Guardians: Away Mission Book 2 of the Guardians Saga COMPLETED except for edits

Saving Rile Ch. 7.3

"Judge me by my size, do you?" Guni asked with a smile and Rile roared with laughter.

"Only you, Alex, would teach Star Wars quotes to an alien doctor."

She shrugged and grinned, then sobered and said, "Master Healer, this is a more vicious form of Razz's collar."

Guni hopped onto the bed and bent to Rile's neck without any warning, his muzzle nearly touching the spiked collar.

After an initial startle, Rile accepted the exam with stoicism. Guni held out his hand and said, "Razz, would you please hand me the cream in the blue crystal jar in my bag?"

Razz efficiently produced the jar and handed it over.

"Would you please numb this wound?" Guni asked Alex politely.

"Already done," she said. "But it seems more urgent to cut this collar off. Did anyone call a metal worker?"

"Ah, but I am better prepared this time." Guni set down the jar and held out a small hand to Razz, who after only a few seconds of searching, placed metal shears in them.

"Master Metal Worker Crota is a bit difficult to work with, so I will spare us his presence, at least for now. Do you need a moment to prepare yourself?" he asked Rile with true concern.

"Nah, I'm a 'do it and get it over with' kind of guy," Rile said.        

The Master Healer's hands were a blur as he cut the collar in multiple places all around Rile's neck. Then he expertly plucked each piece of collar, spike attached, out of Rile's neck. Rile, like Razz, didn't even flinch.

Guni was quick to slather cream over his neck and knife wounds. Then his nimble fingers flew over Rile's arm, belly, and legs.

"I do not feel any other wounds," he said. "Are there numbed ones I should know about?"

Rile shook his head. "That's it. Thanks, Master Healer."

In the meantime, Dr. Glick had taken the opportunity to poke and prod Alex for injuries. At the end, Dr. Glick said, "Good, no broken bones, and no internal hemorrhaging."

The Master Healer joined Dr. Glick at Alex's side. "Do you want me to send for Master Metal Worker Crota?" The Gecko's black eyes shone with amusement and his smile was kind. At Alex's uncertain look, he said, "Perhaps in the morning."

Razz touched the doctor's arm in an inquiring way.

"Yes, yes, they are cleared for the traditional bath." Dr. Glick answered and turned to leave.

"Excellent idea." Master Healer Guni packed his things in his bag.

"Bath?" Alex squeaked.

"Absolutely. Antiseptic for the wounds and medicinal for the contusions. Excellent remedy. Enjoy."

"Let us visit an excellent tavern that serves an excellent ale and meat pie," Guni said to Glick. "I would love to compare notes."

The two walked out together. Razz disappeared briefly and then reappeared, holding two robes. Alex and Rile took them, both a bit perplexed.

"Put them on," Razz said gently. When they shrugged on the robes, Razz, distressed, wrung his hands. "No, no, you must remove your clothing first, Mistress."

"I'm not comfortable with that." Alex clenched the robe closed tighter.

"Mistress?" Rile raised an eye-ridge at Alex.

"I tried to make him stop, but he insists on it," Alex said and clutched the robe tighter.

"Please, it is traditional for the warrior and the mate she has won to enjoy the ceremonial bath," Razz said.