by Jacob White
“Before I answer that question I need you to know one other piece of information.” He continued, as if I already acknowledged him. “Are you at all curious as to why now we are able to speak?”
“I just thought you had something to say. Oh, and my dying must’ve played a part.”
“Correct. This order of events was decided as you made your choice to save Les.”
“Another choice of fate you mean.”
“I do. The truth of our new communication has come from three outside sources which will be made clear if you choose to wake. You now carry magic in your blood and three souls forever bound to you. However, your magic isn’t the same as others that have the same gift. All I can say is that you carry the ability to call forth water and wind, and able to manipulate it to your needs as your mind demands.” I just sat silently looking down. “I would recommend you accept the offer to train with the other mage’s in Herosi castle. Being a mage is nothing to be ashamed of. In Ellipsis I made sure of that mages would be accepted not shunned. There are other kingdoms that act the opposite but that is not important at the moment.
“I do not understand. How is this possible? You said I was bound to three souls, does that mean if I die… they die?”
“No, only that they gave a bit of themselves to you. Just as if the stone was drawing from you before you were saved, they gave opposed to taking. Now the details will be revealed after you have made your choice. I also have given you a gift. I am the god of hope and water and you now carry my blessing. You can lead the world to its destruction or the years of a new age. This is a burden no man should have to take alone. Therefore, there are others who can share this burden with you and take the stone from you. One such man lives among the rebellion along in the Twins. There are others but for now I would recommend this be your first destination if you wake and train as you should.”
“Once again, another choice but what does your blessing mean?” Gibi ignored my statement and stood before me. He ushered me to stand as well.
“We will not be able to talk for some time again as I have used most of the power of the stone just to talk to you. Your magic hasn’t yet reached its potential and is still very weak. As your magic increases so does our bond with one another. Now I must present another choice before you, as I am about to fade. Weaver, you now have the opportunity to awaken and continue down this path, or you can choose not to wake. I will guide you to the afterlife with a smile and let you rest.
“Along with the stone perishing.”
“Be warned the choice to move on will lead to your world to living under darkness. It might not happen in your time, but it will happen if you choose this path. There are still small possibilities of survival, but the chance is like finding a grain of rice hidden in the within the world.”
“Can you tell me if Les is alive?” Gibi closed his eyes and was silent for a moment.
“She is, and she watches over you even now along with your friend Anna. I must warn you not to be harsh when the truth is shown, but to have hope in what the future could hold. I’m sorry, Weaver, but I must have your answer as my power is fading.”
I stood in silence as I looked around one last time. I already knew my answer long before, but I wanted to soak up this peace before I had to return.
“Gibi, thank you for what you have done. I will try my best to honor your efforts and remain with the living.”
Gibi placed a hand on my shoulder. The moment his hand touched me I almost came to tears and his blessing washed over me.
“This is a small gift that I can give you. It is the gift of hope as I told you. It can be one of the strongest offerings I can give your kind. Remember my words, you can rally people around you or push through even deeper fires than you already have. Take care, young Weaver, and know that we will talk again. Regardless of the choices made, I will be with you until that time. Awake now and live.”
His words sent a shock through me as my eyes were forced to close and once again I was surrounded by darkness.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Fallen Bandages
I opened my eyes to more darkness. I could see a small window covered by curtains trying to block the light. I heard breathing from the side of my head, but it was so hard for my eyes to stay open. My eyes had closed again, and I couldn’t open them for some time again. I awoke again a bit clearer this time. My first thought was how amazing these sheets are. That was quickly pushed aside as I tried to speak. Every inch of me was hurting.
“L…e..…” My mouth and throat were as dry as a desert. Immediately someone was above me.
“Thank the gods, oh thank you. Thank you.” A hand reached around mine, and I could feel the roughness of it.
“W..… a.. . t..…” before I knew it a trickle of water was soothing my arid, dry throat. At first, it was hard to swallow it but became easier with every sip. “Where am–”
“No, don’t speak. Save your strength, please.” I should have known it was Anna before she spoke.
“Anna, what’s happened?”
“I will tell you everything, but you need to drink this and rest.” I complied, and a sweet, smooth liquid flowed down my throat warming my belly. I drifted back into silence.
My eyelids shuttered open, but I lost focus because of a new feeling to my right. It was a trace of liquid, as if I could reach out and see the form it held. As fast as I realized it, it faded leaving doubt that I even sensed it at all. Light filled the room as my eyes adjusted. Les was asleep, holding my hand next to me. I just sat there watching her and thanking Gibi for who knows what. I squeezed my hand as best as I could causing a stir in Les. I closed my eyes again to attempt a surprise. It wasn't the best of times, but I couldn't resist.
“Weaver, are you awake?” I remained silent as she let go of my hand and I heard the door open slowly.
“Were you really going to leave me without a kiss?” My voice was raspy, but still I smiled and turned my head towards her. What I saw was so much sadness, and remorse I quickly removed my smile. “What’s wrong, Les, are you okay?”
