LV2 CH1

Chapter One

Waking to the sound of soft snores, Doc smiled. There was a soft, warm body pressed against his back, and another snuggled firmly to his chest. They sure were energetic last night, Doc thought as his hand lightly caressed Fiala’s stomach.

“Morning, Doc,” Lotus murmured in his ear. “Thank you for last night.”

“I should be thanking you and Fiala,” Doc replied softly. “I guess we all had cause for celebration, though.”

“Yes,” Lotus replied, kissing his neck. “Now we can all try to be respectable women if we want. I love that Lia gave us the choice.”

“Going to keep plying your old trade?” Doc asked.

“No. I haven’t since you left for the mine last time. Like Fiala, I found myself uninterested in anyone else who offered. It was becoming difficult, but now, it’ll be much easier.”

“He does ruin us, doesn’t he?” Fiala added in with a smile.

“To the core,” Lotus giggled.

“Oh… good morning, indeed,” Fiala sighed when she felt something stiffen behind her.

The knock on the door brought them to an abrupt halt.

“Your water, sir,” Posy called through the door.

“I’ll get it,” Fiala said. “We need to get up, anyway. We have another tournament today.”

“A bigger tournament,” Doc said. “Well, bigger buy-in. Might have a smaller number of entries.”

“We’ll find out,” Fiala sighed as she climbed out of the bed and went to the door naked. Cracking it to glance out, she picked up the pitcher of steaming water and shut the door. “Come on, Lotus. No getting to stay in bed with him.”

Lotus sighed. Her fluffy red panda tail flicked back and forth as she climbed onto Doc, then over him. “Fine. I’m the guest here, after all.”

“A very welcome guest,” Doc said as he rolled onto his side and watched the two women take a bird bath.

“You are,” Fiala nodded, “but if I don’t get to stay in bed, neither do you.”

“You are playing today, right, Doc?” Lotus asked.

“Hundred dollar buy-in should see some of the bigger guns come in, so yes. I wonder if Goodman or Suez will show up.”

“They might not, but a few of their subordinates might,” Fiala suggested.

“That’ll be entertaining.” Doc sat up in bed as the women were finishing up. “I need to get some paperwork done before the start of the game, too.”

“The contract with Lia?”

“At the least. I also have to find out from Otto when I’m supposed to do the rite.”

“Rite?” Lotus asked.

“‘Rite of Heriz’ I think is what he called it.”

“What’s that?” Fiala asked.

“I’m not sure, but it’ll cement me in with the dwarves in town,” Doc said, stretching as he finally got out of the bed. “I wanted to stop by and see the milliner today, too. I hope he’s doing okay...”

Fiala’s smile ebbed a little. “Are you sure about him?”

“It’s the mercury he uses to make hats that’s driving him crazy,” Doc told her. “I’m certain I can help with that now.”

Fiala’s eyes softened. “Always wanting to help others...”

“It’s what Luck would have me do. Besides, I liked him. He loves what he does, and so few people do.”

“The gnome?” Lotus asked. “He rarely leaves his store, I’ve heard. They say the last time he went into the general store, he insulted Goodman and was trespassed from there.”

“How does he get food?” Doc asked.

“I have no idea,” Lotus replied.

“All the more reason to help him out if Goodman hates him,” Doc said, taking the offered cleaning cloth from Fiala. “Go on. I’ll be right down.”

Lotus smiled as she got her dress on. “Can we ask you for that later?”

“It all depends on how tonight plays out. I expect the final table to take all night.”

“Well, if it doesn’t?” Lotus asked.

“He loves it, and is as eager for it as we are,” Fiala said, turning for the door. “Besides, we can return the favor while he takes care of each of us.”

Doc watched them go and said a small prayer to Luck, thanking her for giving him the chance to be on this world. Exhaling deeply, he began to clean himself up, thinking about what else he had to do today to get his mind off the two beautiful women.

