by Casey Herzog
“I don’t know what to tell you. I’ve done everything I can. I followed the recipe to the letter, but maybe it’s going to take some more time for Damien to come around. It could be that the flower was tainted, but I don’t even want to think about that unless we have to. The alternative is not one that I want to voice and you don’t want to hear anything negative about his prognosis,” Professor Bethesda said, as he stood there with his arms crossed looking like he had aged a few years, the deep lines under his eyes even more pronounced.
“I wish there was something I could do.” My friendship with Damien meant the world to me, and I couldn’t even imagine living my life without him. I would certainly move on with my life, but it would be with a heavy heart and a feeling of disappointment for having let him down.
“I’ve been in touch with the very few who have used this recipe in the past, and they have been gracious enough to make the journey here from outside of the community. I had to send a messenger, and I’m sure they were hesitant, but they know how important this is. I don’t know the cost of doing business with them, but I’m sure there will be a price to pay.”
I didn’t care about anything other than the well being of Damien. He was too strong to let this get the best of him, and I was responsible for bringing him this misfortune.
“They can ask for anything, and I will gladly give it.” I had no interest in playing games, and whatever they wanted was nothing compared to the devastation I would feel from losing him. My responsibility was clear, and to do nothing would mean Damien was not important to me.
“I would be very careful about saying anything like that around them; they may take you seriously. Some of them are not exactly happy about coming back, and the messenger was quite clear about their reluctance. I’ve gone back over the notes, and nothing I have done was left to chance. It could be the remedy needs to be adjusted to Damien’s physiology. As you are well aware, Damien is not like everyone else; there’s something special about him,” Professor Bethesda said, as we both stood in the doorway looking at the frail figure of Damien barely clinging to life.
“I don’t know how much longer he has left; he’s literally hanging by a thread. There’s only so much fight in him, and I fear for his health. I don’t want anything to happen to him, but I don’t want him to feel any lasting effects from being in this trancelike state. Are you certain waiting is the answer?” I was trying to be strong for my friend, but this weakness was causing the evil to think it could slip through the cracks.
“I know this is taking a lot out of you, but I’m afraid this is the only thing we have left. They can either help, or they can leave him this way, but I don’t think you’re going to allow something like that to happen. Be very careful because those from outside of the community can be quite unpredictable. They walked away for a reason; some were actually cast out as a form of punishment.”
I didn’t want this to be his final breath, and I had to give credit to Professor Bethesda for coming up with an alternative solution to the problem.
“We can debate this, but I think our strength should be saved for Damien. He’s going to need all he can get, and I’m willing to supply him with a necessary dose of magic. I’m not even sure a transfusion of the amount he needs is possible, but maybe there is a way,” I said, hoping the idea of the magic transfusion would be what would take him over the top.
“I’ve heard of it being used in the past, but it comes with the risk of taking too much. It’s very rare and dangerous. It’s the reason why I never mentioned it. However, if this could give him that last fighting chance, then maybe the outsiders will be able to do the rest.” I could see the wheels turning in his head; he was obviously doing the intricate and intense calculations required not to make any mistakes.
“My father and mother might be able to help as they were instrumental in making magic relevant again.” I had no problem reaching out to my parents, even though they were estranged and had no interest in spending any intimate time together. Actually, that was a one-sided emotion; my father would have gladly given her a second chance.
“I don’t want to bother them with this unless absolutely necessary. The library gave us what we needed, and you found the flower. I still can’t believe you went on a journey with your father where you found your mother and allowed a strange being to inhabit your body. I don’t know what it’s going to cause, but I suppose that is a problem for another day.”
I could reach out and talk to my parents without Professor Bethesda’s knowledge. I didn’t care about anybody’s opinion, and I would walk through hell to help Damien to open up his eyes.
“I understand the sentiment, but my father might have knowledge we can use. I don’t want to leave anything to chance. I know why you don’t want to involve him; it’s as plain as the nose on your face. You don’t want to show any weakness since my father can be quite judgmental when he wants to be. This is something you want to do alone, and calling upon the outsiders is a brave and reckless choice.” I felt the energy in the air draining and I wasn’t sure how much time was left for Damian to come back to us.
“I know it’s selfish, but I can’t always run to your father for answers. I don’t mind if you consult him, but leave his care up to the others and me. It’s asking a lot, but I don’t like the idea of having too many cooks in the kitchen. Having differing opinions is healthy, but it can become counterproductive for the patient,” Professor Bethesda said, as we both turned and saw a disheveled old man walking towards us with a cane to hold him up.
He grabbed us both, and for someone so small and frail looking, he certainly did have some amazing upper body strength. Pulling us down within earshot, he was prepared to say something. I had a feeling it was important enough for us to understand him clearly.
“I know what you’re thinking. A transfusion like this should not be taken lightly, but I see the options on the table are limited. I’m going to need some time to prepare. As far as I can tell, you have done nothing wrong, but you haven’t considered all the variables. I will make my determination about the flower from what is left over,” the old man said, his weathered hands looking like the bony claw of death.
