Damn that arrow really got through didn't it. Amal come look at this, Damon has been hit.

  Oh dear, this isn't good. Where is the rest of the arrow?

  It broke off when I tried to pull it out.

  Why did you do that? These are serrated arrowheads, pulling them back just lodges them in stronger.

  Yes well I didn't know that at the time. Just get rid of it for me will you, it is very painful to make an understatement.

  We're going to have to amputate it I'm afraid.

  What do you mean amputate? It's in my stomach!

  Oh right, force of habit saying that.

  I'm going to have to make a cut in your back so I can pull it out on the other side, avoiding your vital organs.

  Can we deal with this in the next town? I'll suffer through the pain, then we can find a healer.

  If you were to walk it will move around and potentially cause more damage to your organs. And your wound will likely get infected. Besides, they'd still have to remove it. We have to act now. Lay down and let me fix this for you.

  Why did they send Amalsius with us? How is he the best doctor that they could find?

  Relax a little Damon. There's no need to be anxious. Few of my patients have died. I'll have you know I have a 37% surgery survival rate, the highest in the eastern ward of Streyhal.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  That doesn't relieve me at all. That means nearly 2 thirds of your patients have died. That's not a good number at all Amalsius, why did you even mention it. I rather you told me nothing. Oh gods, why didn't we bring a healer instead.

  Amal makes a few incisions and removes the arrowhead from his abdomen as he clenches his teeth.

  By the way, I lied. I actually have a 85% survival rate.

  Why didn't you tell me that then? I was fearing for my life.

  I thought it'd be funny to see your reaction.

  The group continues onwards.

  Why were you so intent on saving those bandits earlier Zephyr, I'm worried your moral convictions might become an issue later. When facing great threats, it is often necessary to remove them entirely. It is the only solution, Xenia says.

  When it is possible, I want us to avoid seriously injuring our opponents. There is a chance they might better their life in the future. They were just mere bandits. We are not dealing with maniacs or powerful generals who committed horrible atrocities.

  That is a noble perspective to take, you have more faith in humanity than I have, Xenia replies.

  I respect your views Zephyr, they are most virtuous. You will make for a great leader, Damon says confidently.

  How come that during the fight Xenia's poison attacks were purple coloured and yours are dark green Amalsius?

  Why did you have to ask that Felicity.. Thank you for yet again reminding me of my inferiority. Amalsius replies with a sad tone of voice.

  My spells are stronger and its poison is more potent. Weaker poison mages have bright green colours and it gradually becomes more purple as you get stronger. It's kind of like how experienced fire mages have blue flames compared to the red or yellow ones from mediocre ones.

  Oh I see, so Amalsius is the weaker poison mage. Like the baby mage, and you're the parent. Perhaps he could learn a lot from you?

  Amalsius doesn't respond, he just starts walking a bit faster to outpace the group.