CHAPTER 5: THE SCARS
2293 Words
The early morning mist hung heavy over the manor, its ethereal tendrils entwined with the faint, mournful neighs of horses approaching from the distance.
A carriage, its wheels crunching through the gravel, bore witness to the urgency of the moment. Within, Zev lay injured, his body a silent testament to the perils of his venture.
From her vantage point at the mansion's window, Rosemarie watched with a growing sense of dread. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she recognized the familiar silhouette of the carriage, her mind racing with a thousand fears.
The rider, a figure shrouded in the morning haze, seemed to exude an air of distress, his every movement hinting at the gravity of the situation.
“What happened to him?”
Mrs Magdalene stormed out of the manor requesting answers.
Let's get him inside first. We can ask all the questions we want while he is resting in his chambers.
“Assist me in taking him indoors.”
Adolph interjected, carrying Zev's body to his chambers.
His face contorted in pain, as he clutched at his butler’s sleeve, his voice barely a whisper.
“I… I need… the… th…”
“His words trailed off, his eyes pleading.”
“Don't stress yourself young master, I understand what you mean.”
“I have the item right here. Rest well, young master.”
Adolph replied while closing the door to Zev's chambers.
What happened to him? Mrs. Magdalene asked once again while they all stood in the corridor of his chamber.
Rosemarie rushed into the corridor where they stood.
“I saw from my chambers, where is he?”
She anxiously awaited answers to resolve her uncertainty.
“He is currently resting. I suggest no one disturbs his rest.”
Adolph responded.
“He was attacked and injured by a creature in the frozen caves. We wanted to take him to a clinic, but he refused and sternly told us to take him home.”
“I'm still in shock after all the years of working for him. I don't think I've ever seen him injured before.”
A flicker of distress ran through his face as the guard responded.
“Why was he in the frozen caves?”
Doubtful and hesitant, Rosemarie questioned.
I've heard stories about that place. Isn't it a bit too risky?
“He was in pursuit of the bandits that attacked you upon your first arrival in North-Rezora.”
The guard replied.
“He did… I'd never thought.”
“Poor master Zev, it's also been years since I've seen him badly hurt.”
Mrs Magdalene responded, her face flickered with worry.
“Is he that invincible?”
A puzzled look crossed Rosemarie's face as she asked.
“ The most important thing is that he's alive. He will heal. So let's all carry on with our duties now.”
Mr Adolph responded, while walking away.
As twilight descended, casting long shadows across the snow-dusted landscape, a solitary owl perched upon a gnarled branch near the manor's culinary chamber.
Its mournful hoot echoed through the stillness, a haunting melody that pierced the quiet. Within the manor's warm, inviting embrace, Mrs. Magdalene moved with deliberate grace, tending to the final preparations for the evening.
In the doorway, Rosemarie stood, her gaze fixed upon the owl, a contemplative expression gracing her features.
“Is there any word about his progress?”
She asked Mrs Magdalene, fiddling with the tassel on her dress while staring at the owl.
“Unfortunately, no. He had been a ghost in his own home, shutting himself away in his chambers.”
“In fact, he hadn't eaten all day.”
“I tried to reach him, but he never responded, perhaps only you can get through to him.”
“Ha! If he hasn't opened up to you, then I'm out of luck.
I'm definitely the last person he wants to see right now; I'm practically poison to him.”
“Nonsense, I think he really likes you.”
“What! I think it's quite the opposite. We actually got off on the wrong foot.”
“Yet you're still in his home.”
“He's probably focused on his work and forgotten that I'm here.”
“Ohh let me tell you a secret that you didn't hear from me.”
“Hmm. OK, there's nothing better than midnight gossip.”
Rosemarie’s eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed intently on her.
“ As a child born into nobility, Zev had many suitors come and go, but none lasted the second night.”
“So he actually eats them?”
A shocking look crossed her face as she responded.
“Ha! No, silly.”
“He just rejects them all, sending them packing with a hefty sum of money to compensate them for their time.”
“Honestly, I wouldn't mind being sent home with compensation.”
“You're really a jester lady, Rosemarie, but the fact is you're still here.”
“I suggest you should go give him his food and help him apply the ointment.”
“What!... Why on earth would I want to do that?”
“Come on, now I know you haven't had a proper conversation with him since you arrived. This is that opportunity.”
“Okay, fine. Only because you're persistent, I'm just going to give him his food since he hasn't eaten all day.”
“He can figure out how to apply the ointment himself.”
Oh, thank you, Lady Rosemarie. But you will be going alone. He can tell if it's me by my footsteps alone.
“Wow… I find that oddly impressive.”
With a determined stride, Rosemarie navigated the windy hallway, her destination a door at the end that she rapped sharply upon.
“Hello… hello anyone in there.”
She knocked but no one responded.
“I'm coming in… huh, there's no one here. Where did he go?”
She dragged the box of food eagerly in search of him.
A sudden sound emanated from a chamber fourteen doors down the corridor.
The relentless hissing of steam growing louder with each step, sent shivers down her spine.
“Huh, come to think of it, I’d never ventured into the depths of this imposing mansion before.”
A spark of inquisitiveness ignited within her, prompting her to glance through the door's narrow openings.
“I can't really see anything with all this steam in the way, um wait, someone's in there.”
“Huh… Zev. What is he doing there?”
She walked in to confirm what she had just seen.
“Hello… Captain Zev… Lord Zev… Master… Zev.”
