The Beast Within

CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT

They all woke up by the bell, coming out to find Noelani already up although she hushed them, bidding them to be quiet for Laith was still asleep.

They obediently did as were told, cleaning up before taking their barrels to the gate to get water, Auris followed along.

It was just moments before dawn so the sun was yet to rise but Auris could do without the sunlight, Haneul had just been exaggerating the night before about Auris’ abilities without sunlight.

They made their way back quickly and quietly, they had a lot of training to catch up on so they would need to get started as early and possible.

It made things easier that they now lived together so they could make their way to the river bank together.

“Ceraun, you’ve been distracted all through our journey, are you okay?” Auris asked in concern, startling Ceraun out of his thoughts. They were on their way back to the hut with their full barrels.

He kept a serious expression which belied the intensely thoughtful one he just sported. “Nothing of importance.” He replied dismissively.

Adrik muffled a groan. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of how to take Laith along with you.”

“I won’t then.”

“You’re unbelievable.”

“Why are you so against her coming with us?” Ceraun rounded on him.

“Because I actually think things through, why would I want to put her in such potential danger?” Adrik glared at him.

“I’ll keep watch over her then.”

“You’re supposed to be training hard!” He exclaimed in exasperation.

“Or you could just nicely ask Noe instead of constantly arguing on it.” Auris turned around from the front to give them dark looks, they had slowed down after getting absorbed in their discussion.

“Auris is right, this is getting tiring.” Haneul muttered.

“Fine.” Ceraun agreed a tad aggressively, hurrying ahead of the others. “I’ll do just that.”

“This should be interesting to watch.” Adrik’s voice floated behind him.

“Let’s hope he does not get her wooden ladle to his face.” Haneul said apprehensively.

They hurried on after Ceraun to be privy to his discussion with Noelani and all arrived at roughly the same time, going to keep the water properly and filing out into the kitchen again.

Noelani was combing out Laith’s curls who was seated on a chair, chatting happily away.

Laith was in a different ensemble this time, a dress that though it was plain and remade from some other attire seemed to be made of silk as she wore it, and small leather shoes.

“Oh, Laith looks rather pretty this morning.” Auris exclaimed, grandly drifting over.

The sun had begun to rise, sunlight spilling into the bare room as the boys stood awkwardly in a corner.

“Noe made them for me!” Laith immediately turned to Auris with her hands out, making Noelani scold her for moving around so much.

“Really?” Auris inquired with wide eyes, taking Laith’s outstretched hands as she pushed down the hood of her cloak.

“Yes.” Noelani beamed, immensely pleased with herself and basking in Laith’s happiness.

“When did you get the time to make them?” She asked in surprise.

Noelani just shrugged. “They were quite easy to make, I woke up a few hours early, the moon was still bright.” She answered, patting down Laith’s curls.

“I’m glad you’re all back, I want you to take Laith along with you, when you go to the river bank that is.” She added, asking hesitantly. “That would not be a trouble to you all now, would it?”

A brief silence fell on the occupants of the kitchens, everyone except Noelani and Laith who were unaware of what was going on glanced at Ceraun.

Ceraun was equally shocked by Noelani’s words which quickly changed to one of smug satisfaction, Adrik’s quiet groan making his win all the more better.

“Not at all, Noe, we would be glad to have Laith come with us.” Auris replied for them all, throwing narrowed gazes in Ceraun’s and Adrik’s direction.

“That’s wonderful, I’ll leave her in your care then.” Noelani said in visible relief, although Laith had asked, she had not wanted to take the little girl along with her just yet.

She did not want to attract too much attention to themselves just yet, getting the soldiers or Mage spies interested in them was not the best course of action, she had to help keep their secret training hidden.

Laith was a very impressive child and carrying her along to the sewing pit would lead to the very thing she was trying to avoid.

She left to her room, to have some time to herself before she would have to go in to the sewing pit.

Behind her, Haneul stared apprehensively at Adrik and Ceraun like he expected tussling, he wasn’t wrong.

“Well, you have gotten what you want.” Auris said in a lightly teasing voice, we best be on our way.”

“Wait!” Noelani hurried back in, holding a wrapped package in her hand. “I almost forgot, I packed some leftovers for you all, there’s enough to spare now.” She said, handing it to Haneul who collected it reverently.

It was not because of the food because their bodies were long accustomed to eating one or two sparse meals daily but the thought behind it, it was almost like they were a real family.

Their thanks accompanied Noelani’s second exit, Laith waving enthusiastically.

“Well, we best be on our way then.” Adrik muttered, pushing up and away from the wall that he had been leaning on.

“But I believe we would have to watch over Laith properly today or Noelani would never forgive us.” Ceraun started to muse.

Auris rolled her eyes at this, knowing what was coming afterwards.

“Ceraun, do not…” Haneul tried to pacify him, it was as good as useless though.

“I wonder how we would manage that seeing as we have to train hard.” Ceraun mimicked cruelly, staring holes through Adrik.

Adrik looked unimpressed. “Fine, you have made your point, let’s at least get going.” He repeated again, the only one who could apparently keep a clear goal in mind.