The sun was beginning to set as Erik and Duke Phillips arrived at Erik’s village. The sight of the Duke's carriage, flanked by a few guards on horses, drew curious glances from the peasants, the modest people of the village weren’t used to seeing such a sight. It wasn’t often that high nobility visited such a remote place.
Erik felt a knot tighten in his stomach as they approached his home. He wasn’t sure how his mother would react to seeing him, especially in the company of a nobleman—especially the most important one in the region. His heart raced as they stopped in front of his house, a modest structure that had seen better days.
Phillips noticed Erik’s hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on the boy’s shoulder. “It’ll be alright, Erik,” he said softly. “Let’s go inside.”
They stepped up to the door, and Erik knocked lightly. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Alice. Her gaunt features mixed with her eyes dull with exhaustion. She froze upon seeing Erik, her gaze shifting quickly to the Duke and the guards behind him.
“Erik… what’s going on? Who are these people?” she asked.
Before Erik could respond, Phillips stepped forward, offering a warm smile. “Good evening, madam. I am Duke Phillips of Frosthollow. Your son is quite a brave young man. He saved me from a group of bandits on the road a few hours ago. We both got roughed up, but thanks to him, I’m here to tell the tale.”
‘Wow, I can’t believe he’s lying through his teeth like that,’ Erik noted. He wasn’t complaining, however, it was much better than explaining all the involvement.
Alice’s eyes widened in shock. “Bandits? Erik, are you hurt?” She reached out to touch her son, her hands trembling.
“I’m fine, Mom,” Erik assured her. “There were just a few scratches,” he said, although he was almost mummified below his cloak.
“Well, even then, this young man should rest for a few days,” Phillips said.
Alice, still recovering from the shock of the situation, suddenly gasped—perhaps realizing the lapse in her manners. She straightened, offering a small, polite bow.
“Thank you, Your Grace, for looking after my son,” she said, her voice steadying as she tried to regain her composure. “I’m Alice Blake. It’s an honor to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Do not worry, Miss Blake, you’ve been through a lot,” Phillips said and bowed slightly.
Alice gasped a bit, a man of such high class would never bow to a peasant but she wasn’t the one who would correct him.
“I see…” Alice said, her eyes scouting the two of them. “Well, is there anything more I should know?”
Phillips nodded. “But before, may we enter the house? It's going to take a while.”
Alice hesitated for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed the situation. She could sense there was more to the story than what was being said, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she nodded. “Of course, please come in, though I must apologize in advance. Our home is quite modest.”
Phillips offered her a reassuring smile. “There’s no need to apologize, madam. Modesty is often where true warmth and hospitality are found.” He then turned to the guards, giving a brief nod. “Stay outside and keep watch. We’ll be inside for a bit.” He gestured for the healer to follow him and Erik into the house.
As they entered the small home, the warmth from the hearth welcomed them, casting a soft glow over the simple furniture. Erik’s siblings, Anna and Ben, were in the kitchen, their curious eyes wide as they took in the sight of their unexpected guests. Anna, the oldest of the two stood before Ben, her expression defiant.
“Who’s the old man?!” she asked.
“Anna, Ben!” Alice said in an imposing tone. “Go to your rooms for a bit please, I have important things to discuss with this gentleman.”
Once the children were gone, Alice turned back to Phillips, her expression serious. “Alright, we’re alone now. What is it that you need to tell me? I assume you’re not only here to congratulate my son.”
Alice was full of suspicion of the man. The last time a nobleman came to the village it ended with her husband’s death. Besides, she was quite used to how petty the nobility could be.
“As I mentioned earlier, your son has done me a great service, and I intend to repay that debt. However, I’m also here because I’m concerned about your health, madam,” he spoke in a soft tone, making it clear that meant good.
Alice blinked in surprise, taken aback by the sudden shift in the conversation. “My health?”
The Duke gestured to the healer, who stepped forward. “This is the best healer in the region, a doctor with thirty years of experience who can use 4th-level healing magic. I’ve brought him here to see if we can help you regain your strength. Erik has told me you’ve been unwell for some time, and I would like to offer any assistance.”
“I…” Alice began, her voice faltering as she struggled to find the right words. This outcome was so unexpected that it left her momentarily speechless. Her eyes moved to Erik, searching his face for reassurance, and when their gazes met, her sternness melted away. She felt some kind of gratitude for him at this moment.
