The weather takes a turn for the worse as the temperature continues to drop and more storms roll in. This morning, Eben awakens to the sound of thunder crashing outside and the drumming of rain on the roof of the cave.
It’s been a few days since Eben’s daring night-time escapade. As grateful as Adder seemed that Eben had survived, he’d been giving the half-elf the cold shoulder lately.
Eben couldn't blame him, honestly. Despite the fact he held true to his opinion Adder was being pig-headed about defending the town, Eben still feels guilty for using magic on him.
As he heads into the living room, he debates how he could make it up to Adder. He wants to apologize, but would Adder even believe Eben that it was out of his control? Eben doesn’t want Adder to think Eben is like Sheppard…the last thing he wanted was to hurt the gorgon with this unwieldy power.
As Eben enters the living area, he spots Daisy chopping something in the kitchen.
“Good morning, Daisy.”
The blonde jumps at the sound of Eben's voice, scowling at him. She brings a finger to her lips, pointing at the sleeping gorgon.
Eben ignores her warning, crouching before his slumbering friend and flicking the bells on his horns. “Adder, wake up. We need to check your wounds.”
Adder groans, swatting Eben’s hands away as he curls under the covers more. Daisy frowns, hands coming to her hips.
“Before you worry about him, you should be worrying about your own injuries.”
Eben ignores the blonde, stealing the covers off Adder with a flourish. “As I said, I heal fast. If you just give me a little while to avoid heavy labor, I’ll be right as rain. Until then, I can handle grumpy scales over here.”
Adder hisses in protest as Eben lightly pats the gorgon’s face. “C'mon Adder, at least roll over so I can take a look.”
Adder rolls onto his back, yawning as Eben gently removes the bandages. He’s relieved at the improved condition of the gorgon’s wounds. Several have closed, leaving just faint pink lines, while the gash across his chest had shrunk considerably.
Sterilizing his hands, Eben opens the jar of salve and spreads it gently over the remaining raw areas. The gorgon groans softly at the burn but seems to sigh in relief as Eben rewraps his wounds.
With a sigh of his own, Eben moves on to check his own injuries.
The bruises spotting his body were fading to a mottled yellow and the shallow cuts had started to scab over. However, the slice taken out of his side was a different story. It would probably take the rest of the month to heal.
Pulling off his tunic gingerly, the half-elf unwrapped the bandages and presses the herbal concoction into his wounds. Like Adder, Eben can't suppress a small groan at the sting the medicinal salve causes.
Adder sits up, seemingly awoken fully by the sound of Eben’s pain. “Do you need assistance…?”
Eben brushes off his friend’s concern, already rewrapping his wounds. “I’m fine, Adder. Don’t worry about me.”
Adder opens his mouth to argue, but Daisy interrupts as she places a tray on the table. Eben’s mouth waters at the scent of cinnamon and apple emanating from the bowls.
“What's this?” Adder asks
Daisy crosses her arms nervously. “It's cinnamon-apple oatmeal with goat milk and honey, as well as some ginger root tea… I just used what was on hand…”
Adder smiles pleasantly at the woman, immediately tucking into the meal. “Thank you, Daisy. That sounds wonderful. You can join us if you like.”
Daisy seems hesitant to eat at the table, previously taking all her meals in private, but at the gorgon’s request, she sits down on the rug beside Eben.
The half-elf begins to dig in, ready to taste what the nun had whipped up. He sighs contentedly as he takes a bite of the simple meal. The taste of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the creamy honey-sweetened oatmeal, and Eben almost feels the healing power of the ginger root as he washes the meal down.
As they eat, Eben starts up the conversation. “Adder, Since it’s raining so hard today, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on doing a deep clean indoors today.”
Adder seems to tense at Eben directing a question at him, frowning. The reaction makes Eben a little frustrated, but he tries to be understanding.
“That sounds fine to me.”
"Ah and... I wanted to clean Helia's room.”
When Adder stiffens further, Eben hastily starts to explain. “If you're okay with it, that is. I want to fix the mess I made."
Adder seems uncomfortable with the idea but gives in. “If you’re careful, I guess it’s okay…”
“I’ll clean up here and in the bedrooms,” Daisy adds.
Permission secured, Eben finishes his breakfast, heading off to start the day.
Carefully watching his step in the dark room, Eben lights each lantern lining the stone walls. Now in the soft glow of the amber light, he can study the area carefully.
The half-elf surveys the mess, taking note of the piles of books, broken statues, and strewn papers littering the floor. His heart twinges with guilt, remembering it was all his fault that Helia’s precious possessions now lay scattered in disarray.
In the far corner of the room, he can see what had frightened him so badly that fateful day; the petrified statue of Helia. Eben approaches warily, almost expecting the figure to rise and chastise him.
The elder doesn’t appear in a state of horror or fear, as Eben had expected of a petrified person. Instead the woman looks peaceful, albeit a bit eerie, looking up from her position in the oakwood chair. She’s smiling, with one hand extended as if taking someone’s hand.