~*~*~

Fiala and Lotus were already digging into breakfast when he entered the private dining room. Taking his seat, he’d just picked up his fork when Lia came into the room.

“Morning, Lia,” Doc greeted her. “Did Ayla drop the contract off?”

“Just a few minutes ago,” Lia said. “Once you’re done, we can go to the courthouse to get it notarized. I expect Goodman will be here this afternoon, not for the tournament, but to see you.”

“Too bad I’ll be busy at the tables, then,” Doc chuckled. “Kind of like how he ignored me when I tried to see him after I got to town.”

Lia smiled darkly. “A mistake.”

“Yeah. Turning the Lily into a house of worship is going to make some waves.”

“Yes, the church of Apoc will be quite upset with you. Their priest might even have something to say about it.”

“Is that going to be a problem?”

“He doesn’t leave the church often, but he can use magic of some kind,” Lia said. “Not natural magic, either.”

“That isn’t surprising. We’ll deal with it when it comes time.”

Lia nodded and gave Lotus and Fiala a smile. “Ladies, thank you for your hard work last night. I understood why you wanted out early, but tonight, I’ll be using you both late to balance out the work with the others.”

“We understand, Lia,” Fiala said.

“I won’t have either of you on the final table if Doc is on it, though. Can’t have people thinking things they shouldn’t.”

Lotus nodded. “Of course, Lia. We’ll do what you need us to.”

Doc had started eating quickly, knowing that he had a lot to do before the tournament started. Lia watched him for a moment, then turned to leave. “Knock on the door when you’re ready, Doc.”

Doc just nodded, since his mouth was full.

~*~*~

Doc knocked and waited for Lia to answer. While he waited, his mind drifted back to last night and what he knew was on the other side of the door. Lia’s bedroom... clean and tidy, minus a few bits of clothing left on the bed. She’d probably not be too happy that I saw those...

The door opened a moment later, and Doc stepped back as Lia came out. “Sorry for the delay,” he apologized to her.

“No worries. I understand why.”

Doc nodded, then turned to head down the hall. “How does it feel to have that weight gone?”

“Liberating.”

“I was shocked at your sudden turn away from the previous business,” Doc said.

“I had no other way of helping them before. I don’t mind if they want to continue to make money that way, but I can give them another option— an option that will let them be seen as full members of society and not unclean women. It’s hypocrisy of the highest sort, considering it takes men visiting for them to ply that trade.”

Doc snorted. “People are good at hypocrisy.”

“Truth.”

Doc opened the door into the front room for her. As she went past him, Doc took a moment to give her an appreciative look. Her dress was green, tightly laced, and while modestly cut, it showed off her fit figure. Her heeled, green, scaled boots were nearly soundless as she walked.

The room quieted when they entered, though no one looked at Doc— they were watching Lia. Doc held his laughter in as he followed in her wake. Some women can turn every head and still every tongue just by breathing.

Stepping out the front door, they made their way to the courthouse. “Busier than I expected two hours before the tournament,” Doc commented as they walked.

“The first person to wait showed up two hours ago,” Lia said. “Some of them aren’t even there to play, just to watch.”

“Not surprised. The deputies handling security again?”

“The twins have agreed to be there for every tournament, but Grange can call them away if needed. It’s why Dillon and Joey will be on hand for that. I do need to find another one or two who can handle security, but finding trustworthy people is difficult in this town.”

“In any town,” Doc nodded. “I can ask Otto, if you don’t mind a dwarf or two?”

Lia’s lips thinned slightly. “I don’t have any quarrel with the local clan, but our histories haven’t been kind to each other. If you vouch for them, it would be fine.”

“Trust me that much?”

Lia glanced at him. “I can’t tell if you’re fishing or really uncertain.”

“A little of both?”

Lia laughed lightly. “You went out of your way to help me, Doc. I’ve never known a human like you.”

Doc felt a tug at his conscience. “You probably never will again...” he muttered. “Lia, we should talk later. If we’re going to be partners, I have some cards that should be on the table.”