She turned back to the Duke, her hands wringing together. “That’s… very kind of you, Your Grace,” she said. “But I’ve been managing just fine. We’ve been getting by, and I wouldn’t want to trouble you with our burdens.”
Phillips smiled gently, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. “It’s no trouble at all, Mrs. Blake. It would trouble me far more to know that I could have helped and didn’t. Your son has already done so much for me—this is the least I can do in return.”
“Again, I thank you for wanting to help, but it's unnecessary,” she said, her gaze avoiding the Duke.
Sensing her reluctance, Phillips continued, his tone soft but firm. “Please, madam. Allow me to help. This isn’t just about repaying a debt—it’s about doing what’s right. Your children need you at your best, and if there’s anything we can do to make that happen, I believe it’s worth trying.”
Alice’s gaze dropped to the floor, her hands still fidgeting nervously. She was touched by the Duke’s words, yet she was a stubborn woman. It was hard to accept the charity of a nobleman.
Erik, noticing his mother’s struggle, took a small step forward. “Mom, it’s okay,” he said softly. “We’ve been doing our best, but… maybe it’s time to let someone else help too. I want you to get better. From the way things are now, each step you take is hard and slow. Perhaps this can help you.”
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Alice looked up at her son. “Erik…” she muttered before allowing a few moments of silence to set in. Finally, she nodded “Alright… If it’s for the sake of my children, I’ll accept your help.”
Phillips smiled, relieved. “Thank you, Mrs. Blake. I promise you, we’ll do everything in our power to help you recover.”
He then turned to the healer and gestured toward Alice. “If you would, please.”
The healer, who had been patiently waiting, stepped forward. He was a man of few words, his presence calm and reassuring. “Ms. Blake,” he said with a respectful nod, “if you don’t mind, I’ll need to examine you to see what’s the best course of action.”
Alice glanced at the healer, then back at Phillips, before nodding once more. “Of course… Please, come this way,” she said, leading him to her room.
As the healer began his examination, Erik and Phillips stepped aside, not entering the place to give them some space. Erik’s siblings peeked out from their rooms, curious but too nervous to approach. Erik gave them a reassuring smile.
“Mom is receiving the help she has needed for a long time,” Erik told them.
“Really? That’s great,” Anna said, stepping into the hall. Behind her was Ben. He fidgeted his fingers.
“Can you help mom, Mister?”
Phillips turned to the children, his he knelt down to their level with a small smile. “We’re going to do everything we can to help your mother get better,” he said. “She’s very strong, but even the strongest people need a little help sometimes.”
Anna’s eyes brightened at his words, though the worry still lingered in her expression. “Thank you, she needs it.”.
Ben, still fidgeting, looked up at the Duke with wide, hopeful eyes. “I just want Mom to smile again all the time… like she used to.”
Erik felt a pain in his chest after hearing Ben’s words. As the youngest of the siblings, Erik tried to protect him the most to keep his innocence but he too had known the severity of the situation for a long time. ’Maybe it can go back to before, now.’
Phillips reached out and placed a comforting hand on Ben’s shoulder. “We’re going to work on that. Your mom’s smile is something worth fighting for.”
Ben nodded, a small spark of hope flickering in his gaze. “Okay… Thank you, Mister.”
Phillips smiled warmly, standing back up. “You’re very welcome. Now, why don’t you two give your mom some time to rest? She’ll need all her strength to get better.”
Anna took Ben’s hand and began to lead him back to their room. “Come on, Ben. Let’s leave Mom to the healer.”
Minutes passed in silence, each one feeling longer than the last. Finally, the door creaked open, and the healer stepped. He looked at Phillips and gave a brief nod, signaling that the Duke could come in.
Phillips exchanged a glance with Erik before following the healer into the room. Erik remained outside, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for the news.
----------------------------------------
Inside, Alice was sitting on the bed, her back up against worn pillows. The healer stood by her side, a small satchel of herbs open on the table beside him. He looked up as Duke Phillips entered the room.
“Ms. Blake,” the healer began, his voice steady and professional, “I’ve conducted a thorough examination, and I believe you’re suffering from what we call ‘Sorrow’s Blight.’ It’s a condition of the mind and spirit, brought on by prolonged stress, grief, and exhaustion. It’s not too uncommon in times like these, especially after the war.”
Alice listened intently, her hands gripping the edge of the blanket. “Sorrow’s Blight… I’ve heard of it, but I didn’t think… I didn’t realize it could affect me like this.”
“Perhaps you have noticed more exhaustion than usual? Long periods of time where you feel no will to make any effort, maybe you even feel like disregarding your life sometimes?”
