Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
W aren growled and spun us so I was no longer in view of the window. “Who could that be at this hour?”
I gaped at him, my body slow to follow the sudden shift in mood. “Um, it may… may be one of the villagers needing me?”
“It’s too early. Tell them they can wait.” He palmed my breast as if to emphasize his point.
A small, terrible part of me almost agreed. With a sigh I felt to my bones, I pulled away and looked at him, the intimate moment dissipating. “Waren, if someone needs me, I can’t turn them away.”
“I could. Just say the word.”
I held back a grin. “I know. Thank you.”
“I still don’t see why you even help them. Would they do the same for you?” He gritted out.
I winced as the truth behind his words cut me. Many villagers didn’t accept me because of my past. There were some who were kinder than others, but even after almost ten years, I still remained an outsider. The price of too many secrets.
Waren was like me in this, though the reason was different. I studied his sharp features, the slight tipping of his ears, all signs of his mixed heritage. Fae were considered to be lesser than, and even quarter Fae was still considered 'too much' for the small minded to forgive. Our shared secrets brought us together.
“Let’s see who it is.” I rested my hand on his side a moment before moving to the door. I took a deep breath and wrapped my robe tighter around myself before I opened the door.
“Katharina! You need to come, quick.” Ida, one of the few people I could call my friend, stood in my door. Her voice was on the verge of panic.
“What’s happened?” I asked quickly as I turned to gather my clothes and basket. Waren and I shared a look as I grabbed my newly made tonic, heart sinking. I made sure to add several small loaves of gingerbread as well, making a mental note to bake another batch when I returned.
Waren threw up his hands and scoffed, but I resolutely tried to ignore him as I walked behind the privacy screen and slid my clothes on while Ida talked.
“It’s Anneliese Amsler. She fell out of the barn loft yesterday and the healer hasn’t been able to wake her. You’re the family's last resort.”
I gritted my teeth, frustration riding me hard as I slipped my clothes and thin boots on. If only I had been called when it happened, I might have been able to do something. As it was… I shut down my thoughts. “I will do everything in my power to help her.” I moved to my kitchen, grabbing items and filling my satchel as I went. I grabbed my newly created tonic, and as I did, Waren caught my eye, lips tight. I gave him a little shrug and turned back to Ida. “I’m not sure what good I can do, but I will do my best.”
“I know. I tried to tell Petra to let me get you earlier, but we had to wait for Joachim to leave…” she trailed off, and I didn’t need her to finish the sentence to understand.
“I know,” I sighed. It was useless to rail at the impossible. I knew Petra’s husband likely was the reason she didn’t call me earlier to check her daughter. He was one of the… less kind villagers. “There, I think I’m ready.” I turned to Waren to say goodbye, but he waved me off.
“Don’t bother. I know. Just - be safe,” he grumbled.
I blew him a kiss. “I will.”
Ida grabbed my arm and hauled me out of the house.
Not even the witching hour could withstand Ida once she set her mind to something.
Stepping off my doorstep, I followed my feet to the village path, the trees reaching out with brittle fingers to touch my clothes as I passed. I didn’t mind their reaching twigs, they were merely curious and had no ill intent. Ida danced from their reach, loath to let them touch even her clothing. The wind seemed to join in the mischief and the chill seeped through our clothes.
We were nestled close to the beginnings of the eerie Dark Forest, but I had never felt fear from its depths. The faint tingle of magic the forest seemed to breathe always made me feel at ease, and the night animals joined in a harmony that soothed me. The cold Solstice wind on the other hand... I tucked my coat around my arms a bit tighter, wishing not for the first time that I had thicker material. Even with the moon’s light, the path through the village to Anneliese’s house seemed leeched of amiability. The unusual sense of foreboding that permeated the air tonight did nothing to ease my discomfort.
A flutter of wings passed by my ear, and I turned to the sound. "Fiach! I'm surprised you're awake at this hour." I glanced at the brightening horizon, judging it to now be just before sunrise. Definitely too early for the lazy raven.
"I still don't understand why you allow that wild creature to get so close to you." Ida shuddered.
I laughed, delighted he joined me. "He's harmless, truly."
Ida grumbled, but didn’t say anything further.