“More?” Lia asked curiously.

“You’d be surprised.”

Having reached the courthouse, Doc didn’t say more.

The clerk had just opened when they walked inside. Looking at them with a slightly put-upon expression, she gave them a professional smile. “What can I do for you?”

“A contract to be notarized,” Lia said.

“Of course,” the owl bestial replied. Pulling a box out from under the counter, she waited.

Lia set the contract down and signed her name using the pen the clerk offered her. Lia then slid the contract to Doc and passed him the pen. Doc signed his name in the right spot before giving it back to the clerk.

“Oh, Doc, you need to sign this, as well,” Lia said, pulling out a second page and pushing it to him.

Doc took the offered page and gave it a quick read. “Oh, right. Almost forgot.” He signed his name and pushed it to the clerk while she worked on the first document.

The clerk sniffed, but didn’t stop in her task. When she finished with the first document, she set it aside and took the second one. Giving it a quick read, her eyes widened slightly and she gave Doc a curious glance.

“You are sure you wish this to be recorded?”

“I have to if I want to help others,” Doc replied.

“Very well,” the clerk said. “I do hope you know that trouble will come of it.”

Doc smiled at her concerned tone. “I know, but hard roads need to be walked. Besides, I’ll be able to help the people Whittaker refuses to help this way.”

The clerk stared at him for a long moment before she nodded. “Very well. I’d suggest holding off for a day or two before announcing anything. It’ll take that long for me to get a copy to the capital.”

“That matters?” Doc asked.

The clerk nodded. “It’ll make sure the paperwork can’t be ‘lost.’ There’s an extra fee involved for using the pigeons and making sure they return acceptance of the form.”

“We’ll cover it,” Lia said.

“Very well.” The clerk notarized the document. “The fee for both forms is two dollars. For sending the copy to the capital with return acceptance is five dollars, but I can send both for that.”

Lia placed seven dollars on the counter. “Paid. I’d like a receipt please.”

The bestial nodded. “Give me just a moment, please.”

As she turned away, Doc wondered why the old woman had thawed so quickly. She’d been an ice queen the few times Doc had been in before. He gave Lia a glance and she shook her head slightly, tapping her lips with her fan. Doc nodded and held his tongue.

The clerk was back a moment later with two receipts, giving them each one. “I hope you’re both ready for what is to come.”

“We’ll be ready,” Lia replied. “Your husband, Adrian, how is he?”

The woman’s lips turned down at the corners briefly. “He’s not well and getting worse. If the healer has time, I’d be grateful.”

“He’s ill?” Doc asked.

“We don’t know why, and Whittaker hasn’t cared to see him.” Taking a deep breath, she exhaled roughly. “I fear he is dying.”

“Shit...” Doc said. “I was supposed to be in the tournament today. That can wait if you think he’s dying.”

The woman blinked at him slowly. “I can’t take you, but my daughter can. Thank you, healer. I’ll be right back.” Opening the gate on the counter, she left them in the office.

“I’ll do what I can to hold off the start, if possible,” Lia said. “You’re a good man, Doc.”

“I can’t stand by if someone’s dying and I can help them.”

Lia’s fan snapped open and she hid her mouth behind it. “Many do. Hurry, but not if it costs him his life.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

A throat cleared behind them and they saw the clerk and her daughter standing there. “Sophia will take you.”

Doc nodded and headed for the door. “After you, miss.”

Sophia, the younger of the two owl bestials, nodded. “It isn’t too far, healer.”

“Doc. Call me Doc,” Doc told her as they walked down the hall. “What can you tell me about your father?”

“He has spasms that we can’t help him with, normally before or after a bout of activity. Sudden bouts of vomiting, sudden onset headaches, and occasionally...” she hesitated before saying the next bit softly, “he seems crazed.”

Doc thought over what it could possibly be, but nothing came to mind with all those symptoms. “How long has he been like this?”

