On The Road Again

Thomas and I were munching on some seeds Herold had stored in a sack when Elaine burst through the doors she went through a while ago. We all had varied reactions to the state she was in. Her blue dress was stained in a deep red, almost like blood. No wait, I recognised that iron smell, it definitely was blood. Please don’t tell me she killed someone!

“Ma?” Gustav wheezed out, finally stopping the coughing fit from choking on some seeds. I’m sure he also did not expect his mother to appear as she did. Herold looked bewildered too, likely trying to find any injuries the blood belonged to.

“What happened to you?” The son asked his mother. Elaine was pale, and her eyebrows were furrowed, worry etched on her face. She didn’t answer any of us, instead grabbing her brother’s hand and dragging him outside.  While protesting, Herold managed to throw us the sack of seeds before disappearing completely out the door.

“That was strange.” Gustav commented. Thomas and I hummed in agreement. Whatever had Elaine in that state must be something private that she felt we shouldn’t know about. Back to waiting, I decided to forgo walking around for the third time and instead turned to Thomas, hoping he'd participate in a conversation.

“So.” I started. “Any idea how long we’ll take to the island, it’s kinda slow.”

“There are three more villages like these, after passing them, we should arrive at the island in one month.” I blinked in confusion.

“One month?” Thomas nodded slowly. “Thomas, one month is a long time!”

“I know, but your safety is a little more important right now, and a carriage driven by wolves isn’t exactly inconspicuous.” He sounded a little annoyed at the fact we were escorted by a pack of animals, especially in witch territory.

“Now that we’re on this topic, you kinda know more than I would have ever thought.” Raising my eyebrows at his sudden serious expression.

“Love, there are things that even spirits cannot say.” He bit his lip. “I will tell you whatever you need to know when the time is right.” I swallowed my anger and decided to guilt him into releasing some information.

“Thomas, you do realise I’m dying, there isn’t exactly time to wait for things.” He looked like he wanted to say something.

“Can I ask you a hypothetical question?” He asked me. I nodded. “If say you died, but possible became something else, would you be fine with it?”

“You’re not making much sense, Thomas.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Right, right…” Thomas glared at Gustav, who was watching us intensively.

“Got a problem ghost boy?” Gustav asked Thomas. I winced at the tone he used to confront Thomas’s staring.

“I would like to know what you find so fascinating about us, that your eyes remains here.” Thomas said.

“You, you intrigue me and the fact you’re clearly not who you say you are.” I looked at Thomas to see his reaction. It would seem I wasn’t the only one that noticed something about Thomas was weird.

“And that becomes your business how?” I can’t say I have ever seen this side of Thomas. The pretty picture my home had made with just the two us, was shattering each day we were on this trip.

I can’t exactly say I was fond of the idea of knowing a different side of this spirit. I pursed my lips, deciding not to intervene.

“Listen, you’re on a trip with my mother, and a woman who clearly isn’t well.” He said this directing a finger my way. Thomas briefly looked at me and shrugged.

“Still don’t see how this is your business.” Gustav glared at Thomas.

“Seeing as you are keeping some secrets, how do we know we can trust you.” Gustav glared harshly.

“Uh, I’ve known him most of my life.” I raised a hand as I interrupted. “We can trust him.”

“Oh, really?” Gustav asked me, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Then would he care to explain why he hasn’t been requesting energy for the duration of him being here. This place has many formations that should have seen him glitching.” My eyes widened, I had totally forgotten about this.

“I’ve been around long enough to maintain myself, thanks.” I couldn’t argue his age, but Gustav had a valid point. Thomas should have entered the spirit world at some point, spirits can’t maintain their energy constantly, especially if their energy is drained due to formations.

“Right oh aged one.” Gustav added a formal bow. “I’ll be keeping an eye on you on this trip.”

“Trust me, you don’t need to, with your clumsiness, I’d suggest you use both eyes to prevent yourself from causing trouble.” Gustav did not look amused, deciding to stop confronting Thomas for now. I, too, had my own set of questions, but felt reluctant to voice them, reading the tension in the room.

“Lovey, my sister said you might need a potion of some kind? Something that masks your scent?” I nodded. He left his standing position and took a seat next to me.

