Three blows and a stab.

They were coiled in the shadows, ready to pounce...but now was not their time. For now, those imminent forces could only watch. Hovering behind Eiron, they followed as he was dragged along. The two figures doing the mild dragging didn't interest them in the slightest. They only had eyes for Eiron. With rushed steps in the darkness, those three humans walked the deserted roads. Occasional light spilled from out from the homes, illuminating their faces. One anxious, the other, suppressing stress. And Eiron. His was bewildered, fearful, and the tiniest bit hopeful. If those forces waiting along the thread of time could laugh, they would be unable to stand.

Through the streets, those three strained individuals made rapid progress toward their destination. The streets curved in an organic fashion, winding between buildings, splitting off, rejoining. Past the square, Eiron stumbled over something unseen in the dark. The firm grip on his arm steadied his balance. Fading into view, an unlit house finally made its appearance. It was well removed from the others while still technically remaining a part of the village. Low eaves hung over the stone walls like a blanket. The support braces were each elegantly carved, a clear contrast to the simplistic construction of the other homes; If there was enough light to make out the details.

The thick door barely shook as Celum pounded on it. Eiron focused on the sound, the smooth stone beneath his feet, anything he could. Surely the Elder could fix this. There must be a solution, a mistake to be corrected. Why hadn't he been warned of this before? After an uncomfortable amount of time, a warm glow appeared from within. It bobbed and weaved, casting twisting shapes on the three of them and the landscape as a whole.

A scraping, the bar was finally being removed. The door creaked open revealing the disgruntled elder, lamp held in one hand. His hair was wild, shooting off in all directions. Tired eyes met their concerned ones. He gestured them inside with a sigh. They stepped over the threshold and with a subtler groan, the door was closed behind them.

Linoh limped over to a small table and set the lantern down with a shaky grip. Stiffly, he sat on the edge of a chair and leaned heavily on the wooden surface.

"What troubles you enough to forgo sleep? On harvest days of all days. Or should I say night?"

Celum stepped closer, gave a shallow bow, and placed the Sulcar plant on the table.

"Apologies Elder, this be a matter of great import which we hoped you'd aid us in."

The flickering light showcased every line in Linoh's exhausted face. Eiron studied them all, the proofs of experience and wisdom a comfort to his fragile state. That is, if a slight alleviation of despair could be considered comfort.

"I should hope so, or my rest may never forgive you. What's the issue with the Sulcar?" He picked it up and examined it from all sides. "I looks healthier than most, no disease or pests..."

"The essence, Linoh. What can you see?"

Giving the plant his full focus, Linoh squinted down at the plump bulb. Not a soul breathed. His brow deepened in confusion, then snapped up to Celum.

"What is the meaning of this? Where did you find this plant?"

"In our field Elder. In Eiron's field."

The sharp gaze jumped to Eiron.

"Just what did you do?"

He could feel the weight behind those eyes. They compelled him to tell all, no matter the consequences.

"I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do anything like that. Was just trying to help. They grew bigger from the water...can you fix it? What happened?"

Eiron didn't think it was possible, but those eyes grew sharper. They now held an accusation, one which certainly frightened him, but not more than his fear of failing his parents.

"Water? Tell me you didn't...but there's no other explanation. Look at me boy, did you put essence into this plant?"

A weak nod.

"Was that essence from the river after I specifically said to never experiment with other types of essence without direct supervision? Was I not clear enough? Did you somehow hear the exact opposite words come out of my mouth? Tell me boy, did you do this?"

He couldn't meet the Elder's eyes. He stared down at a stain on the floorboards, wishing he could be as unnoticeable. With a trembling voice, he forced out an answer.

"Yes, Elder."

"I am appalled. To so recklessly put yourself and others in danger, it is a shameful act that requires consequence. There will be no more lessons for you until next Ortus. Maybe by then, you'll have learned restraint and obedience that is fitting of an adult. For now, it appears you are still but a child."

The harsh tone hit Eiron like a slap to the face. The punishment hit him harder. Still, he thought bitterly, it did make sense. How could anyone trust him? He forced his eyes up.

"I understand. But...will you fix the Sulcar? The essence is still there, I felt it."

Linoh clasped his hands and shook his head sorrowfully.

"It is clear you don't understand. There is nothing to be done. I would have explained this soon enough in your lessons...if only you had waited. With plants, a strange thing occurs. The essence you hold is adapted to your body specifically. If not, a strong breeze or wave would pull it from your grasp. A similar thing occurs with animals, but that's an entirely different interaction. Plants themselves also adapt the essence, but it remains in a form anyone can use. When you feed essence to a plant or tree, it takes on that adaptation of your body, fully copying it. Once it has done so, there is no changing it. Consider it locked to only you."

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Eiron's heart recoiled. No, it couldn't be. That would mean...he stood there in shock. Glancing over, he could see the reality sink in for both his parents. His father's face was grim. Determination was clear but completely dominated by the weight of duty. His mother's was intense anger. He was the sole target.

"It is a serious mistake, but at least it didn't reach too far."

Celum shook his head, unable to speak.