Alice's eyes widened slightly as the healer's words struck a chord. She hesitated before nodding, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes… I’ve felt that. There are days when it’s hard to even get out of bed, to find the strength to do anything. But I thought it was just…” she stopped midway through as she started feeling something clog in her gut. Alice felt an enormous guilt for how she let herself be affected by this disease and its effects on the family.
The healer nodded. “It’s understandable. Many people who have endured what you have felt the same way. The war, the loss, the burden of raising a family on your own—it takes a toll on the mind and body. Sorrow’s Blight isn’t just a state of mind. it’s a condition that affects your entire being.”
Alice’s grip tightened on the blanket, her knuckles white. “But what can I do? I can’t afford to keep being weak.”
Duke Phillips, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward. His voice was soft. “We are going to help you in any way, Ms. Blake. We are going to help you get better.”
The healer nodded thoughtfully. “The treatment will include a regimen of herbal remedies designed to soothe your mind and alleviate your exhaustion. However, rest and emotional recovery are just as crucial. It’s important to start with small, manageable goals that will help you regain your strength, little by little. Additionally, incorporating light physical activity into your routine – such as walking outdoors and getting some sunlight—can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. A healthier body often leads to a healthier mind.”
Alice nodded slowly. “I understand, but I suppose it will be hard to do all of that,” her grip on the blankets tightened slightly.
Duke Phillips placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder. “You won’t be going through this alone. I’ll ensure you have the help you need, whether it’s medical care, resources, or support for your children. You’ve already done so much on your own. Now, let us help you.”
Alice looked up at him, a smile formed on her lips. “Why, that’s so kind. May I ask why someone of your status is doing so much for us?”
“To begin with, I see great potential in Erik. He’s a remarkable young man with abilities and a spirit that shouldn’t go unnoticed. I’d like to help him grow, to see how far his talents can take him,” Phillips was sincere as that really was one of his main reasons. There was nothing he wished more right now than to help Erik grow with the right opportunities and see how far he could go.
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. “But beyond that, I believe that those in positions of power have a duty to help those who are struggling. It’s not just a matter of charity; it’s about creating a better community for everyone. If we can lift those who need it most, we all benefit.”
Alice nodded slowly. “I apologize for my suspicion earlier. It's just… well, it’s not often that someone in your position shows such genuine concern. But now, I can see you speak from the heart,” she said, her voice softening as a warm smile spread across her lips. “You’re a kind man, Duke Phillips,” her tone carried a quiet fondness, a gentle appreciation to the man she had just met, and yet did more to her and her family than most others did.
Phillips noticed the softening in Alice's tone and the warmth in her smile. It brought a slight flush to his cheeks. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again, a more personal thought slipping through his usually composed demeanor.
“I assure you, I speak the truth. Besides, pardon me if it sounds inappropriate, Ms. Blake, but…” Phillips hesitated, his words catching in his throat. He coughed, clearing his throat, feeling a wave of embarrassment. “It’s rare to find someone who, despite their struggles, maintains such a dignified presence and beautiful spirit. Your manners and grace are quite extraordinary, even for someone of higher standing, let alone for someone in your circumstances.”
He took a moment to compose himself before continuing. “Your warmth and poise shine through even the darkest times, and it's clear you possess a depth of character and a refined nature that’s uncommon among those in more modest positions,” the Duke said it in the best way he could. In simpler words, he was smitten by Alice’s beauty and the way she handled herself.
Alice’s smile widened at the compliment, though she brought her hand to her mouth. “Well, I appreciate your words and your kindness. Though, I must remind you, I am a widow, and I don’t wish to cause any misunderstandings.”
“I am truly sorry if I’ve caused any discomfort. My intent was only to express my admiration and support. I respect your circumstances and would never wish to impose,” he apologized, though his smile remained unchanged.
The healer cleared his throat, gently redirecting the conversation. “Well…” he began, trying to bring the focus back to the matter at hand. “I believe it would be beneficial if I visited once a week to administer treatments and evaluate your condition. Does that arrangement work for you, Ms. Blake?”
Alice nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, that sounds reasonable. Thank you for your help.”
At first glance, it might have seemed as though the Blake family's story had reached its end. Their struggles were being addressed, and their hopes and dreams were rekindled.
Yet, this was merely the beginning of a much larger journey that lay ahead. The seeds of change had been sown, and Erik had a much greater path ahead than he could have thought in his childhood.