"I suggest you take him to the Healing Mountain immediately. His legs are seriously damaged, and only the masters of the Healing Mountain might be able to cure them. Otherwise, he might limp for the rest of his life," the physician informed Osaze when he arrived at the hut. The physician was not an expert in resetting bones and could only treat Efosa's physical injury and stop the bleeding.
"I understand," Osaze sighed deeply. He had already inquired from Ohiomuwa about what had happened on their way to the hut. He then called Efosa's friends to help carry him.
"Put him on the stretcher and carry him to the general hut."
Ohiomuwa and Isibor swung into action, and soon Efosa was carried out.
"Will he be alright?" Osifo asked Uze, who came out of the hut with them.
"We are taking him to the Healers' Mountain," Uze replied as he followed Osaze and the rest away.
"What did he say?" Idaho asked Osifo. Osifo did not answer; after all, he was beginning to feel a bit guilty. Only when someone was seriouslt injured or sick would they sick the master on the mountain. This only told him that Efosa's injury was serious.
---
Iyare was practicing her sword skills while Edosa was watching and giving her guidance when they heard a commotion approaching. Iyare immediately dropped her sword and sat down with her head lowered, as there was not enough time to hurry back into the hut.
"Father, we need to take Efosa to the Healers' Mountain immediately. We're here for the horse and cart," Osaze said as soon as they were close enough.
"What happened to him?" Edosa was taken by surprise; after all, Efosa had been fine earlier. He had even sent him a portion of the antelope he had hunted.
Iyare did not wait to listen to the conversation. Seeing that Efosa was being carried, she hurried to where the horse was kept and untied it. She then took a piece of cloth to tie her hair before leading the horse out.
"Father, the horse is here," Iyare announced in a low voice.
Uze and the others carrying Efosa paid her no attention as they quickly loaded him into the cart. The road was not smooth, and Efosa could not help himself, so Iyare got into the cart to take care of him.
"You boys go back and rest. Training continues tomorrow," Osaze said as he mounted the horse to drive the cart.
Edosa also took action, preparing another horse to accompany them.
Fortunately, the journey from the training camp to the Healing Mountain took just an hour. If not for the incline, it could have taken even less time.
It was already quite late when they arrived. The courtyard was surrounded by walls, with a wooden gate at the entrance.
Knock, knock.
Edosa dismounted from his horse and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" someone asked from within the walls.
"General Edosa from the Central Region. I am here to seek help for my grandson," Edosa replied.
The door opened slightly, and a hand reached out. General Edosa removed his hand beads and placed them in the hand. The person withdrew and, after a moment, opened the door fully.
Once inside, someone led them to a small hut. "This is the only vacant hut. I will go and get the healer," the person informed them before leaving.
Osaze dismounted and carried his son into the hut, with Iyare and her grandfather following behind.
"How did he end up like this?" Edosa asked. Earlier, Osaze had only briefly mentioned that Efosa had fallen and dislocated his leg. It was common knowledge that a dislocation should be adjusted as soon as possible; otherwise, the person's leg might be ruined, leaving them limping for life.
Hearing Edosa's question, Osaze recounted what Ohiomuwa had told him. He had just finished when the healer arrived.
"Sorry to disturb you so late," Edosa said as the elderly woman walked in.
Iyare was shocked to discover the healer was a woman. She had heard of this person's excellent skills but had never expected her to be a woman. It was said that if the healer of the mountain could not help, then the ailment had no cure.
"General Edosa, saving lives is what I do. If it weren't urgent, you wouldn't have made this trip so late," the healer said with a smile before approaching Efosa's bed to examine him.
"How is he?" Osaze asked anxiously; after all, this was his only son.
"Fortunately, you brought him on time. I can still help him. Leave the room while I treat him," the healer instructed.
"Thank you," Edosa said before leaving the room with Osaze and Iyare.
The three sat outside the hut, listening to Efosa's screams from within.
"It must hurt a lot," Osaze said, feeling sorry for his son.
"Hopefully, this will teach him not to act so recklessly in the future," Edosa said sternly. He was still angry at his grandson's behavior. He couldn't understand how he had ended up with grandsons like Efosa.
He glanced at Iyare, who was staring intently at the hut's window. "Why couldn't you have been born a boy?" Edosa wondered silently.
Unaware of her grandfather's thoughts, Iyare was focused on the healer, observing her as she worked on her brother's leg.
She watched as the woman carefully moved her hands to reset Efosa's bones. Iyare had heard that the process was difficult and that carelessness could harm the patient further.
The more she watched, the more interested she became in learning this skill. Fighting was about strength but this skill looked impressive. After all, been a warrior was about protecting the people. Iyare felt that being able to treat other was also a kind of protection.
"How is it?" Edosa asked the moment the healer stepped out of the hut.
"His leg can be completely reset in seven to ten days..." The healer replied.
"Thank the gods," Osaze cut in as soon as he heard this answer.
"And? " Efosa asked he could tell from the healers gaze that she had more to say.