Page 67 of The Infirmary for Dragon Burns and Midair Mishaps

He certainly looked like he’d been on an adventure.

As he drew closer, I could make out the same weathered expression that I’d grown fond of long ago—a wrinkled brow, twinkling blue eyes creased at the corners, a knowing smirk on his lips. Despite his gray hair and the patchiness of his beard, Gunther had the look of someone who was always up to a bit of mischief. And that was perhaps why he was so adored.

I sucked in a warm breath as memory filled me. It was days spent at his side, learning everything he had to teach me about burns, and evenings spent laughing over hot tea and bowls of stew. With Gunther I’d learned what it was to have a family again.

Reo rushed down the steps to greet him, clapping him on the shoulder and offering to take his bag. Matty was down next, catching Gunther in a teetering hug that practically pulled him off his feet.

“What did you bring me?” Poppy asked, bounding down to Gunther’s side, her hands folded together in anticipation.

“Have you ever met a trader of curiosities?” Gunther whispered. “Someone who’s seen the great frozen lands in the North? Someone who’s travelled the vast shores of distant isles in search of shells that sparkle like starlight?”

She shook her head, eyes wide, mouth caught in an “O”.

Gunther pointed to his pack on Reo’s shoulder, and Poppy raced after him with a gleeful shriek. Nisse smiled after her, shaking her hand and laughing. “Looks like I just lost my assistant for the day.”

The rest of the infirmary cycled through hugs and greetings. I waited for my turn, basking in the warmth of the moment. Eventually, Gunther turned to me.

“Hello, my darling girl. I’ve missed that face,” he said. “It’s been too long.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” I replied. He held his arm out to me, and I sank into his hug, reminded suddenly of the comfort I’d always felt in his presence. I pulled back slightly, studying his face. He was a little older than I’d remembered. His wrinkles had wrinkles now, but he still smelled of dark licorice and lemon balm. And his hugs were still as strong.

“How have you been?” he asked, his arm shifting around my shoulders.

I gave him a pointed look, fighting the smile on my lips. “I have been holding this infirmary together in your absence. And what a trying time it’s been.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “I knew you would.”

I hummed, one eyebrow arched. “And where in our letters did you mention that you’d be off gallivanting while I was here doing your job?”

“It was not my intention,” Gunther said. “But, ahhh, such things cannot always be avoided.” He steered me up the steps to the infirmary. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about you in my absence. Poppy has kept me well-informed. She tells me you’ve gone above and beyond taking care of Ember Ridge.”

I smiled softly. “It’s not as if I didn’t have help. I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the team.”

He released my shoulder as he toddled through the doorway, and as I watched him, an errant thought caught me. Soon the migration would be finished. Soon the skies would quiet, and the threat of dragon burns would lessen for another year. The infirmary would be more than capable of carrying on without me, especially now that Gunther had returned.

I followed everyone inside and glanced around, wondering what place I had here if I stayed. Perhaps this was my sign from the stars that it was time to pack up my things and move on. Gunther would always have a home for me by his side, but that didn’t mean I was always meant to stay. I looked over my shoulder, my eyes flitting to the sky beyond the open door.

Some silly part of me was always hoping to catch sight of Min up there. Knowing that Vaela was close… No!

I needed to move on. The sooner the better. I could find another small town. Somewhere my mind wouldn’t constantly be consumed with thoughts of gorgeous dragon wranglers and warm lips and the scent of pine and leather.

I reached out, forcing myself to close the door. I turned around to find Gunther and the others gathered around the exam table.

“Well, go on, old man,” Reo said. “Fill us in on your worldly adventures.”

“Did you really get blocked by a dragon?” Poppy asked, looking at him in wonder.

“I did,” Gunther said. “I’ve never seen such a fat, lazy dragon in all my life.” Poppy laughed. “I thought we were going to have to roll it right off the road. But then I came across some injuries in Harper Falls that needed attention.”

“What kind of injuries?” Poppy asked.

“There was a group of traveling merchants that came across a wild dragon. A boy no older than you fancied himself a ride on dragonback.” Gunther swept his hand through the air. “He got about four feet up before the dragon sent them both crashing through the line of merchant carts. The whole group of them had to be brought to the infirmary in Harper Falls.”

“Lucky the fall wasn’t higher.” Seraphine tutted like a concerned mother. “What are these kids thinking?”

“That’s what I told him,” Gunther said. “But children often have to learn these things for themselves.”

“Probably a wrangler in the making,” Matty joked. He sobered quickly, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “The kingsguard have been through town looking to capture the Wretch.”