Sacred Vow – Chapter 14

“All right!”  Ian attempted to spring up from the couch.  “Ooooh!”  As pain hit him, he collapsed into a hobble.  Eventually his movement smoothed into something of a walk.

“I think that might be it, Djalma.  I won’t have to fall into those random lives, suffering along with unhappy, unknowing versions of our existences together.”

“Don’t be careless and make me regret telling you,” Djalma said.  “It’s only speculation.  It’s also possible your return to Katerina is not something that can be repeated.”

Still walking somewhat clumsily around the room, Ian shook his head.  “No, what you said about the verse rings true with me.  I might have needed you to bring it to my attention, but now that I’ve heard the words, I feel its truth, deep within myself.

“I have to tell you, a few more visits as unhappy as the last handful, and I don’t know that I could keep taking those trips.  I’m certain Katerina and I need to be in touch with each other, but I don’t believe the random locations are beneficial.  In fact those interactions may be causing some harm.

“If Katerina and I can work to help each other, I’m sure we will be able to achieve our purpose — whatever it is.”

Djalma picked up his book and went back to reading.  Ian was concentrating on exercising his weak muscles.  “One thing you’ll need to consider,” Djalma added.  “Even if Katerina can consistently bring you back to her location, there’s some reason she did not attempt to heal you after you were retrieved from the void.”

Ian slowed down and stared at Djalma skeptically.  He was about to take offense at Djalma’s speculation.

“Don’t you think she would have mended your damage if it was possible?” Djalma said.  “Even though you two can communicate, you still exist in completely separate primary realities.  Katerina may have sent you home because it was impossible to make you well in her home world.”

Ian started to drop some of his defensiveness.  “So, what are you suggesting, Djalma?”

“Keep exercising.  Eat well, friend.  I’m sure Katerina will share what she can, but you’re going to have to attend to your own well-being.”

Ian picked up a pillow from a chair close by and threw it at Djalma.  The effort was feeble, posing only a comic threat to Djalma.  It fell to the floor well before his feet.