Eben turns his attention to the table she’s sitting at, noticing several items placed on the surface. There appears to be a thick tome opened to a page, a small carved statue of a young harpy, and an empty china teacup. He wonders if these items were placed here by Adder, or if they were there from the moment of petrification. The pristine dust-free condition of the items, alongside the suspiciously new-looking headscarf on the statue, seems to indicate the former.
Turning away from the remains of Helia, Eben tries to clear his mind. He needs to get started on this mess.
Cracking his knuckles, he begins sorting all the askew items, starting by carefully collecting all the shards of the broken statues. Once they are all placed on the table, he moves on to the books.
He slots them into place on the bookshelves, hoping they are in the right order. It’s a little meditative, actually, to put things back where they belong. It feels right, to see all the books lined up in their little families of knowledge. Helia must have been a smart woman to have this many.
Once everything has been put in its place, Eben moves on to dusting and sweeping the room. However, his meticulous attention to wiping down the shelves is interrupted as he jumps at the sound of bells.
He looks up, spotting Adder at the entrance. “Hey Adder, I was just finishing up. Want to take a look?”
At the gorgon’s nod, Eben shuts his eyes obediently. “They’re closed, you can look now.”
The sound of slithering draws near as Adder inspects the room. A few moments pass before the gorgon speaks again.
“Alright, I'm putting the blindfold back on.”
Eben opens his eyes. “So how does it look?”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Adder gives a small smile. “It’s much better Eben, thank you. But um, the books are out of order…”
Eben feels his face heat. How did he forget about that? “I’m sorry Adder…I uh, I can’t read.”
“Oh! Um, it’s alright. I will organize it later. Are you feeling okay?”
Eben nods, hand subconsciously cradling his side. “Im fine. Is Daisy finished? I can go help her.”
“Actually, Eben… Can we talk?”
Eben’s heart thuds. That sentence is never a good sign… Is Adder going to finally confront Eben for using magic on him?
“Of course, Adder. What’s on your mind?”
The silence is stifling as he waits for the gorgon to continue. When he finally does, what Eben hears is not at all what he was expecting.
“Eben, I'm sorry.” Adder says, voice hardly above a whisper.
Eben’s surprise is evident on his face, he’s sure.
“Sorry for what, Adder?”
“It’s all my fault…Everything.”
“What do you mean?”
Adder’s face pinches. “Your injuries— your curse… it’s because of me.”
Eben takes Adder’s hand in his own, squeezing gently. “No, Adder. I already told you, I make my choices knowing what may come. These are just the consequences of my actions, it has nothing to do with you.”
Adder shakes his head. “No, it's not!
“Adder—”
“I try to let intruders get away if they give up, but that day I thought you were going to hurt that little girl…” Adder’s voice breaks, the hand on Eben’s tightening. “You could’ve been free, but I misjudged the situation. Now he’s punishing me by sending you here…”
Eben's confusion deepens, "What are you talking about? Who’s punishing you?”
“Father Sheppard… I had begged him to never send anyone again after Helia… He’s punishing me for killing her…”
Eben grits his teeth. Of course, it always returned to that vile priest! He pulls the gorgon forward, embracing Adder in his arms.
“I don’t blame you, Adder…”
The gorgon sinks into the hug, head falling into the crook of Eben’s neck.
“You should,” Adder says, voice muffled. “I couldn’t even protect the village, I passed out and you paid the price…”
Eben stiffens, pulling away. The weight of the truth hangs heavily on the half-elf, but he knows he needs to tell the truth. Adder has been kept in the dark his whole life— Eben refuses to perpetuate the twisted cycle of lies that torments his friend.
“You didn’t faint Adder…It was me. I used magic.” He confesses.
Adder gives a shocked intake of breath. “You put me to sleep?”
“Not intentionally!” Eben adds quickly. “I’ve never been able to cast magic before… Please believe me Adder, it was an accident. I’m sorry…”
For a fearful moment, the half-elf braces himself for a negative reaction, but his anxieties are quickly dispelled as his friend pulls him once more into a tight embrace.
“You can’t do that ever again Eben. Magic is only allowed by sanctioned members of the church.”
Eben lays his head on Adder’s chest, enjoying the thrumming beat of the gorgon’s heart.
“I know, but I can’t promise it won't happen again. I know nothing about elves, Adder, so I don't understand how this power works…”
Adder pets Eben’s head comfortingly.
“I’ll help you,” Adder promises. “Helia studied magic extensively, perhaps she has a book about elves somewhere.”
Eben tightens his embrace around his friend. His heart was light from Adder’s words, It felt so freeing to finally have someone genuinely care about him again.
“Ahem!” A female voice rings out.
Both Eben and Adder startle from the embrace, turning to the sound.
“Daisy!” Adder exclaims. “You startled me…”
Daisy looks anxious, ice-blue eyes darting between Adder and Eben. “I need Eben to help me in the kitchen…”
Adder nods. “Alright. I’ll be in here.”
