Anthology of Ichor III: Gears of Damnation Read Online Free Page A

screamed in protest. Stella had tried a variety of conventional medications, physical therapy and over the counter remedies, but the disease progressed unchecked, devouring every bone in her body.
    A week after her 24 th birthday, she’d woken up with aching hands. She’d been studying music at the university, and played the piano. Over the next two years the pain increased and the ability to move her joints decreased until her hands looked and felt like claws, and she couldn’t turn a doorknob, much less play her beloved piano. Her bright dreams of playing music professionally became aching memories.
    Now, at 32 years, her life had narrowed to the four walls of her home, her books, her methodical routines and Pete. To leave the house involved special help in and out of the car, the use of the walker or wheelchair and the pitying stares. She considered suicide; only her husband’s dedication saved her from that fate.
    The assistant turned and smiled at her, “The Healer will be right in.”
    While Stella waited, she looked at the strange signs and posters in the exam room. They extolled the virtues of ancient Greek and Indian medicine, of homeopathy and herbology. She’d heard about this healer from a friend who’d been “cured” of migraines by her. Dr. Evans sounded very “woo-woo”, but Stella was ready to try anything, so she’d made an appointment.
    Dr. Evans knocked on the door and poked her graying head into the room. She walked in and sat down in a chair next to the exam table.“Stella, I’m excited about this new phyto-therapeutic treatment. I obtained extract from a healer in the Greek Islands. He discovered this potent new lichen growing on old temple ruins.” Dr. Evans grew animated.“He gathers the azure blue plant at the full moon, then extracts its essence. He tells me it is very effective for treatment of depression, ulcers and.” she smiled at Stella, “arthritis. No one else in the states is using it yet. Normally, I would have you drink an infusion of the plant, but the injection will be stronger and faster acting. Are you willing to try it? ”
    Stella laughed at her desperation. She didn’t believe the strange plant would have any significant effect on her intractable disease. But it couldn’t hurt, and there was the remote chance it would alleviate some of her symptoms. “Yes, I’m willing. Are there any side effects?”
    The healer frowned.“Side effects? No, I haven’t heard of any. No one in Greece or France has reported any. I don’t anticipate any problems. You might experience slight itchiness or redness at the injection site.” Dr. Evans put her hand on Stella’s. “Healing is a journey. Are you ready to begin?” Stella nodded and Dr. Evans rolled up Stella’s sleeve, rubbed her arm with alcohol. “Here we go, just a little pinch…”
    Stella held her breath as the blue liquid left the tube and entered her arm. It was done. Stella realized Dr. Evans was talking. “Be sure to call if you have any problems.” She helped Stella from the exam table, and to the dressing area. “Don’t forget to stop at the front desk on your way out and make an appointment for next week. See you then.”
    Stella stopped the doctor before she could leave, “Could you have my husband come in. I need some help getting dressed.” The doctor nodded and looked with pity at her crippled body.
    “ Well?” Peter asked expectantly as he opened the door to the exam room.
    “ Now we wait. The doctor said it would take a day or two to notice any difference. I hope it works, otherwise…I don’t know what I will do. I hate living like this. I hate it.” She grasped her walker and winced in pain.
    Peter took her arm. “It will work.” he assured her, though he had little hope.
     
    ~*~
     
    The next day Stella woke earlier than usual. She’d slept well. She tentatively wiggled her toes. No tenderness, no aches. The joints were no longer swollen or deformed. She stretched out her arms and