Affectionately, I stroked his glossy feathers. “Such a pretty boy,” I cooed and watched him preen at the praise. “Tonight will be a long one. Are you sure you want to come?”
His black eyes glinted, and he seemed to settle into his spot on my shoulder, comfortable.
“Very well.” I turned to Ida. "Tell me more of Anneliese's condition," I prompted her as I picked up our pace.
With a wary glance at Fiach, Ida began. "They found her about midday. The healer thinks she may have some broken ribs, and she has a nasty bump on her head. I believe the healer tried a poultice to reduce the swelling, but it didn't seem to have much effect.”
"Well, it wouldn't," I grumbled. The village healer and I rarely saw eye to eye, despite both of us employing the same craft. When I first came to the village, I had wandered into his shop, hoping to find a measure of peace during a time of upheaval. Instead, I found a crotchety curmudgeon with an intolerance for compassion. My attempts at support, meager as they were, were rebuffed soundly.
The resentment soon became a two way street, heightened by the fact that I had some small skill and training. I had always been fascinated with the castle healer in my youth, and snuck in to watch him care for his patients as often as I could spare the time. I learned much from him as he would frequently explain what he was doing and the healing properties of his various provisions.
Anneliese's house came into view as we neared the main street of the village. She and her family lived near the center of the village, close to her father’s blacksmith shop. The windows shone brightly with a fevered light.
Ida rapped briskly on the door, the loud banging interrupting my inner musing. The drawn face of Petra peered through the small crack at the door, before flinging wide. “Katharina! Ida, I didn't expect you until this afternoon.”
“I’m here to see if I can be of any help for Anneliese. Is your husband already at the forge?”
“Yes, he just left a few moments ago,” she answered hesitantly.
May we come in?” Ida interjected.
Petra’s chin quivered, but she silently opened her door wide with barely a glance at Fiach still perched on my shoulder. “She’s in the back room. Follow me.”
Stepping over the threshold, it seemed as if the very house was holding its breath. We followed Petra into Anneliese’s room and Fiach flew to the windowsill. I set my satchel beside Anneliese and began assessing her injuries. Her small body seemed to be swallowed by the room, her breaths shallow, her face pinched and pale. I feared it would take more than wishes and poultices for Anneliese to wake up again. “It’s me, Katharina,” I murmured gently. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, but I’m going to do everything in my power to help you, okay?”
I turned to Petra and swallowed. “Why don’t you lay down for a moment? I promise to stay with her and call you if there’s any changes.”
“I shouldn’t leave her…” She fretted, wringing her hands.
“Petra, you know Katharina. You know her. She needs space to help Anneliese.” With a meaningful look, Ida guided Petra out of the room and closed the door gently behind her. “There. Now, what do you need me to do?”
I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed. “I need hot water. And… I need to concentrate.”
She nodded. “Okay, I’ll make sure of it.”
As Ida slipped out of the room, I began unpacking my satchel, laying a few crystals where they needed to be, my magic guiding me. I allowed it to pull me towards a lilac colored potion, and I unstoppered it and took a sniff, then added a few extra herbs to it. Lastly, almost as an afterthought, I pulled out a few loaves of gingerbread and placed them on the small bedside table and opened the window. I smiled as Fiach decided to stay, as if he was wanting to show his support. The silly notion warmed my heart.
When I was satisfied with the preparations I had finished, I closed my eyes and sank into my magic, searching for my center. I allowed the feeling of its warmth to infuse my entire body as it hesitated at my call for more . I pushed, relentlessly calling for more magic, more power, more rightness .The room filled with the scent of gingerbread as my magic weakly began responding, and I was thankful Petra had left.
Ida slipped into the room with a pail of hot water.
“Come here,” I called to her, barely aware of the slight hypnotic edge to my voice. “Watch her. If she struggles, make sure she doesn’t hurt herself.”
I felt more than I saw as Ida complied, sitting in the chair by the bed. Pouring the potion into the hot water, I stirred it until I was satisfied it was ready. Using a cloth, I dripped the concoction onto Anneliese’s torso and placed my hands gently over her ribs. “Steady, Anneliese,” I whispered. I wasn’t sure if she could hear me.