“No, you fool. I almost killed you.” She couldn’t stop crying and as she rushed back to my side. “I am so sorry. Please forgive me, please. If I hadn’t been Edmund’s daughter none of this would’ve happened. I’m so sorry. How will you ever forgive me? Please tell me what to do.”
“Shhhhh, Les, look at me, I had it coming… I did cut off his ear.” Tears still streamed down her face. What was more unsettling is I could almost feel the texture of her tears. At the current moment, I had other matters to focus on. “I love you, and I would walk through fire one thousand more times if I needed to if it meant you were safe.” She put her head down on my chest as if she was checking to see if I was breathing. “But…” She lifted her head with worry. “One thousand and one is where I draw the line.” The sound of her laugh filled the room. She kissed me, but it felt awkward as if there was something in the way. She pulled away, and I brought my left hand that kept the stone to my face. I felt bandages wrapped around my face other than my eyes and mouth. I slightly lifted my head and saw the rest of my body was covered to match.
“Weaver, don’t look but I don’t want to lie to you.”
“Then don’t. How bad is it?” Air escaped from her mouth as she prepared the news.
“Your skin in some places was nearly falling off your bones. That was how it was described to me. I was out for another 3 days after the incident. But you, Weaver…”
“What is it?”
“You have been asleep for more than a month now, breathing erratic. I swear I was going to follow you into the afterlife just to punch you and bring you back if I had too.” I chuckled at my conversation with Gibi thinking we would be more than happy to stay where we were if she did come.
“Well I’m here now, but I’m afraid there is something to ask you. Something that will make you part my side and I don’t know how long that it will last.”
“Weaver, listen to me. There is nothin
g to keep me from you. Please don’t send me away…” I sighed
“Les, I am starving. Could you please find me some food?” I laughed as she slapped my stomach on reaction.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” We were both laughed now. She stood up. “I suppose I will honor this request. However, due to your mean way of telling me, I might end up spitting in your broth.”
“I would expect no less, my love.” She smiled again and left the room, I heard some mumbling outside, and a couple of minutes later Ralph and Dirk came in.
“Well Ralph, look at this lazy heap of a man. Sleeping off the days while we handle everything else. He must not know how many women reside in the castle. I have been exhausted flirting with them all.” Dirk said with a slap to Ralphs' gut. It was good to see them both smiling.
“Welcome back.” Ralph added.
“Dirk, it’s good to know you have kept busy. However, I’m not sure if I should keep you around much longer considering you left me to burn to death.” I was joking, but it quickly turned the mood somber.
“Weaver, Ralph and I are sorry for what happened. We thought to stay away that night because we knew what you had intended. If would have been there this could have been avoided.”
“Dirk, listen to me. I was joking, and I’m sure there was nothing you could have done to prevent this course from happening I’m afraid.” Dirks face contorted into a confused look. “I will explain later but consider yourself forgiven and you should continue your duties as a man whore.”
“I humbly accept this obligation.” He gave a mocking bow and not a moment too soon Les was back in holding soup. She ushered the two men out of the room complaining that it was her time with me. Dirk gave his brow a raise, and Les shut the door on his face.
“Here, let me help you sit up.” She did, and it was less painful than I thought it would be. Although it was numbed down a bit, I felt the soreness creep through. She heard my grunt. “Sorry, almost there.” Then I was settled against the back of the bed’s frame.
“Les, could you do something for me?”
“You only need ask.”
“Come closer.” She inched towards me. I lowered my voice into a whisper.
“Could you go around to all the rooms you see and steal the sheets? These are quite soft.” She laughed so hard it started me.
“I think you have a problem, love.”
“I won’t tell if you don’t.”
“Oh, but I really want to.” Fortunately for her, she couldn’t see my scowl through my bandages. She continued to smile and in turn made me laugh again. “Here you need to eat. I have already eaten the meat out, so you can just swallow it down.”
“How nice of you...” I trailed off.
“Well, I try my best.” I began to sip the soup until I could take no more. Les helped me back into a sleeping position and held my hand.
“I’m going to sleep again now, but could you stay until then?”
“Of course.” She laid her head on my chest again, and I brushed her hair with my left hand that was free of injuries. My hand slowed as I drifted off again trying to recover more strength than before.
* * *
Over the next couple of days, I could walk around my room with Les’s help. At first, it was only a couple of steps before my body rejected the idea but slowly increased with time. By the next week, I felt my strength returning faster with every meal I ate, and I was walking on my own as Les watched.
“You know, I sure could use a bath, maybe one with a lovely lady washing me so I could relax. She would have to be beautiful, have an amazing body, and be willing to get wet.”
“Really now? Do you happen to know a woman willing to degrade herself for a simple man’s bath?”
“Well I’m sure one exists, but I guess I can settle with you for now.” I found a small bed pillow thrown at my face.”
“If that’s the case I will just have to return all the sheets I’ve stolen for you. Tell the maids that you coerced me to do it and prove my innocence.”
