Ralph and the Pixie

Seeming to welcome the distraction, Pran replied, ‘Those who share my farm do so to our mutual benefit. The farm is mine in title, but serves all of us equally. And,’ he added with a smile, ‘the others are most pleased with our latest additions. Ralph’s smithing has been a most welcome boon. For several years now I have endured listening to Arlon (Nevana’s father) and Durphel, as they work out in the fields, cursing whoever made the old plough they use, though until now there had been none better made. As well, the very presence of a Healer is a great source of comfort for those of us who have children, and those who risk injury every day. You have already spared a number of our neighbours and passers-by a long and inconvenient trip to Mirrindale to receive treatment.’

Doc smiled wryly. ‘That’s pretty much how I live back home. Out in a rural area where I’m still needed since my retirement. Gives me something useful to do. Gives the folks around me some piece of mind. Speaking of piece of mind,’ he said, drawling rhetorically, ‘it would ease my mind greatly if I knew what this civil war of yours was all about.’

‘There is no civil war as yet,’ Pran replied evasively.