My magic shifted, pricking at me, almost feeling eager to be released. I took a deep, steadying breath, then let my guards drop. I gasped at the sudden chill. Pushing the cold aside, I followed my magic as it flowed into Anneliese, seeking out her wounds.
Seconds blended to minutes, and minutes stretched into hours as I guided my magic in knitting bones and sewing flesh together. I was no longer aware of my surroundings as I focused on remembering all the lessons on healing I learned at the castle. Cell by cell, flesh joined together, the tiny body before me healing achingly slow. I felt my magic try to pull from Anneliese’s energy reserves and directed it firmly back to myself. She didn’t have enough energy to spare as her body worked to heal herself. Instead, I directed my magic to take what it needed from me as it followed the body's natural healing paths.
My magic fought against the angry wounds, and I realized the internal injuries were far more severe than I had even realized. Anneliese was nearing death’s door, and if I was unable to reverse the damage in time… I shut down my thoughts. Thinking like that wasn’t helpful right now.
I directed my magic to begin pulling from my reserves, and poured all my will into mending. This would not be her last day.
My magic grew tired, my limbs grew chilled and stiff, but still I poured more, feeding my fatigued magic and forcing it to continue. Anneliese wasn’t strong enough yet for me to stop.
It felt like an eternity, but still I refused to stop until I was sure Anneliese would make it. My eyes drooped, but still I kept on, kept pushing my magic to keep going, to give me more. Anneliese needed more.
Phantom images from my past tried to push their way to the forefront of my mind of the last time I had magically healed someone and the devastation that followed. I gritted my chattering teeth as I resolutely pushed the memories aside. I didn't have time for the past right now. My entire body felt like it was being weighed down by ice, and I glanced at Anneliese terrified I wouldn't have enough. That I wouldn't be enough. Tears began gathering in my eyes and Anneliese's face blurred as I choked back a sob, I didn't know how much longer I could keep pushing.
Healing with magic is one of the most brutal and demanding manipulations of magic. It demanded not only finesse and skill, but also enormous amounts of energy and will, and I was at the end of my ability.
Unable to keep my eyes open a moment longer, I slumped over beside Anneliese as I surrendered to the cold darkness.
Blinking, I sat up and immediately turned to look at Anneliese, heart racing. She was eerily still, yet I thought I noticed a faint pink on her cheeks. I studied her a moment longer, and was almost positive she looked to be breathing deeper and easier, as well. Reaching out, I tentatively tried to send my magic out to her, but It was completely spent. She was still breathing though, and I sighed in relief. She was going to make it. Even my eyelids were exhausted, but my magic seemed to lick its lips in tired satisfaction.
Rubbing my arms for warmth, I took in my surroundings, noticing Fiach dozing on the window sill, beak tucked under his wing, and I was surprised at the amount of sun shining in the window. It must be about noon. Ida was no longer in the room with me, but truth be told I had no idea when she had left. She'd probably gone to join Petra.
Speaking of Petra, I should let her know about Anneliese. I slowly swung my legs over the side of the bed, the movement finally rousing Fiach.
"I’d ask how you slept, but if it’s anything like how I slept, I don’t think I want to know." I wasn't sure why I was whispering, only that it felt right.
He flew to my shoulder and his bright eyes stared into mine. I brushed off the slight tingle that raced down my spine at the look.
The door was only a few steps from the bed, yet when I put my hand on the door handle to open it, something stopped me. Did I just hear my name? I put my ear to the door and listened.
Mutti always said eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves, and I should have listened to her.
"Well I hear that she tried to heal someone at the castle, but instead killed them! That's why she got banished."
"Surely not, you don't think?"
I tried picking out the voices, but was having trouble placing them through the thick door.
"I hear she had something to do with the Fae, and I would believe that before I'd believe she killed someone. I mean, just look at who she's with." Even through the door, the sneer was obvious, and my heart began to pound. Wasn't anybody going to stand up for me, or say something nice? Where was Ida?
"Ugh, I know. He makes my skin crawl. I don't know why the Mayor lets him stay here. He should go back to his own people."
My hands curled into fists at the injustice. Waren couldn't help who his parents were, no one can. And he more than pulled his weight in the village. Their words cut through my heart like a hot knife cuts through butter.