“You’re dying?” I nodded again. “And going on this trip, helps you how exactly?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but he was right, what did this trip actually do but place Thomas and me in awkward silence. Granted it started with us wanting to know why Thomas was able to feel me more than normal, but even so, did this warrant an entire trip?

“My thoughts, is that he.” Gustav nearly stabbed Thomas in the eye with his finger. “And my mother are definitely hiding something from you.”

Thomas slapped the man’s hand away, glaring at him. I could tell that neither of them were willing to come to an understanding.

“I’m surprised you’re able to formulate a thought, you sounded pretty stupid with Earl back at the clearing. I reckon that was the real you?” I had to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.

“That was an act, a necessary one!” He sounded like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

“Park your anger boy, it’s not very adult of you to behave like this.” I winced at Thomas lack of respect.

“Excuse me!” Gustav rolled up his sleeve, ready to throw punches, but his mother stopped him with a motion of her hand.

“That’s enough, come, we need to leave now.” Elaine had gotten out of her blood soaked clothing, now in a maroon felt dress. Her slippered feet sticking out from under the long skirt.

“But, ma…” One glare from his mother silences any complaints he had. We followed Elaine outside, the sun hit us harshly. It appears it was late afternoon. Down the wooden stairs waited a healthier looking Hildegard, anchored on Phariep’s arm. The man looked like he was glowing from happiness, it would appear their relationship wasn’t hidden anymore.

“A little too cheerful this early, dung bean.” Elaine said to Hildegard as we approached them.

“Yeah well, I’ve had a good night’s rest, finally.” Elaine snickered at her choice of words, but thankfully didn’t play into her dirty mind as she usually did. That however didn’t stop her brother from doing it.

“I’m sure you didn’t get much sleeping, or am I wrong hey? Hey?” Herold winked, throwing a meaty arm over Phariep’s slim shoulder. The poor guy was red from embarrassment or maybe red from the strain of trying to keep standing. Herold wasn’t too light.

“Herold, release the boy.” Elaine told her brother, annoyed at his unserious behaviour.

“Oh come on, this twig can handle Hildegard, I’m sure he can handle me.” This was followed by a boisterous laughter, and us filling in awkward giggles. I could see the sibling resemblance at this moment.

Hildegard didn’t seem offended, she moved closer to Elaine, encouraging Phariep to let go of her. The man nodded and stayed under Herold’s hold.

“Uh, I forgot to give you this, the last time we saw each other.” She nervously held out something wrapped to Elaine. From the shape I could tell it was a book.

“I know I should have given this with the rest of his possessions, but you were not in a good place…” She stuttered when she understood what she was implying. “Not that I blame you, I mean, I, uh…”

“I’ll just take it.” Elaine said, gently grabbing the book. “Thanks.” The two women stood still for a while.

“Uh, before he died, he would spend each evening writing in that.” Hildegard tapped the covered book.” She looked uncomfortable.

“I suppose whatever was written was too important to skip a day.” Hildegard whispered. Elaine stared at the brown paper, gently running her ringed hand over the book.

“There was a message he had for me, well no, for one of the other healers.” We all waited for her to say it.

“Something, about finding Adigge? No Adgor…still not it.” Hildegard tapped her head, trying to get to the word.

“Adige?” Elaine provided. Hildegard’s face lit up in recognition.

“Yes!” She turned curious. “How did you know?”

“Uh something I heard from someone.” I could tell that Elaine wasn’t completely trusting of the witch yet.

“Oh, okay…” Disappointment was clear on Hildegard’s face, but she quickly smiled and clicked her fingers. A small satchel appeared in her hands.

“Some medicine, and masking miasma to help you through the dark woods.” Elaine thanked her and took the bag, handing it to Gustav, who promptly starting digging through it.

“We should probably head out.” Elaine told us. We all nodded, eager to leave the village. I saw the Elder talking to one of the guards, appearing to be in a furious argument. I shook my head at the man.

“Uh, Thomas was it?” Hildegard asked. He nodded slowly, stopping to hear what she had to say.

“Uh, someone wanted to tell you that your past ghosts are ready to talk.” We all looked at her confused. Her cryptic message seemed to have triggered an understanding, because Thomas grinned and told her confidently.