Eben follows Daisy out of the study. As they step out into the living area, the nun turns to Eben, face pensive.
“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” She asks, tone disturbed.
“I’m fine,” he replies, slightly taken aback. “Why?”
Daisy hesitates for a moment before answering, frowning in confusion. “He was holding onto you, I thought—”
The half-elf’s eyes narrow as he interrupts. “You thought what?”
“That he was forcing himself on you…” She finishes.
Eben balls his fists. Was the brainwashing so intense in these people that Adder couldn’t even receive a simple embrace without fearing vilification?
“It was just a hug, one I initiated.”
Daisy stares blankly. Frustrated, Eben stalks off towards the kitchen.
“Where are you going?” The blonde asks.
“You said you needed help in the kitchen,” he replies tersely. “ I’m helping you in the kitchen.”
Eben takes a glance at what the woman has set out. Over the fire, a large pot of meaty stew seems to be bubbling and swirling. Taking a sniff, Eben smells the fragrant scent of sage, thyme, and rosemary.
“What are we making?” Eben asks.
“Ah… just some cornbread and mashed potatoes to go with the stew.” Daisy replies, still looking confused.
The half-elf ignores her astonishment, favoring to start on his task. “Well I have no idea how to bake, so I’ll do the potatoes.”
Daisy nods silently, still processing their interaction.
Silence fills the room, only broken by the light drum of rain and the bubble of the cauldron.
Eben tries to direct his negative feelings into peeling the spuds efficiently, but can't keep quiet long.
Eben slices a potato in half, chucking it a little too hard into the bowl. “Why do you care what Adder does to me anyway? I doubt Father Shepherd cares if he roughs me up. ”
Daisy glances at Eben from across the table, cracking an egg into a bowl. “Because Fern likes you…Gods know why.”
The nun pauses, eyes darting away from Eben’s as she measures a bowl of cornmeal. “Besides, I’m not so cruel that I would ignore something terrible happening to you…Why were you hugging him? ”
Eben huffs, pouring water into a pot and placing it on the wood stove. “You don’t hug Fern?”
Daisy flushes, hands fumbling with her wooden spoon. “Why is that relevant?”
Eben’s eyes narrow. That was an interesting reaction. He smirks. “Don’t tell me that you two are doing a little more than hugging…”
“Pardon me! I don’t like what you’re implying!” Daisy yells, throwing an eggshell at Eben. It hits him directly in the face, falling into the bubbling pot.
Unfazed, Eben picks it out delicately, replacing it with the peeled potatoes. “How daring, a forbidden romance between a vampyre and a werewolf.”
Daisy flushes, spoon stirring her cornbread mixture aggressively. “More daring than romancing a gorgon?”
Eben smirks salaciously. “Romancing is probably too flowery a word for what I’ve been up to.”
Daisy gawks, horrified. “Oh my gods, he’s going to kill you!”
Eben hums. “I always hoped I’d go out from vigorous love-making.”
Daisy sets the bowl down with a clatter. “Gods above, have some shame.” Daisy groans dramatically.
Eben laughs at the outburst. “Don’t know the meaning of that word.”
Daisy glares, face turning serious. “Eben, you are playing with fire. Don’t risk your life like this, he’s dangerous!”
Eben returns his own icy stare. “No, he’s really not. He’s just a monster, the same way both you and I are monsters. He deserves to be treated fairly, not sequestered away and locked up.”
“Father Sheppard says—“
Eben sets his utensil down with a clatter, interrupting the woman. “Father Sheppard? You mean the bastard who’s playing with your lover’s life?”
“No— that’s not—“ Daisy stammers.
“That cretin does not have her best interests in mind.” Eben snarls. “He will kill her if it suits his agenda. You are afraid of the wrong man.”
Daisy averts her eyes, tucking tail and abandoning the conversation. The duo works in silence as they finish preparing the meal, the quiet only punctuated by the shuffling of pans and distant thunder.
It’s only after everything is finished is the quiet broken by Adder. The gorgon smiles as he enters the room, sniffing the air. “It smells wonderful in here. What did you make?”
Eben grins, attempting to ignore the heavy atmosphere for Adder’s sake. He drizzles a hearty amount of thick soup onto the creamy mashed potatoes, enjoying the way steam rises from the wholesome meal. “Cornbread, Goat stew, and mashed potatoes. Go ahead and sit down, I'll bring you a bowl.”
Adder sits at the table as requested, the tip of his tail thrashing slightly in anticipation. “That sounds heavenly! Thank you for your hard work, both of you.”
Eben places the two bowls down on the table, sitting beside his friend as he begins eating. The savory meal is deliciously comforting, but the half-elf finds the meal hard to enjoy as Daisy’s blue eyes seem to study them both carefully.
Will the nun come to realize Eben is telling the truth? Or is she just another lost cause?