tapped on Kivtius's shoulder and urged him to put her down. He obeyed and Sio was immediately scooped up into Laura's arms. A man had approached in the meantime, and taking hold of Kivtius's good arm, gave a good shake to it then knelt next to Sio.
"Auburn!" Sio exclaimed and threw her arms around him.
"Little Sio!" Auburn returned the hug gently, then pulled back and put his hands on her shoulders looking over Sio for any wounds. Upon finding none, he hugged her once more. Sio saw from over his shoulder Tomak and Dr. Tausidi approach them. Sio leapt to Dr. Tausidi and dragged her over to Kivtius, who presented his arm to her.
"You are trouble, Geminidi," She grumbled under her breath and began to tend to the wound using her first-aid kit that she had brought with her.
"The trouble has passed. The Dunestrider is safe." Kivtius said to Dr. Tausidi.
"And for that we thank you," Dr. Tausidi replied. "Where are we to find Otheyo?"
"He is with The Symphony now; there is no returning unless it is willed." He said. Murmurs spread through the crowd. Tomak held up a hand to silence the whispers.
"Such is the Geminidi's right if done in defense, was that so?" He looked from Sio to Kivtius.
Sio inclined her head in affirmation.
"Kivtius saved me from Otheyo." She blurted.
"Even more noble if done in defense of a child." Tomak replied. The crowd remained silent, but there was a feeling in the air that felt lighter. They were pleased, for the most part. Others certainly remained unsure, confused of the sudden unfolding of events. "Everyone is free to return to their homes, it is right to rest." At this the crowd dispersed except for Sio's immediate friends and family. "Let's get these two to the clinic," Tomak said as he led the way toward Dr. Tausidi's place.
Auburn lifted Sio to his shoulders and walked beside Laura, who held onto Sio's hand. Kivtius walked beside Dr. Tausidi, who had managed to stabilize the magma from bleeding out but the knife was still inside Kivtius' arm. Sio hoped the wound wasn't too serious and that Kivtius wouldn't suffer much longer.
—
They all arrived at the clinic and Dr. Tausidi and Laura got to work on their respective patients. Laura evaluated Sio, while Dr. Tausidi took Kivtius to the operating room to remove the blade. Sio was exhausted and sore all over.
"You're a bit dehydrated, Sio. We'll have to give you fluids for the night." Said Laura. Sio groaned at the sight of the condensed hydration can that Laura gave her. The last time she had one of these was when she was sick with the local flu. It tasted horrible, but it did its job. At least it wasn't bubbling left over quick-meals, she thought. Laura and Auburn helped situate Sio onto the cot and hooked her up to monitors. Laura did most of the technical work, while Auburn placed a medical grade wristband around her forearm. The wristband had microtechnology that helped monitor her heartbeat and other vitals, Laura explained.
Auburn never left Sio's side, nor did Laura.
The next morning Sio woke to Dr. Tausidi checking her vitals and checking off things on her holo-tablet. At her stirring, Dr. Tausidi gracefully walked to the side of her cot and put a hand on Sio's shoulder to steady her.
"There, Sio, do not sit up so quickly. You still need much rest."
"Where is Auburn and Laura?"
"I've dismissed them. There is something we must discuss, Sio." She said as she sat across from Sio on a nearby stool. "It's come to my attention that you've been in much danger as of late, and I've little to do with keeping you safe. I want to change that."
"What do you mean, Doctor?"
"You've been working away with Auburn, whose very wife might be at fault for what happened with your grandmother, and whose father-in-law was aiding Ava to remain on the run from justice. So I've talked with Tomak. For the time being, I will be in charge of your safe-keeping until Auburn is determined innocent."
"But Auburn is innocent, you've seen what The Symphony shared with us!" Sio protested.
"We saw a vision we hardly understand, Sio. Right now, we need to clarify what we witnessed by compiling facts, not illusions of the mind." Dr. Tausidi sighed greatly. "Ultimately should Auburn prove innocent, the choice will be yours with whom you will stay with. For now, think of it as you've changed apprenticeship. I will teach you what I know of my trade, and you will decide which path you wish to pursue."
Sio said nothing as she contemplated Dr. Tausidi's words. This was a rare opportunity, Sio knew this much. Not many her age got a say in what her future trade would be in their village. She figdeted with the cuff of her sleeve, then met Dr. Tausidi's eyes.
"I understand."
"Well done, Sio." Dr. Tausidi stood and bowed her head toward Sio. "Then once you've recovered, we will discuss your future schedule for recovery, rest, and work. For now rest well."