"04 - Storm Season (a)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

turned to face , Saliman and did not see.

"A fine question," the Lizerene agreed. "To grasp the answer you must first
understand the process." He was in his own element now, and his nervousness
melted away. "There will be two parts to the healing. The first is relatively
simple, but it will take some time. It involves drawing out the infection, the
poisons, from the wounds. The true test lies in the second phase of the healing.
There is damage here, extensive damage-and to the bones themselves. To mend bone
takes time, more time that I'd venture, m'lord Jubal wishes to invest. I would
therefore accelerate the body processes, thereby shortening the time required.
While in this state you will consume and pass food at an incredible rate-for the
body needs fuel for the healing. What would normally require days will transpire
in hours; the processes of months compacted into weeks."

"Have you ever used this technique before?" Saliman asked.

"Oh, yes," Vertan assured him. "m fact, you know one of my patients. It was I
who healed Balustrus. Of course, that was back in the capital before he changed
his name."

"Balustrus," Jubal scowled, an image of the crippled metal-master flashing in
his mind.

"I know what you're thinking," the Lizerene injected hastily, "but I have done
much to perfect my skills since then. I was surprised, though, that he
recommended me. At the time he was not at all pleased with the results of my
work."

"I see," the slaver murmured. He shot a look at Saliman who nodded slightly,
acknowledging that the metal-master would have to be investigated more closely.
"But, if I follow your program twill be able to use my legs-normally?"

"Oh yes," Vertan assured him confidently. "The key factor is exercise. Balustrus
remained abed throughout the process, so his joints fused together. If you have
the strength and will to work your legs constantly you should regain full
mobility."

"Do that for me and I'll pay you double your fee, however large, without
question or complaint. When can you begin?"

"As soon as your man there takes his leave of our company," the sorcerer said.

"What?" Saliman exclaimed, rising to his feet. "You said nothing about-"

"I'm saying it now," Vertan cut him short. "Our methods are generally known, but
our techniques are guarded. If one undisciplined in our order were to learn them
and then attempt to duplicate our efforts without complete understanding of the
signs and dangers, the results would be not only disastrous but demeaning to our
humble order. No-one but the patient may witness what I propose to do. The laws
of our order are most strict about this."