Convalescence

Another installment of the Tusker adventure, Icebound

Author’s note: I have previously published the prologue, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth chapters from my unpublished (and unfinished) novel, provisionally named Icebound. I’ve been noodling on the idea of serialized fiction for some time, and thought it would be a fun and challenging exercise to occasionally publish further chapters, and perhaps continue to write more, here on Swimpruf. The risk with serialized fiction, and writing forward, as it were, is that I can’t go back and edit or change details later since it will have already been put out into the world. A bit like removing your climbing anchors as you go up a rock wall. But there’s something thrilling in that challenge. So I’m going to give it a try, aiming loosely for once every month or two. So here is the next installment. I hope you enjoy it. — JH

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When Tusker opened his eyes, he thought he was underwater. His vision was blurred and his eyes burned. He was holding his breath, waiting to surface, but then had the realization that he was dry, and warm. He inhaled deeply with a loud gasp, and looked around. In the haze, he couldn’t make out where he was. It was bright, very bright, and he could only make out vague shapes. He was lying down and it was soft. A light blanket covered him and he could tell he was naked underneath it. He patted himself lightly and was relieved to feel no injuries to his arms, legs, or torso. But his head felt heavy and numb and he reached up to examine his face. His jaw felt swollen and then, as he touched his mouth, he realized there was a gap in his teeth that wasn’t there before. It felt pulpy and wet, but there was no pain. Clearly he was medicated, heavily. He tried to sit up, but it felt like something heavy was on his chest and he gave in to it and sunk back down, closed his eyes, and fell deeply asleep.