Benjamin stepped into the hut and couldn’t believe his eyes. The place was a lot smaller than it appeared on the surface. Shelves were filled to the brim with jars of different ‌liquids. Each part of the wall had at least one strange contraption standing there. He found it hard to believe the man had survived this long with magic at his disposal. He also had a hunch that Hugh and Isabelle could get along well once she regained consciousness.

Benjamin pulled the beaded curtain and walked over to an unfamiliar room, one that was separate from the current lobby. He rested Isabelle’s body down on a medical table. As Hugh cleaned up her wounds and wrapped up her injuries, Benjamin glanced over at a lump across from them.

Hugh also cared for Benjamin’s injuries, even if those weren’t as fatal. Cleaning up the magician’s wounds and applying bandages on his arm and knees didn't take as long.

They walked back to the central room. Hugh handed Benjamin a jar containing fruit juice and a bucket of water, letting him in on the details.

“Your friend, she should be alright.”

“You can save Isabelle, then?”

“Isabelle. So, that’s her name?” Why do I feel like I’ve heard that name before?

“Uh, you okay?”

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“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll check on her other injuries in record time.”

“Can’t you get it done sooner?” Benjamin retorted, sipping from the jar.

Hugh placed his finger on his lips. “Be quiet. There’s someone else in that room who’s currently resting, and I’d hate for you to wake them up.”

“Oh.” That would explain it. Benjamin looked down at his meal. “This tastes ‌good.”

“I know. It’s difficult to find food around here, especially ones that aren’t poisonous, and have creatures around trying to kill you.”

How did he survive this long in a place like this?

Hugh stretched his arms and went over to peek inside the telescope. “Looks like it’s pretty late outside. It’s not a good idea to leave right now.”

“I don’t see why we need to,” Benjamin muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well, since you’ve been through a lot, why not go upstairs and rest?”

“Wait, what about you?”

“I’m going to see what I can do to help Isabelle. And if you’re wondering, I already ate and drank, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

After a while, Hugh helped Benjamin up the stairs and led him to the bedroom. After Hugh left him alone, the magician laid down on the log bed, wrapping himself up with the hay and leaf blanket. He stared at the roof in silence as the rain pitter-pattered against the building. The stars shone brightly through the glass panel. His eyes turned misty. The bed felt rough on his back, as did the blankets. How did Hugh deal with this? Unless this was the guest room? Will Isabelle be fine?

Every second counted. He knew that, but didn’t know what else to do. He also wasn’t in the best condition and knew it’d be bad to push himself. Still, that thought lingered in the back of his head, and it bothered him to no end.