Using his newfound discovery, Eiron continued supplementing the Sulcar over the next several days. It was a draining affair. His typical workload still took several hours each day, leaving him more exhausted than ever. Though, for him, it wasn't much of a choice. Not only was he learning about Essence and how to use it, but he was also having a profound impact on the plants' health. Sure, he did get some strange looks as he plunged into the river every fifteen minutes, but it was worth it. Besides, the fields were remote enough that it was only Coras or people passing by who caught sight of his antics.

The results spoke for themselves. No longer were any of the Sulcar smaller than that original one he had experimented on. They were all taller, more resolute. The bulbs themselves were vibrant with color and even swayed less in the wind. He had finished just in time too. Tomorrow was harvest day.

That thought was the first that ran through his head as he awoke. His protesting muscles quickly overrode his excitement. With the constant pushing and pulling of essence, the soreness had a new dimension to it. He imagined himself like a rough shirt on wash day; Twisted up and thoroughly wrung out. 'Just one more day.'

It was a mantra for Eiron. Pain still remained, but its debilitating nature was restrained. 'Just one more.' He carried it with him as descended the stairs, through the door. It reverberated in his head as he washed his face in ice-cold water. He stepped back inside, sat at the table, and heard it ring out across the room.

"Just one more day until harvest."

Apparently, his father was in the same state of mind. They exchanged grim smiles which held a comfort only those with shared misery could grasp. Celum was seated at a separate table, a small pile of dripping Sulcar stacked beside him. Eiron hadn't taken much interest in his parents' work before, but his growing knowledge of essence, and its connection to the plants, caused him to view things in a new light. The process itself, he had seen hundreds of times. He thought through it anyway, curious if there was some aspect he had missed.

First, there was the extracting of the plants. Roots and all, they were carefully pulled from the ground and placed in shallow crates. Although they were fragile, each plant didn't weigh much so the few stacked in each crate held their pristine condition as they were brought back to the storage shed. The next several weeks was a time of relaxation while everyone in the village waited for the Sulcar to dry.

Next, they were brought inside the house in batches and soaked in the deep pool of water. It was empty now, the last of them lying beside Celum. Admittedly, it was a bit strange. They dried them for weeks only to submerge them in water days later. He'd always been told the drying killed off pests and disease...was there more to it? Was it drawing essence from the pool of water, only feet away? Did the water pull essence from the plant?

He started to ask, then snapped his mouth closed. How would he even know about Sulcar having essence if he wasn't practicing without supervision? He pondered his question in silence, savoring his breakfast soup. There were far too many 'maybes'. In any case, after soaking for several more days, the actual work started.

Each stalk would be taken out individually and dissected with utmost care. The roots were removed and cast aside to be used as kindling. Separating the stem from the bulb took the longest. Each one typically took an hour of delicate cuts and peeling. It was dreadfully boring. He never watched for long, so he couldn't say exactly how it was done. Eventually, the bulb was cut free and hung up to dry, yet again. In contrast, the stem was split down one side and fully unrolled. Back into the water it went. After each plant was separated, the stems were stacked between layers of damp cloth and placed in carts. The bulbs got their own crates. Every bulb was nestled in dried grass clippings, keeping them safe on their final journey.

Sending off the annual caravan was the other yearly celebration besides Ortus. Eiron reminisced fondly. But he was getting distracted, where did the plants go once they left the village? It should be a safe enough question. Pain sliced into his leg. He winced and chanced a look under the table. Sure enough, another cut. Thankfully, this one was much shallower, only a trickle of blood running down his calf. He glanced up in fear, had his father noticed?

He was hunched over a Sulcar plant in deep focus. Eiron wracked his brain for any way to leave without being noticed. Would it stop bleeding soon enough? Could he cross his legs and wipe it away? But that would stain his shorts...there were no good options. Would it be so bad to just ask? But his first cut had been brushed off, what if they knew it wasn't his bedframe? He could feel his heart pounding now. With a shaky voice, he decided to take a risk.

"Father, what is done with the Sulcar we send away? They're sold in the city but why would anyone buy them?"

Celum paused, knife in one hand, stalk in the other.

"Ah, many reasons I s'pose. Rich folk cook the stems in their fancy dishes. Tradesmen, the bulbs. They use them in- well now, I'm getting in front of your lessons. Best you ask the Elder about that."

"Did he teach you back when you were young?"

"Are ye calling me old boy?" His smile cut the accusation. "Perhaps I am. There was another Elder back then. A kind woman who was harsh when it mattered."

"But were you...did you ever... It's just that the Elder said using essence was dangerous. Did you ever have anything bad happen?"

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Celum studded him for a few tense moments. Setting down the knife, he looked up towards the ceiling before speaking slowly.

