The man known simply as “The Doctor” leaned against the grime covered wall. Simple? Nothing about his life was simple now. Heaving himself from the wall, he dumped his bag on the kitchen table and went to pour a drink.
“Ow! Have some care…” The sound coming from the bag faded as it began rolling. The Doctor caught it just before it hit the ground. He stood dumbfounded for a moment.
“Well let me out, would you?” his mind was warning him something was off, but it seemed like a reasonable request. He managed to get the zipper halfway when the creature ran out of patience.
Out of the bag squeezed a small imp-like being. He was a whole two feet high, with hair covering his body. The coarse fur stuck out from his bright red coveralls in all directions. The scowl on his face was matched by the fragrance that rose from him.
“Now them…” the imp surveyed the cramped apartment. Books stacked in towers, racks overflowing with potions, breakfast still on the table. It took out a clipboard.
“Professionalism does not extend to home life.”
“Who are you?” Professionalism?
“Why were you in my bag?” The imp sighed.
“As I said before, I am Kindal, I am with the court of the woods, and I am here for your review.”
“Review?” The Doctor prided himself on forming a word. He did not know there would be check-ins when he accepted the job. Spend seven years as a doctor for those afflicted by fairy charms or viruses, receive immortality. It was a pretty straight forward contract, or so he thought at the time. Since then, he had been working from dawn to dusk. There were always new patients. He was not naive; he knew he was essentially a cleanup crew for the fae. But the pay was good.
“Yes, review. I have reports here that an unauthorized curse removal occurred three moons ago when it was full. Suspicion is now on you. Do you know how the parkwide curse was dismantled?”
“There were children there!” His words fell on cold ears.
“It was intended to be a royal message. You are also noted to preference the poor when conducting authorized healings. The rules were very clear. Anyone who can pay, in the order they arrive, do you understand?” The Doctor resisted the urge to kick it and nodded.
“Very good. Then I’ll leave you to your…home. Present yourself at the next moon to the woodland council to explain the aforesaid charge.” Kindal turned and strode to stand in front of the door. He coughed and waited. The Doctor let him out and locked the door. He wondered if he could outrun bounty hunters.
C.M. Wellsmore 