Chapter 36

Healer's Dilemma

"Yes, Amanda, I can see your point. It's just—you need to understand—there are consequences to be considered for any action we may take." Gwen sighed. She knew Kel was eager to help her friend, Cassy. And given the strength of her healing talent, it was conceivable that if she did offer a healing, that Cassy could walk out of the hospital twenty-four hours later. But, she wasn't considering what a hornet’s nest she would be stirring up by doing so.

"Gwen." Kel pleaded. "I can help her, I can heal her, and I want to help! Why can't I do just that? It's my talent, you said so yourself, So—I don't see why—" Gwen held up a paw.

"Okay. Let me try and help you understand the concept of consequences of your actions. Now, then." Gwen began again. "Yes, you have the raw talent to heal your friend, that's not what I'm concerned about..." Gwen paused. "Okay, let's say you decide to take this course of action. First, you must get her permission to help, but you cannot tell her what you are now. For most folks still freak when the subject of magic is mentioned."

"But if I can't tell her I'm a Sorceress, then how can I get her permission to help Heal her?" Kel muled.

"Ah, now you are starting to see what I'm talking about."

"But—" Kel protested. Gwen silenced her with an upraised finger. "Let me finish." Kel nodded silently.

"Okay, now. Let's say she gives you her permission, and you heal her, fully...what would happen next?" Gwen asked, sitting back in her chair.

"Well," Kel smiled. "The doctors would see that she was completely healed up and send her home."

"Uh-huh...would they?" Gwen asked arching her eyebrow.

"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't they? If she's all healed up, they'd have to send her home, right?"

"Or not..." Gwen added. Kel looked confused.

"Look hon, Cassandra was badly wounded, and rushed to emergency surgery to save her life. Don't you think they will think it just a bit odd, if after only four days she's completely healed up?"

"…Well…maybe...but they said she's healing nicely."

Gwen nodded.

"That means she's showing no signs of infection, and her body is starting the repair process. In ten to twelve days, they estimate she should be far enough along in the healing process that they might consider releasing her. Now, given that, what do you think they would do, if in four days, she is completely healed?"

The look of dawning comprehension on Kel's face showed that she was seeing the possible repercussions of her well-intended actions.

"Ooh, well, just off the top—I'd have to say they'd 'Keep her for observation,' then they would probably subject her to every test they could think of to try and explain why she showed such a rapid healing ability...oh Gods, I didn't think..." The Vixens paws covered her muzzle.

"Exactly my point, Amanda, in attempting to help, you would inadvertently be doing harm. Now I'm not saying do nothing—just scale back on your intensity, so as not to raise suspicion. Perhaps up her healing ability so they release her in a week." Gwen offered.

"Then, once she's outta their clutches, crank it up and heal her fully!" Kel added.

"ONLY if she gives you her permission first, Amanda. I can't stress this point enough." Gwen admonished her eager apprentice, while at the same time pleased with her dedication to the healing arts.

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