"Listen, it was only the one plant. Why, you could have lost the entire crop!"

An unidentifiable sound broke out from Veska. Eiron shuddered, utterly appalled at what he had done. He spit the words out.

"I did the whole field."

Linoh leaned back in his chair and let out a long, slow breath.

"I see."

No reassurance, to further condemnation, just two little words. Eiron bent his head, hands covering his face. What had he done? An entire year, wasted.

"We'll make due somehow. We always have 'afore."

"How? We have no savings, no riches. Explain to me how you expect us to make it through a whole year on nothing?!"

His mother was right. There wasn't anything to even try. The harvest sitting in their shed might as well be grass clippings. Dead leaves might be more useful. Why? Why couldn't he just listen? Why did he have to try to help? Was that why he had snuck out so many nights? Was it only for his own benefit? He winced. Tears threatened to fall.

The Elder should have told them all of the dangers! But hadn't he? The river wasn't even safe, Arcleum could have torn him limb from limb. How had he been so blind, so captivated by this new world of essence? How could he have thought he knew better than the Elder himself. And why was it so silent?

He lowered the hands obscuring his vision and froze. There was a new stain on the floor, in between his feet. A small red splotch, a sinking in his stomach, a second one joined it. No, it couldn't be, not now. Dreading what he would find but knowing it was too late, he looked at his hand. Just as he had feared, a fresh cut. It was smaller than some of the others, only running diagonally from his wrist to his fingers, but none of that changed the outcome.

His hand was shaking now, uncontrollably. Both of them were. The last support of his entire world was crashing to the ground. Knowing it was inevitable, he looked up. Would they be concerned? Did they have answers? His modicum of hope was dashed against the rocks.

Revulsion, disgust, fear. Common emotions at this point, but they hurt far worse coming from the three around him. He was crushed under the weight. A whisper only added more.

"Boy...what manner of evil is this?"

"I...don't understand. Veska said it had only been a dream."

"Eiron, what have you done?"

So heavy. He had to breathe. Tightness in his chest. The room was tilting.

"Speak boy. Explain yourself!"

One leg gave out, He leaned on the other, and with his uninjured hand, he forced the weak knee to lock. Would the words help? Could anything?

"I don't know. It just happens. It started after Ortus. They appear on their own. It hurts."

"Appearing on their own? With no weapon or object?"

The tightness had reached his throat now, he could only swing his head from side to side.

"This is greatly concerning. It could be some rare illness or something more sinister. This is far beyond my knowledge, perhaps that of anyone."

"An illness? Be there some sort of cure? Is it permanent?"

"The man just said there he doesn't know, weren't you listening? There's nothing to be done."

"Veska, you can't mean that. You expect him to just live a normal life with a curse such as this? Elder, tell us, what shall we do?"

"I...We must separate him from the others. We don't know what is causing this, or anything about it. If an illness, it could spread."

Veska immediately took two steps back. Eiron looked up at his father, pleading with his eyes. Face twisted in conflict, Celum reached out toward Eiron's shoulder, let his arm drop, and turned away. The step he took nearly stole the rest of Eiron's resolve. He was shaking from head to toe now, every sound was muffled.

"This is indeed important, but there are no answers to be had. Perhaps I will travel to nearby villages and see if such a thing has occurred before. Regardless, we can figure out the boy's isolation tomorrow."

"You expect us to sleep under the same roof as him? What will you say when cuts appear all over my body and I bleed on your floor?"

"Listen child, for to me you are still one. You have not caught this vile sickness yet, one more night will not kill you. Still take care however, it may even be necessary to burn his clothing.”

He waved his hand randomly.

“I can't think straight at the moment, sleep will bring clarity."

"We understand, Elder. We'll be taking our leave."

Linoh didn't respond. He sat there at the table, staring alternatively between Eiron, the useless Sulcar, and the flame flickering in the lamp. They left him to his contemplation, even the door thudding shut caused no reaction.

Oh, how dark the streets were. And how long a journey it was to reach their house. Eiron's legs felt like they were made of stone, if only his heart was as well. He walked on, trying to ignore his parents walking closely together a few paces behind. His steps blurred together. The tears fell, sliding across the rounded stones.

Time also blurred. Flashes of clear vision. His father's haggard expression as he climbed the stairs. The snapping of a cup his mother held. The dark entrance to his room. Was this to be the last time he entered? Finally, the two moons. They were overlapping, no wonder it was such a dark night.

He lay atop his bed for minutes...hours. Every horrible moment of that evening forcing itself into his mind. Over and over and over. Every expression, each venomous word. There was no escape.

A quiet creak, the door swung open. His mother? Why wasn't she asleep like father? The snores had started about an hour ago, she shouldn't be awake. She was holding a small leather pack, its strap dangling down, swaying with her movements.

She stopped just inside the door and gently set it on the floor. He had never seen her face this cold or disdainful. For a moment she stood there silently. She spoke quietly, though each word was horrifyingly clear for Eiron.

"Stand up. Take this pack. Now...leave my house and never return."

She turned away, her stiff back twisting the dagger in his heart, scaring his very soul. Then, he was truly alone.