“Am I seeing things? I could have sworn I just saw her.”
She felt the presence of a shadowy figure move right past her, only to turn and see nothing.
Without warning, she felt a power grip on her arm as she was forcing her against the wall.
“Who are you, get your hands off me ?”
She struggled as the hot steam cleared up.
Zev! What are you doing?
“I believe that question was intended for me to inquire about your presence here. May I ask what brings you here, lady Rosemarie?”
Zev replied with a stern look across his face as his grip increased.
“Are you spying on me? Were you sent by your tribesmen to murder me?”
“Oh, what do you mean? I would never commit such evil. I was sent to take care of you.”
To take care of me, huh?
“Oh no, that's not what I meant. Please, my hands are hurting me.”
“Then tell the truth.”
“I swear it's the truth. I came here looking for you to give you your meal. I heard you haven't eaten since this morning.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes”
I'll be blunt with you. I am skeptical about you.
So tell me who made the food?
Rosemarie's face turns beet red as she stares at him.
"The heat in here was stifling. I couldn't make out what he was saying, but I'd never been so close to him before. His hair was thick and curly, his eyebrows full but well-groomed.”
“I found myself drawn to his striking hazel eyes, a feature I must have overlooked in the snow. His strong jawline was undeniably attractive. The heat was overwhelming, or perhaps it was him."
“While I'm not typically drawn to such things, I can understand why Ashley is so captivated. His physique is undeniably impressive, firm and sculpted in a way that's both alluring and intriguing.”
“I find myself wanting to touch it, to feel it for myself. I wonder if he's aware of my gaze, if he can sense the tension building within me. Thankfully, he's wearing a robe. It's a relief, but also a frustrating reminder of the distance between us.”
"His grip on my hands is surprisingly strong, almost forceful. It's a sensation that's both exhilarating and slightly intimidating."
“Hello, are you listening to me, Lady Rosemarie? Hello, snap out of it.”
Zev yelled out.
“Huh, I can hear you.”
She responded softly.
What on earth are you talking about? Never mind, I don't think I want to know!
I was curious to know you prepared the meal.
“It was Mrs Magdalene.”
She responded looking straight into his eyes.
“Very well then, wait for me in my chambers. I will be with you shortly.”
OK … if you wish.
She walks out of the room in a haste feeling flustered.
….
Moments later, the door creaked opening wide as Zev stepped in.
“Oh, I almost forgot you were waiting to have a seat.”
“Oh, thank you”
“I hope you don't mind my bad habit. I'm fond of having meals in my chambers rather than the dining hall.”
“Oh… I don't mind.”
“That's great, now have a bite.”
“Huh… but it's not for me, the food was meant for you to eat.”
“OK… I insist on having a first taste.”
I can do that if it's what you want.
"Lifting the lid, she revealed a steaming platter of seasoned white rice accompanied by a rich beef stew."
“The dish is both hot and remarkably flavorful, a truly delicious combination.”
“Do you feel anything else?”
“Um… aside from that, nothing else.”
“Oh that's good.”
“How was your day at the manor?
“It was fine, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“I understand.”
"Captain Zev, I believe I heard that you pursued the bandit who attacked me and my escort recently."
“I am truly grateful for your courage and bravery. Your actions have my deepest respect.”
“Oh… That's why you're here, right?”
“Um oh no, that's not the reason.”
“I was only doing my job. There was nothing personal about it, Lady Rosemarie.”
As he spoke, his attention was drawn to the books and artwork that adorned his chambers.
“Your demeanor suggested that you had found the steam bath to be particularly invigorating.”
Huh, what do you mean?
“The steam from the bath is produced by flowing fresh water vapor and subtle herb smoke.”
“The heat of the steam helps speed up my healing process, while the herbs help numb the pain.”
“It seems it was doing otherwise to you.”
“Oh, and your internal monologue wasn't quite internal.”
*Huh! So you heard everything I said?”
“In the future, it would be prudent to limit your explorations to familiar domains.”
“I'm so sorry about that. It was stupid of me.”
His eyes drilled into her clothing, making her feel self-conscious and adjusting her dress nervously.
“Oh, that's right! I remember during the incident when you first arrived, your clothes and personal items got displaced.”
“Given the condition of your belongings, a wardrobe refresh seems long overdue.”
“But, I don't mind wearing this.”
“Mrs. Magdalene showed me a range of beautiful dresses touched by the previous owner.”
“You wearing those dresses constantly brings back memories of my sister, and it's unsettling.”
You will change them. Tomorrow, we will head for the town's market. I'm sure we will find a few suitable for you.
“OK… Thank you.”
“You may leave now.”
She reached for the tray as she was about to leave.
“No! I will…”
He stutters as she interjects.
“I insist it's the least I can do for now.”
“Fine, you may leave.”
“Oh my. What is wrong with me?”
“I intended to force his hand, to compel him to push me away.”
“I never imagined going on a date with him.”
“It's the least I can do for now, seriously.”
“I sounded like an errand girl.”
She mimicked her voice, feeling flustered, while she smacked her palms on her cheeks.
“His commanding voice has a hypnotic effect on me, making it impossible to disagree.”
“To be honest, that went better than I expected.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell him about the ointment.”
“Lady Rosemarie!”
Her name echoed from the shadows of the hallway, a chilling sound that made her skin crawl as a cold hand rested on her shoulder.
- Writer
