Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Does Marcus make a habit of kissin’ women and pretendin’ it never happened? He acted as if it were naythin’, and yet I cannae stop thinkin’ about it.
Annabeth carefully tucked bundles of dried herbs into her leather satchel, her fingers moving with practiced precision.
The apothecary was quiet, save for the soft rustle of parchment catching in the breeze of the open window and the clink of glass vials as she moved items into her bags.
Her thoughts, however, were far from calm.
A firm knock on the door jolted her from her spiraling thoughts. She straightened, brushing her hands on her apron before calling out, “Aye, come in!”
The door creaked open to reveal Elena, her expression as bright and inquisitive as ever. Annabeth felt a twinge of relief at the distraction though the knot of irritation at Marcus still lingered in her chest.
“Annabeth,” Elena began, stepping lightly into the room, “I came to see if there’s anythin’ I should bring for the journey tomorrow.
I hear we’ll be stayin’ in Galton for a few days.
Lady Elizabeth bid me accompany ye fer help.
” She glanced at the packed satchel on the table, her brows lifting.
“It looks like ye’re already well-prepared. ”
Annabeth offered a small smile, gesturing to her supplies. “I like to be ready for anythin’,” she replied, her tone steady. “Though if ye’re comin’ with us, it’d be wise to pack light but practical. Do ye ken what the village’s healer situation is like?”
Elena hesitated, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.
“From what I’ve heard, they daenae have much of a healer’s hut,” she admitted.
“Most of the time, they make do with what they can find—wild herbs or old remedies passed down through families.” Her gaze dropped slightly, a hint of concern creeping into her voice.
“Then we’ll need to bring extra herbs,” Annabeth said firmly, turning back to her satchel.
She began sorting through jars, muttering to herself as she considered what would be most useful.
“If they’re strugglin’, the least we can do is leave them with somethin’ to help until a proper healer arrives.
” She glanced over her shoulder at Elena.
“Did ye hear anythin’ else about the village? ”
Elena shook her head, her expression thoughtful.
“Naythin’ beyond what Marcus mentioned—illnesses and injuries seem to be common there.
I think that’s why he’s so insistent on takin’ ye along.
” Her lips curved into a knowing smile. “Though I daresay he’d nae admit it outright, he kens yer skill as a healer is unmatched. ”
Annabeth felt a faint blush creep to her cheeks though she kept her focus on her work. “Aye, well, I’ll do what I can for them,” she replied briskly. “And ye can help me, Elena. If the villagers daenae have proper supplies, we’ll need to teach them how to prepare what they do have.”
“Of course,” Elena said eagerly, her hands clasped in front of her. “I’d be glad to help. And Annabeth... thank ye for doin’ this. Ye’ve a kind heart, even if ye try to hide it beneath all yer focus and determination.”
Annabeth gave a quiet chuckle, shaking her head. “Daenae get sentimental on me now,” she said with a teasing edge. But as she returned to her task, she felt a faint sense of reassurance—if not from Marcus’ confusing behavior, then at least from the company of someone who valued her work.
Annabeth adjusted the strap of her satchel as she glanced over at Elena, who was lingering near the door. “Elena, would ye mind comin’ with me to the forest? I’ll be needin’ more herbs if we’re to help the folk in Galton.” She smiled faintly. “An extra set of hands wouldnae go amiss.”
Elena’s face lit up as she stepped forward eagerly. “Aye, I’d be glad to! I’ve always wondered how ye gather yer herbs.” She hesitated, her enthusiasm softening to a shy grin. “Though I warn ye, I’m nae much use with plants. Ye’ll have to guide me.”
Annabeth chuckled, leading the way out of the apothecary. “Daenae worry. I’ll teach ye what to look for. Besides, it’s nae as difficult as it seems.” As they walked through the castle grounds toward the forest, the tension of the morning eased, replaced by the simple comfort of companionship.
The two women chatted as they wandered deeper into the woods, their laughter breaking through the quiet rustle of leaves. Elena knelt beside a patch of green shoots, squinting at them in concentration. “Is this one of the useful ones?” she asked, holding up a sprig of soft leaves.
Annabeth glanced over and nodded. “Aye, that’s yarrow.
Good for stoppin’ bleedin’ or soothin’ cuts.
” She crouched beside Elena, pulling a small blade from her satchel to cut the plant.
“It’s best to take just enough for what ye need.
Ye never want to strip the land bare. Take just enough and allow the rest to continue to grow. ”
As they worked, Elena’s curiosity grew. “I’ve always been interested in what ye do,” she admitted, carefully tucking a bundle of herbs into her basket. “But I never had the chance to learn. I suppose it’s nae somethin’ most folk teach a lass unless she’s born to it.”
Annabeth tilted her head, watching Elena thoughtfully. “Can ye read, Elena?” she asked, her tone calm but purposeful. When Elena nodded, looking puzzled, Annabeth smiled. “Good. I’ve got some old notes on healin’. I’d be glad to teach ye what I ken if ye’ve a mind to learn.”
“Ye’d do that for me?” Elena’s voice softened with disbelief as she straightened, her basket clutched to her chest. “I daenae ken what to say. That’s—aye, I’d love that, Annabeth!”
Annabeth gestured to a cluster of small white flowers. “Then let’s start now. This one’s chamomile—it’s grand for helpin’ folk sleep or calm their nerves. Pick only the heads of the flowers and leave the stems.” She smiled as Elena mimicked her movements, her enthusiasm warming Annabeth’s heart.
As she watched Elena work she noticed something different about her, a glow. Her breath caught in her throat as she knew the look well.