“A few years, but it’s been getting worse,” the young woman said sadly. “Can you really help?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll do my best, miss.”

“Sophia. You can use my given name.”

“Sophia,” Doc said.

Silence fell between them as they walked quickly away from the middle of town. It was only two streets over when she turned him toward a good-sized home. She went straight inside, and Doc followed after closing the door.

“Father?” Sophia called out.

“Child? What’re you doing home? You’re supposed to be at work,” a weak voice called back to her from further inside.

“Mother sent me, and with a healer.”

“Whittaker? Finally?” the weak voice was filled with hope.

Doc followed her into a bedroom where a male owl bestial was laying on a bed. “No, sir. I’m Doc Holyday, a faith healer.”

Adrian stared at him with suspicious eyes. “Faith healer? Apoc says those are nothing but charlatans.”

“Well, the church is a little biased,” Doc said. “Your wife sent me. I’m here to help, if you’re willing.”

“Father... please?” Sophia’s voice was filled with anguish.

Seeing his daughter on the verge of tears, Adrian’s lip curled up, but he nodded. “Go ahead and try.”

Doc stepped to stand beside the feather bed. “Lady Luck, I ask you to help this man who has need of your attention,” Doc said solemnly, his hands glowing green as he spoke.

Both Sophia and Adrian looked surprised when Doc showed obvious signs of power. When Doc touched Adrian, he got a list of things wrong with the man. Ulcers... interesting. I wonder why. Something wrong in his blood? Hm… an infection? No, it’s more like a poison, but what’s causing it?

Doc’s forehead creased as he used his gift cleansing to clean the poison from Adrian’s system. As he worked, Doc found the biggest concentration was around the man’s ulcers. Pushing on, he healed the man’s stomach last. Breathing hard as he finished, Doc swayed in place when the glow faded. He knew his energy was depleted, and that he’d used some of his vitality.

“Done.”

“Oh!” Sophia caught him as he almost fell. “Doc?”

“Sorry... took more than I thought it would,” Doc apologized as he let her guide him to a stool. “I’ll be fine in a moment.”

“I didn’t feel anything but warmth,” Adrian said with a snort, but his voice sounded stronger than before.

“Poison in your system,” Doc told him. “You had ulcers, which is why it was getting into your blood.”

“‘Ulcers’?” Adrian repeated the word with suspicion. “What’s that?”

“A small hole in your stomach lining,” Doc replied. “It can be bad by itself, but something you’ve been eating made it worse.”

Adrian snorted. “Holes in my stomach? I’ve no holes.” He touched his gut over the blanket.

Doc sighed as he got to his feet slowly. “Believe what you wish, sir. I came because your wife and daughter asked.” Swaying slightly, Doc made his way for the door. “Have a good day.”

“Good riddance,” Adrian snorted.

Sophia glanced between them before she hurried after Doc. “Sir, please wait.”

Doc stopped at the front door. “Miss?”

“I’m sorry for him. What did you mean something was poisoning him? He eats the same things we do, and we haven’t had any trouble.”

Doc blinked at her, waiting for his brief double vision to pass. “The holes in his stomach let something into his bloodstream when it shouldn’t have been there. If you don’t have an ulcer, it wouldn’t affect you.”

“How did he get these… ulcers?”

“A few ways it could’ve happened— heavy drinking, smoking, or stress makes it more likely. If he’s had trouble for years, then you’d have to go back to before the first signs appeared.”

“He used to smoke and drink all the time,” Sophia said, “but that was nearly a decade ago.”

“It could have started then,” Doc replied. “I have a tournament to get to, Miss Sophia. If you’ll excuse me?”

“Sophia, get back here and leave that charlatan alone!” Adrian shouted.

Sophia blinked and looked back at the bedroom. “He can shout again...?”

“Glad to help. Thank Lady Luck— it’s her power that healed him. I’m merely the conduit.” With that said, Doc left the young woman staring at the bedroom doorway.