“Tell them I’ll have tea waiting.” Hildegard frowned at this, but nodded in understanding. Phariep walked with her, as she took us to the carriage. Thankfully the needed repairs were done, and the wolves were all waiting, the smaller one scratching itself.

Wait, Herold said they were witches, which means this wasn’t real. I felt a little uneasy with this knowledge. Once we reached the carriage, Elaine turned to me and handed me a small charm.

“What’s this?” I asked her, taking the small silver rose from her.

“Something to keep you safe.” Was her only reply. She didn’t even wait for a thanks, hopped right into the carriage and shouted for us to join her. It would seem she was back to her bitchy self. Not sure if this slightly comforted me, or not.

Thomas held out a hand for me to take and helped me up the carriage. The space felt smaller, due to the extra two passengers. Gustav chose this as an opportunity to send a dig at Thomas.

“Can’t you turn transparent or something?” Thomas gave the younger man a pointed look. “You’re taking space of the living.”

“Or, you could sit up in the front.” Thomas suggested, earning a hiss from Gustav. Elaine rolled her eyes, smacking her son upside his head.

“I’m drooping you off at the next available station.” Gustav made to protest. “Your brother is already waiting.”

“But, ma! That’s so unfair.” Gustav whined, earning him another slap.

“Listen to your mother boy, I don’t think you need to lose any more brain cells.” Thomas did nothing to hide his humour, in fact he purposefully chuckled out loud.

“You’re not coming with us, and that’s final, besides do you want to see Clara?” Elaine stared at him, smirking when she saw him shiver.

“Yeah, I thought not.” I had heard this name before, the night Herold and Sarah had saved us.

“Who is Clara?” I asked no one in particular. The family’s reaction was funny. Elaine rolled her eyes at her son gagging, and Herold laughed.

“A demon.” Gustav said seriously. I looked at his mother, who shook her head.

“She’s not a demon, just cranky and sneaky like one.” Herold was much better at answering it seems.

“She’s one of the old ones, been living in seclusion in the Dark woods. A necromancer, you could say, she's maybe the best out there.”  I frowned.

“She uses dark magic?” Herold laughed.

“As we all, why do you think witches are doomed to Hades?” I realised my stupidity.

“A word of advice when you meet her. Never go anywhere alone, especially if she calls you at night.” I frowned at what Elaine said.

“What do you mean?” I asked Elaine.

“Have you heard of sirens?” I shook my head.

“Mythology said that they were the products of celestial beings and humans, their beauty used to tempt humans and devour them when underwater.” I scrunched my nose in disbelief.

“Much like reapers, these beings have their own working station. Under the sea, they trap the souls of people who died at sea beneath the water. Hades has two Gates. Those reserved from land and those reserved from water.”

“So sirens are kinda like reapers for spirits that died at sea?” Elaine nodded.

“Although a couple of them do escape, disturbing the water and cause chaos. Unfortunately with these new trends of releasing ash into the water, people unknowingly add more souls to that gate.” I nodded, interested.

“So what does sirens have to do with this Clara?” Elaine blew a raspberry.

“She was a Siren, but somehow managed to get permission to live on land. Some said she made a deal with the Dark lord himself.” I shivered at that.

“I’d believe that.” Gustav nodded eagerly.

“It’s just baseless rumours, don’t be stupid.” Elaine reprimanded her son.

“But one has to admit, she sure has a voice.” Herold sighed in wonder.

“Perhaps she might be related to you, Thomas, dear.” Elaine teased him. She quickly turned wide eyes at me, and laughed awkwardly. I looked at Thomas whose eyes were wide.

“Joking! There’s no way a spirit could be related to something like her. I mean if Thomas was a reaper than sure, maybe, uh, never mind, I’ll stop.” Elaine cleared her throat, forcing her son next to her to look out the window.

Herold looked stiff, watching Thomas intensively, while I sat amongst all these people, feeling and looking out of place.

I just hoped the next location will not have us end up in a terrible scenario again. Who am I kidding, we were in a carriage steered by wolves, who were witches, along with a spirit and me, the halfer.

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