"Hmm...I can't say that I have. Following the lessons never led me down a rocky path." Eiron's heart sunk. "Well...there was one time." It leaped up again in hope. "A few of us thought we were far smarter than was the case and tried to push a tree over with essence. All we managed was knocking loose a large branch. Somehow, we escaped with limbs intact."

"That doesn't sound that dangerous. Did it ever cause you...pain?"

"Now listen here. Don't you go around trying anything unless the Elder says so. And causing of pain is never the answer, no matter how mad you be at someone. Understood?"

"Yes, father. I understand. It's not like that at all."

"Well good. Keep your feet on the ground and you'll improve with time. Life is more than some measure of essence or even how you use it. Run along now. I checked the field last night and the plants are looking more hale than ever. Still saw a few weeds so make sure the field is ready for harvest."

Eiron sighed and drank down the remaining soup. Waiting for just the right moment, he stood from the table while his father turned to place a finished bulb with the rest. Limping along, he angled his leg away to hide the mark. Outside, a quick splash from the water bucket washed most of the blood away and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

He trudged along the dirt path to the fields. As he passed by those tended by others, he inspected the quality of their plants. Though many looked well tended to, none were as vibrant as his. Arriving at his field, he surveyed his handiwork with a proud smile. It was almost enough to distract him from the cut on his leg.

Despite his continuous waking nightmare, the cuts were becoming normal. As normal as the situation allowed. Avoiding the horrific sight of them forming certainly helped. Watching them appear remained as terrifying as the first time. He doubted he could ever become accustomed to that part. Worse, were the unknowns. Who else could he ask about this affliction? How long could he hide it?

Across the river, he could see Coras watching him. Did he already know? Was he suspicious of the Sulcar? Eiron could feel despondency rising up. He rejected it by going about his tasks. Father had been right, there were quite a few weeds left. In his gathering and spreading of essence, had he been negligent? Nothing to do now but start yanking them out, with care.

It took many hours, much sweat, and a heavy amount of stress to clear them all. Eiron tossed the last one to the side and scanned the rows. They were perfect! He felt light and free. The fact that tomorrow would also be a long day did nothing to dampen his spirits. This was the culmination of a full season's worth of work, he deserved to enjoy the moment.

"Greetings Eiron. Finally done?"

Jumping, Eiron spun around. Coras was standing there with a sheepish expression.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Eiron waited until his heartbeat returned to its usual pattern before responding.

"It's fine. Did you finish early?"

"Yup. There's only so much that can be done by tomorrow. Your field looks amazing. What's your secret?"

"Um...I just focused on tending each plant and keeping weeds and blight away. Yours look great as well!"

"Mine are okay but not nearly as healthy as these."

Coras crouched down and looked at the nearest one inquisitively. Could he feel something was off? Should he say anything more?

"Maybe your family had better seeds this year. Or the river liked your soil more. You spent enough time in it the past couple of weeks."

"It's been so hot...and it helped with the boredom."

"But what about the Arcleum? You were fine with risking them just to cool down?"

Eiron shrugged helplessly. Fidgeting, he looked over at the river flowing by.

"I haven't seen any since that one chased you. I could just kick it again anyway."

He forced a smile, trying to divert the conversation. Divert it did...right off a cliff.

"Thanks again, I've never seen anyone kick that hard. Oh...what's wrong with your leg?"

Panicked, Eiron snapped his head down to look. The scab over the most recent cut had broken open again. It must have happened somewhere along that last row.

"Oh, I guess I scratched it on something."

"Looks painful."

"It's not too bad. I get scratched a lot so I'm used to it."

"Still looks like a rough one. Guess it's the field's last try to make us miserable."

Relief! Another uncomfortable conversation avoided. A thought intruded, causing Eiron's pulse to pound in his head.

"Actually, cuts just happen to me for no reason."

What had he done? Why was it so easy to say? He watched Coras's reaction with intense fixation. Would there be disgust? Maybe ridicule? Coras stood fully up and stared at him, face blank. That was far worse. Eiron's fidgeting morphed into wringing his hands. Should he explain more? Downplay the seriousness?

"I get scratches too without noticing. Happens to everyone."

"No, I saw one form before my eyes. I wasn't touching anything at all."

Was he insane? This was not how this conversation was supposed to go. He tensed, waiting for a response, a ridicule, anything. Was that a bit of fear clouding Coras's?

"Ha, you almost had me for a second. Save your spooky stories for the little children."

Oh. This was far worse. Despair reached for him and he was too tired to resist.

"Just make sure to stay away from sharp rocks and I'm sure you'll be fine. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow Eiron. It'll be a great harvest!"