There wasn’t much left of the flower, and the concoction they had made Damien drink was meant to incorporate the entire essence of the flower. The only thing remaining was the stem and one lone petal. The old man picked it up and looked at it from every angle. He seemed deep in thought.
“I would seriously consider giving him the transfusion as soon as possible. If he is to survive he’s going to need all the help he can get. Fortunately, the flower doesn’t seem to be the problem. I will need a quiet place to work. I don’t care if you think it’s important; nobody is to disturb me for however long it takes me to decipher the problem is and uncover a solution.” This old man was clearly stubborn and stuck in his ways.
“I don’t think you know what you’re saying. A transfusion means using a spell. If I don’t say the incantation the right way, the consequences will be catastrophic for both Damien and Gillian,” Professor Bethesda said, making me worried, but still willing to go through the procedure for my friend. I had come this far, and there was no way I was going to back down until he was standing by my side, healthy and ready to take on whatever fight came his way.
“You don’t have much time to decide; his aura is showing signs of failing. His core is strong, and this is something I have not seen before. I am quite surprised he has lasted this long.”
I grabbed the old man and I held him still to convey to him the seriousness of the situation. “We won’t disturb you, but I stress making a determination quickly.” I didn’t mean to be in his face, but anything pertaining to Damien was important to me.
He easily pulled my fingers from his collar, and I was a little perplexed as to how he could be so calm under the circumstances. He looked at me with his eyes wide open, showing no discernible emotion about the outcome. It dawned on me that it wasn’t personal for him; he was tr
eating it with the clinical eye of a scientist.
“I know he’s important to you, but you’re lucky I’m not biased. I can take my time and not rush through when making my judgment. I understand emotions are running high, but there’s no call for you to assault me like this,” the old man said. I realized he hadn’t even mentioned his name, but I really had no interest in knowing it.
“I need to know what makes you qualified to help him.” He was our last resort, but I wasn’t going to throw Damien into his hands without finding out more about him.
“I have been in the practice of magic and medicine for longer than you have been alive. You might have an idea of how old I am, but you couldn’t even come close to the number. I have seen and done it all, but there’s a reason I’m still around. I know how to live my life the right way; I avoid the poisons you ingest every day. If you don’t mind, I have work to do; time is not our friend.” I reluctantly let him go, watching as he scurried down the hallway, hunched over with his cane leading the way.
“The transfusion must take place immediately; I’m not taking no for an answer.” I saw the Professor wasn’t sold, but he threw his hands up in defeat. He left me to wonder how Damien was going to fare, and if I was going to join him.
I couldn’t stop pacing the floor, and then, the Professor came back with a book and had me lie down beside Damien. His words made no sense, and the scented candle made me sick to my stomach. I felt the lurch of my breakfast, and then, pain searing into my stomach made me forget about the possibility of making a mess.
Professor Bethesda stood over me, and my body began to glow. The energy seemed to drift in the air before making its way agonizingly slowly over to Damien. His body jumped off the table, and he was showing signs of stress, which manifested in frothing at the mouth like a wild dog.
“I don’t…want you…to stop. My life…means nothing…compared to his.” I didn’t want to be a martyr, but I was willing to do what it takes.
The old man returned, and I saw him administer a needle directly to Damien’s heart. My head was spinning, and then I abruptly sat up with a rush of air coming out of my mouth. I thought for a moment I was floating, and then suddenly, I was back in my body.
“After studying Damien’s DNA and blood work, I realized the medicine needed a more direct route into his bloodstream. A person’s heart is where their soul emanates the strongest aura.” I thought for a moment he was all talk, but then Damien fluttered his eyelids and looked around like he was no longer a prisoner of his own body.
I felt a little weak, and I stumbled before gaining my equilibrium. I was no doubt going to need some time to replenish what had been taken. I was just glad that Damien had not succumbed to his illness and I no longer had to worry about living with my mistake.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
It had been a couple of weeks, and William was scheduled to come out of isolation within the next couple of days. I was scrambling to get everything ready for the wedding, and thankful my mother was around to give me a hand with the preparations. There was a lot to do and many little things that had to be adhered to because of tradition.
“I know your trust in me is tentative at best, but I have to say I am enjoying getting to know you all over again. Your father has given me a clean bill of health, and I feel like my life is my own,” my mother said, showing me how the necklace she had given me worked with the magic inside me. I could conjure up little things, like small animals and even the elements, but nothing to warrant any kind of alarm from the locals. I felt blessed to have the tiger shadow with me. It was comforting to know it was there looking out for me.
“I had a hard time talking to William about this, and you would think he would give me his support. We are going to be married and trusting one another comes with it a contract for life,” I said, wanting my mother’s opinion and thankful she was here to get it.
