The attacks had already been going on for two days. Many people rushed about the area. Some were carrying wounded, while others ran to get the things needed to treat the wounded. The only ones not running around to get things done were those whose turn it was to rest. Prince Jacob only moved when he had to either grab food or release the pressure of his bowels. He was beyond tired and could barely summon the energy for these things. He was wondering what sickness he had. He was completely drained despite resting all the time. Depression, self degradation, pity, shame, and a whole host of emotions constantly attacked his heart and mind.
Jacob thought about seeing one of the healers, however he did not wish to interfere with their healing of the warriors who were protecting everyone. It would be better if he just rested and stayed out of the way. He should recover on his own after all. At least that is what he thought. He never expected that the healers would notice his abnormal behaviour. Teenagers may need more sleep, however they certainly would not choose to sleep all day and night especially those children who appeared to enjoy physical exercise. They could tell that Jacob was normally a physically active young man just by looking at the muscles on his frame and the bronze color of his skin on his arms and legs.
As soon as one of the healers finished with the minor injuries he had been working on, he quickly checked to see if there were any pressing matters before heading over to the young princes bedside.
" May I take your pulse young man?"
Jacob jumped a bit in surprise and looked over to the man. " There is no need. I am sure that I will be fine soon."
The healer frowned in disapproval. " You are clearly a child who has never suffered through a demonic attack before. Therefore you have no idea what sickness comes with these attacks. I would not be properly doing my job as a healer if I did not look into this matter."
Jacob blinked and thought about it as the healer barely stopped talking.
" You do not know if what you have can be spread to others. It is best to handle this quickly. If you have nothing wrong, then I will leave you be. However, if you do then you must be treated in haste."
Jacob sighed in defeat while hanging his head. He simply moved his arm toward the healer and nodded his consent. The man gently grasped his wrist and was silent for a few beats of Jacobs heart. He released Jacobs hand and spoke softly.
" I have some questions for you. Try to answer them honestly."
Jacob nodded and waited for his questions.
" Did you start feeling tired when you saw the demons or was it when the moons went completely dark?"
Jacob furrowed his brows in thought. " I started to feel drained when the moons went dark."
The healer frowned and continued his questions, " Do you know dark magic?"
Jacobs eyes widened and he instantly responded, " I am only twelve years of age and can not use magic yet. Not only that, but there is no guarantee that I can ever use magic." A small bit of angry frustration was in his voice.
" I see." The healer thought for awhile. Jabob glared at him, then he started to worry. The healer was wearing a complex look on his face while studying Jacob and it was making Jacob nervous. Was he going to die? Was he cursed? Why was the healer staring at him?
" Has dark magic been used on you?"
Jacob shifted uncomfortably on the bed. " Honestly, I do not know. I do not know what magic my kidnappers used."
Surprise ran through the healer's face, " You were kidnapped?"
Jacob rolled his eyes and snorted, " Of course! Do you think a human child would be here by choice?"
" You are a human from outside the woods?"
" Clearly!"
The healer was shocked and his mouth hung open because of the surprise.
" Look, I just want to know what is wrong with me and if it can be healed."
The healer shook himself for a moment and even struck his cheeks with his palms a few times.
" Have you been feeling an increase in negativity lately? It does not matter if the negativity is towards yourself or others."
" I am feeling pretty negative towards you at the moment." Jacob grumbled.
" Anyone else besides me?"
Jacob sighed, " Yeah, I have been pretty hard on myself lately. What does this have to do with anything?"
" Those who have contact with dark magic will often have issues with negativity for a time. How long it lasts depends on several factors. One is the length of exposure and another is the personality of the one affected. A negative person might not even notice the change in their emotions and thoughts, however a normally positive person would. Are you normally hard on yourself?"
" Only when I know that I have done something to disappoint my parents. Usually that is only when I know I have done something wrong?"
" Have you done anything wrong lately?"
" The only thing I can think of is the fact that I could not protect myself from my kidnappers. I am not even sure if I protected my brothers." Jacob couldn't stop a pained expression from crossing his face.
The healer's eyes gentled with Jacobs declaration and his voice became softer.
" I understand." He remained silent for a minute.
" You are currently suffering from darkness fever. Which really isn't a fever in the normal sense. It is basically drawing out all the light within you, which is why you feel such tiredness. Unfortunately, I have no idea how long it will last. I can make a temporary cure which will give you the energy to move, however we need to keep a strict eye on your physical health. I will balance out your meals from this point on and I will make sure you don't suffer negative effects from the potions that I will give you. At least I know that this can not spread."
Jacob replied sarcastically, " Great...…"
The healer ignored him and started moving away.
" I'll be back in a few hours with your potion. Just continue to rest till then."
" Sure, it's not like I can move much anyway."