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Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 14th February 2019
Series: The Wingleader's Surgery

Characters: D'hol, Luvis
Description: There aren't many options.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 15 of Turn 9

D'hol

D'hol stared out from his weyrledge, eyes watching the clouds as they
drifted by. He felt the press of Yumath's head against his side and he
absently caressed the soft hide, both drawing and giving comfort. The
large bronze's eyes whirled slowly with faint hints of yellow as they
both thought about what they had been told only early this morning.

---

"I'm sorry that I don't have better news, Wingleader. Most likely,
preparations and decisions will have to be made." The Master Healer
Luvis's voice was not unsympathetic, but it was firm.

D'hol hand clenched to a fist, unseen by the Healer and despite a
sudden chill that went up his spine, his voice was flat. "What are my
options?"

"You don't have many, I'm afraid. Look" Luvis drew out a hide showing
basic human anatomy and D'hol leaned forward to look. "It's here. The
dolphins can't specify what exactly the mass is and the only way we
can know for certain is to cut you open and possibly take it out. The
problem with that is, that it leaves you open to infection that could
be severe and can be just as risky as the other option which is to
leave it in. But, if it's what I'm afraid it is, it will make you
sicker if it remains. If it is a wasting sickness, then it's difficult
to treat, Wingleader. I've seen similar situations, sometimes nothing
happens. But sometimes the person dies within a turn or less."

As D'hol leaned back in his chair, Luvis could see the hard swallow
even if the bronzerider across from him kept his face outwardly calm.
"So, leave it in or take it out."

Luvis nodded. "Yes. But don't have to do anything right now, what we
can do is watch it. You will have to come here, once a month to be
examined. If our dolphin says the mass is getting bigger, then it may
damage other organs or be the wasting sickness. If it is, then it's
cut out, or you will die, Wingleader."

D'hol clenched his jaw, locking down his emotions as Yumath became
increasingly alarmed. He inwardly soothed the dragon and faced the
Healer. "Is there anything I should look for?"

"Blood in your waste or when you vomit. Any increase in your pain is a
warning sign. I know it's mild right now, but it can worsen. If you
find yourself unable to urinate or make waste, or your abdomen begins
to bloat, you will need to come here immediately."

"Very well, Master Luvis." He rose and offered a hand that was
undeniably clammy but didn't tremble.

Luvis rose and shook the proffered hand. "You understand that if it is
severe, a report to your Weyrleaders will need to be made. Your
health…"

D'hol interrupted him. "I will make the report myself, if it's
necessary. I would ask that you not say anything until I give you my
decision. I would also ask that you not inform our Healers just yet. I
would like this handled privately until there isn't another option."

Luvis frowned, not liking the request, but slowly nodded. "For now, I
will agree. I will also ask that you do not make any sudden decisions
until we know what we're dealing with. This news is never easy for
anyone and it takes some adjustment."

D'hol took a breath and nodded. "I will see you next month."

---

Yumath stared up at his rider and pressed his head closer. }: I fear
for us, Mine. :{

**I know. I fear as well.** D'hol stroked his hand over the large
head. **But we are in agreement?**

The bronze looked up at the sky. }: We are agreed. :{

**At the first sign…** D'hol's inner voice trailed off as he studied
the sky, unable to complete the thought.

}: We die fighting. As it should be and as we have always said. :{

Last updated on the February 28th 2019

Series: The Wingleader's Surgery [Next: Life Doesn't Give the Expected]

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