“We can’t have that, now can we? Those sheets are vital to my survival.” We began to laugh again as a knock on the door came through my ears. “Come in.” It was Anna, draped in a black robe.
“Hello, Les,” Anna said with much less malice than their last meeting in Yezmon. Les replied with a simple hello. Anna looked back to me.
“I’m glad to see you up and about so well.”
“Thank you, Anna, but if you will, please give me come here and hug me.” Her mouth slightly curved upward. It was good to see her again even though I knew Les and her didn’t seem to get along. She pulled away and wiped a single tear away.
“Unfortunately, Weaver, I came with a purpose. It’s time to take off your bandages if you have the strength. We need to assess the damage, so we can treat you accordingly.”
“You don’t come to visit and now you want to cause me pain… You haven’t changed at all, my dear Anna.” I smiled. “But who is this ‘we’ you speak of?” I looked to Les, but she looked at the ground. I turned back to Anna.
“Everything will be explained in time, but now your health is a primary concern.” She stared for a bit longer and I reluctantly agreed. I admitted to myself that my concern was mainly for my appearance and me arguing with Anna was just a way to stall that.
“Do you wish for the healers to come in to remove it, or I and Les, or just me?”
Les’s head perked up on the last suggestion, but Anna didn’t even look towards her waiting for my answer.
“You two are fine. Just in case I throw up at my appearance, I’d rather it stays between us.” I said.
“This is one of those statements that need to be spoken and I know Anna feels the same. It does not matter how you look, just that you are back with us.” Les said with a raise of her chin to end the matter.
Anna shook her head in agreement with Les. Then both helped me towards the bed to where I could sit. Anna dug through her pockets and withdrew a small knife to cut the bandages with.
“This might hurt a bit, but I will be gentle as I can be not knowing the full extent of your burns.” I looked at Les and grabbed her hand.
“Let’s get on with it then.” I breathed out and told Anna to start.
She cut my bandages on my body first. I closed my eyes, waiting until everything was finished. I took longer than I expected but the silence in the room was palpable. Finally, Anna had made the last cut on my face, making the bandages fall into my lap. I felt the wind against my skin and from that moment I know how tender my skin had become. Getting even more worried, now I shut my eyes harder.
“Weaver, you need to look,” Anna murmured softly. I still took some time, but I finally managed to open my eyes and look towards my lower half. Two separate thoughts went through my head the moment I looked down. One was that I realized I had no underclothes on and my pride was in the wind for all to see. The next, was the confusion of what I was looking at. My skin was whole, no blisters, or black marks, just red tender skin. I coughed and moved a hand to cover myself. They both laughed.
“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” Anna smiled, but I couldn’t remember when she would have seen it. The idea was gone as I quickly found both of my hands to my face, I couldn’t feel anything out of place.
“How is this possible? I heard that my skin was so bad it was barely sticking to me?” Anna only looked at me.
“Get dressed. I think the others will need to hear the explanation as well.” She walked out of the room before I could answer.
“Well, I’m glad that’s over. However, you owe me some coin.”
“For what reason is this?” I turned towards Les.
“I had invested in several nice-looking burlap sacks as a future form of fashion for you.” Without even thinking the words came out of my mouth.
“I’m pretty sure I hate you.” I grabbed Les and brought her to me and opened her mouth with mine. I couldn’t help but want to taste her, so I did for as long as I could bar
e bear before the pain of my tender skin overcame my own desire of touch. I pulled away. Her eyes were still closed, and happiness filled her face.
“Thank you, Weaver, for coming back to me.”
“You are welcome.” She helped me dress in some simple loose cloth clothing. We stepped outside of the room where I was faced with my next challenge.
CHAPTER TWELVE
A Friend's Betrayal
The stairs were daunting, and I almost went back inside before I took a single step down. Les felt my reluctance and gently dragged me forward. I made it to the bottom, breathing hard and fearing of the trip back up. We rounded a corner and came into a long hallway with marble floors. Several others of mixed ages and sex were walking about in black robes going into numerous rooms. Each person held some type of book and paid a pink man no attention. I could only focus on getting to my destination and sitting down. Halfway through the hall, we came to another door and entered. There was a circular wooden table in the middle that had faces I did not recognize. Dirk and Ralph were sitting along with Anna. There were two others I didn’t know but they still graciously stood and pulled a chair out for me.
“Thank you,” I said, breathing hard. Looking around the table, I saw looks of disbelief at my current state. Anna and Les were the only ones who looked normal.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I spoke to the room. “Maybe you could tell me what’s going on, where I am, and why I need to have things explained to me?” The two-gentleman looked towards Anna and asked her to start. Not sure what was about to be said, I looked at her as she spoke.
“Weaver, as you well know, most of us here care very deeply about you. However, I want you to brace yourself because you will not understand or expect most of what I am about to tell you.”
“You would be surprised at my capabilities of understanding recently.” I only received puzzled looks