“I know William didn’t take the news of you joining with the voice very well. You have to understand where he’s coming from. This is not a typical thing, and it’s somewhat similar to what you have gone through already. He will come around, but maybe he won’t have to. The voice did say he would relinquish his hold on you if he were to find a suitable host.”
I didn’t know where my mother was going with this, but the result was a chill down my spine.
“Father has been working tirelessly to find an answer, alongside several of the other professors who have all come up short. I don’t see how you can do anything to help me. The voice has been quiet for quite some time. I don’t really know what to make of it, but I do know he’s still there; maybe he’s just resting. I can’t fault him for needed time to heal after everything he has been through.”
My father had not been around; sleep had lost any meaning when it came to the safety of his family.
“I’m not suggesting there’s anything I can do, but I have felt the magic from two young up and comers. You might be able to utilize their power for your gain, but it means taking off the training wheels,” my mother said, letting me know there was still some unfinished business that I needed to see to personally. Penelope and Tabitha were causing problems together. Tabitha had become Penelope’s criminal partner.
“I don’t know how to give them real power without feeling like I’m doing them a disservice. I don’t know why it’s so important to release the voice when he hasn’t done anything to bring about this kind of mistrust. Don’t get me wrong, I want nothing more than to be my own woman, but I won’t let anybody harm him unless they know for sure they can release him without hurting him,” I said, looking at the necklace as I manipulated it with the little bit of magic I had at my disposal.
“I’ve never seen you so defensive; it does my heart proud to know you can stand up for what you believe in. You have the same conviction I had growing up, but you need to be careful about how people might perceive you. A strength in your belief is one thing, but foolhardy actions are only going to give people a reason to lash out at you,” my mother said, creating sparks of blue along the surface of the necklace that resulted in tiny little birds flying around the room before disappearing.
“Those girls are too young to be of any kind of help. They need me to keep them from losing their way. I can’t depend on Julian when he is obviously dealing with something of his own. We still don’t know the cause of his behavior and why he lost time.”
I was about to mention Damien and then he appeared with the same innocent smile on his face.
“I thought I felt my ears burning. Wait, you weren’t talking at all; you were thinking. It’s almost like we speak our own language,” Damien said, looking no worse for wear.
Seeing him standing and talking was making everything I had done worth it. It didn’t look like it was going to work, but eventually, he snapped out of it long enough to say a few words. I remembered them clearly “It’s about time.” It was just like him to be obstinate, to me of all people. He thought I was a little slow and believed I would come to his rescue sooner than later.
“I do admit that worrying about you coming out of your trance kept me up at nights. You may not want to hear this, but I feel like you are my little brother and I needed to look out for you. We’ve had a rocky relationship, but we’ve come a long way from when you wanted to burst me into flames.”
I saw the look on his face, and he closed his eyes, remembering a past not too long ago.
“Those were the good old days. I can’t believe I can say that at my young age! We all do what we need to do, and whether we are right or wrong is inconsequential. I know we have a deep bond and understanding that we have relied on to find our way out of some tough spots.”
He was trying to keep me from thinking about anything more than my wedding in the next few days.
The wedding was postponed, and I didn’t think my father shed a tear because he had been quite vocal about his displeasure about me marrying William. He liked him and treated him like a son, but he thought we were too young to join
forever. We still had a lot of living to do, but I didn’t know how he could say that considering everything. We had experienced a lifetime in such a short period of time.
The monastery and the monks were responsible for postponing the wedding because they didn’t think they were getting William’s undivided attention. They understood the reason, but it still made them hesitant to allow him to join with me without fully immersing himself into the teachings they were providing.
“I have a meeting with your father, and I don’t want you to get your hopes up about reconciliation. I wasn’t myself at the time, but I still believe in everything I said to him. We will never be in love, no matter how much you try to manipulate us into seeing each other more often. You think you have been so clever, but we see through you. Maybe you should concentrate on yourself than worrying about us,” she said, giving me the smirk I knew so well.
She left me in the company of a young boy becoming a man.
“I didn’t want to say this in front of her, but there’s more going on. I’m not sure if this is a residual of my trance, and I would really like to be wrong for once. I suspect there was a reason something wanted me out of the way. They didn’t want me interfering in whatever plan they had in mind.”
I was worried there was something to what Damien was saying, and it did make sense to eliminate the threat of something more powerful than anybody realized.
“You and I are the only ones who know what you deal with every day. I thought mistakenly it had become too much for you keeping this secret from everyone. Working together creates a heavy burden. I shouldn’t have asked you to become my second.”
I gave Damien a hard choice for someone so young, and he had become the anchor to keep me from doing something stupid. I informed him before the evil had taken me that he could be something more with my guidance.
“I was prepared to sacrifice my life, and I would gladly do it several times over to protect you. I could hear you every time you came to see me, and I wanted to reach out, but something was preventing me. I don’t think anybody would have done for me what you did, not even my parents.”