Could it be that Elena is with a bairn? But she is nae married.
Annabeth froze as the arrow thudded into the tree trunk beside her. She turned sharply, heart pounding, to see three men step out from the trees, their expressions sharp and menacing.
“Stay calm, Elena,” she whispered, shielding her friend slightly. “We’ve naythin’ of worth on us,” she called out to the men, keeping her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach.
One of the men sneered, stepping forward. “Och, I reckon ye’ve somethin’ we can take, lass,” he said, his gaze crawling over them both leering in a disgusting manner as he flicked his tongue at them.
Annabeth’s blood ran cold, and she tightened her grip on the small knife hidden in the folds of her skirt. Beside her, Elena clutched her basket, her face pale and frightened, but Annabeth forced herself to keep a calm demeanor.
“We daenae want trouble,” Annabeth replied, her voice firm as she stepped slightly in front of Elena. “We’ll be on our way, and ye’ll have nae reason to bother us.”
The tallest of the men chuckled darkly, shaking his head. “Nay, ye’ll pay us in another way, lass,” he drawled, his meaning clear.
Annabeth’s stomach churned, but her face betrayed none of her turmoil. “Fine,” she said evenly, taking a step forward. “Let me deal with ye first.” Her voice didn’t waver though her pulse raced as she kept the knife hidden against her palm, the weight of it grounding her.
She moved slowly toward the man, her mind racing as she faked a false smile.
I willnae let them lay a hand on Elena. She may be carryin’ a bairn, and I’ll see her safe first.
The knife pressed against her palm was her only chance, but she had to get close enough.
Play the part, Annabeth. Daenae falter.
Elena gasped behind her, but Annabeth didn’t look back, afraid that any sign of hesitation would give her intentions away.
The man grinned as she neared, his hand reaching out for her arm. “That’s a good lass,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Annabeth forced a faint smile, her heart hammering so loudly it drowned out everything else. “See, I'm doin’ what ye say, arenae I?”
“Aye, ye’re a good lass.”
She stopped just short of the man, her fingers tightening around the knife handle. “Ye’re too kind,” she murmured, her tone honeyed to keep him at ease.
Her eyes flicked quickly to the other two men, gauging their positions.
If I can take him down fast, Elena will have a chance to run.
The man’s fingers brushed her arm, and Annabeth struck. The knife flashed in her hand as she drove it into his leg, twisting it for maximum effect. His eyes widened in shock as he stumbled back, clutching at the wound.
“Elena, run!” Annabeth screamed, pivoting to face the other two, her blood roaring with adrenaline.
Elena hesitated only for a second before she turned and bolted toward the castle, her skirts flying behind her. Annabeth held her ground, knife raised, her gaze fixed on the remaining men.
“Come on, then,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “Let’s see if ye’ve the mettle to take me.”
The two uninjured men stepped forward, their leering grins sharp with malice. She shifted her weight, calculating her next move, her face betraying none of the terror clawing at her insides.
“Come any closer, and ye’ll regret it,” she warned, her voice steady despite her fear.
The men only laughed, exchanging glances before they lunged toward her. Annabeth turned sharply and bolted in the opposite direction, her skirts tangling around her legs as she sprinted.
I’ve got to lead them away from Elena.
Her breath burned in her lungs. The sound of their footsteps crashing through the underbrush behind her spurred her on, but they were faster.
She barely made it a few paces before one of them grabbed her arm, yanking her back with brutal force.
Annabeth cried out, swinging her knife wildly, but another man slapped it from her hand, sending it clattering to the ground.
“Nae so fierce now, are ye, lass?” one of them sneered, his grip tightening painfully.
Desperation surged through her, and she twisted, sinking her teeth into the arm of the man holding her.
He cursed, recoiling with a hiss, but the other man grabbed her around the waist, lifting her off the ground. Annabeth kicked and clawed, her nails raking across his face as he cursed and shouted.
“Ye’ve got some fight in ye,” he said, laughing darkly as he wrestled her to stillness. Her struggles weakened, her strength no match for their brute force.
One of them hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of grain, his laughter grating in her ears.
“That’s a good lass,” he mocked as she pounded weakly against his back. The other two followed, their voices jeering as they moved deeper into the forest. Annabeth’s heart sank as the trees swallowed them, the distant hope of rescue slipping further away with every step.
This is it. This is how it ends for me.
Her mind raced with fractured thoughts, her body aching as she hung limply over the man’s shoulder.
I hope Elena lives a long life with her bairn. I hope Marcus… I hope he’ll mourn me. And I hope he’ll look after me maither.
Their laughter echoed around her, each cruel chuckle twisting the knife of hopelessness deeper into her chest. She closed her eyes, forcing herself to think of anything but the fear threatening to consume her.
The memories of her mother’s warm embrace, the sound of Marcus’ steady voice, and the way he’d looked at her that day by the fire filled her mind.
At least I’ll take those with me.
She felt the rough jostle of the man’s shoulder as he trudged deeper into the woods, the cold air biting at her skin.
The ground beneath them grew uneven, the forest darker as they moved further from any chance of salvation.
The other men continued to laugh, their voices mingling with the crunch of leaves and branches beneath their boots.
Annabeth tightened her jaw, a flicker of anger stirring in her chest.
I willnae give them the satisfaction of seein’ me break. If this is me end, I’ll face it with me head held high.
The thought gave her a thin thread of resolve to cling to as they carried her onward, each step pushing her further into the unknown. Still, a quiet voice in her mind whispered of Marcus, and how she’d never see him again.