"Maybe she stays with him for other reasons. I mean, Fae or not, have you looked at him?"
"Speaking of Fae, have you heard the Dark Fae was seen not too far from the woods by Katharina’s place the other day?"
I heard a series of gasps through the door and pressed my ear closer, heart racing. Facts about the Dark Fae were few, and rumors plenty. It was rare to obtain first hand information about him. Most rumors claim his face is the last thing his victims see. Not many can boast of being able to see him and tell the tale.
"Tell me it isn't true!"
"But it is! Kurt himself told me he saw him and his thrice cursed Morgenstern. It was unmistakable. The very next morning is when Ebbe Bergman went missing.”
A low murmur broke out among the voices, and I struggled to hear what was being said. The Dark Fae was a terrible creature that mothers use to scare their children into listening. “Go to bed or the Dark Fae might snatch you up!” or “Eat your vegetables so you can be strong enough to fight off the Dark Fae!” were common threats used.
“I also heard that Falko B?rngen lost half his cattle that same day.”
“And that Emil Glas lost his prize bull to what looked like a ritual sacrifice. It was missing its heart and liver when he found it slaughtered in his field! It was the Dark Fae’s doing. I can’t imagine how someone could be so evil.”
“Well, he’s Fae. They’re beautiful but seductive and treacherous. It’s said they’d sooner eat a lover than pleasure them.”
I took a deep breath and was gathering my courage to open the door when I heard my name, once again.
"Since Katharina is such a Fae-lover, I wonder if she’s ever had a tryst with the Dark Fae. Maybe that’s why he was seen by her place.” Sniggers followed the nasty words.
As the shocked titters filtered through the door, I had enough.
With a hard jerk, I opened the door and stepped through the threshold. It was a sewing circle in the middle of Petra's main room, a bevy of women gathered for gossip and cloaking it with industry. I let my glare sweep the room as I took in the scene before me.
Gaping faces had turned at the sudden noise, and the varying stages of embarrassment and shame that I saw around the room might have mollified me had my heart not been so wounded at their callused words. Eventually, my eyes fell on the mortified face of Petra, and I took a deep breath. I just wanted to lick my wounds away from prying eyes and biting tongues.
"Anneliese is doing better. I'm going home."
At my voice, Ida stepped into the room from the direction of the kitchen. Where had my friend been when the odious women were implying their vile insinuations? I glared at her, not hiding the reproach that I could feel was written across my face.
"I can go with you..." She started softly, but I cut her off. I was in no mood for this verdak anymore.
"No, I think it's best if I go home alone. Wouldn’t want you to hang around a Fae-lover too long."
My anger rose again as I passed by the spiteful women. Fiach gripped my shoulder tightly with his claws, and I stroked his feathers gently in thanks.
But of course, fate was a bitch that’s never satisfied until everyone is as miserable as she is, and as I walk out of Petra's house my nose gets slammed into something hard.
Fiach flew off my shoulder with a squawk, and I glared up unto the face of Joachim, Petra's husband.
Perfect.
My indignation settles a bit as I watch the angry red slowly darken from his neck and travel up his face. I know he has an explosive temperament, but right now I couldn’t be bothered. A girl can only take so much in one day, after all.
"How dare you bring your filth into my house!" The words spew out of his mouth in a shower of spittle. "If I ever see you near me or my house again, not even that worthless lover of yours will be able to love what's left of you!"
Cold leached into my blood, and gingerbread filled my nostrils as his words echoed in my brain. It was people like this who darkened the world with their views and vile words. I raised myself to my full height and looked up at him.
"Had I not come to your house, Anneliese would be dead." I couldn't even enjoy the flicker of his eyes as I delivered my promise. "But I can assure you, I will never again darken the doors of this house, no matter how much you may beg me to. And believe me when I say, there will come a time when you will come calling for me, needing me." I leaned forward as I delivered my proclamation, feeling the truth of it in my bones as I let the clipped words drip from my mouth. "But I will not come."
Joachim’s eyes grew wide as I finished my curse and he crossed himself. I turned away from him, completely finished with his prejudice. Perhaps Waren was right. Perhaps I was wasting my magic and efforts on these bigoted villagers.
I marched back through the now silent woods and fumed.