The Severaine

Chapter Five Remembrance-2

Through the rain's mist Daniel could just make out his brother's sword. He stood motionless, reliving the memory of Marise forcing it into his hand. He had wanted to strike her down, to kill her, but he had been frozen by fear, unable to do anything but watch as she walked away.

The sword had been embedded in a transparent resin, upon the ground before it lay a stone plaque. Carefully carved upon the surface was his brother's name, and a small tribute.

Daniel felt the familiar swelling in his throat as the tears, concealed by the dampness of the rain, once more began to fall. This gesture alone was enough to give rise to such emotions. A mercenary, like most, once no longer of the mortal plain had their ashes scattered to the winds. Unless their families chose to create one no memorials were ever erected. The fact they had seen it fit to do so for his brother reinforced the unity and closeness of his chosen family. Even should the camp be moved, he did not doubt that the area would remain as well tended as it was now, with sprays of seasonal flowers in bloom around it all year long.

“Thank you.” Daniel felt himself kneel before the grave, speaking in barely a whisper. His unfocused eyes burned into the sword. Reaching out his hand he touched the cold resin, his breathing hitched and eyes squeezed tightly shut. He swallowed feeling the powerful emotions threatening to consume him, forcing a distraction he spoke again. “Your family? You're a father now?”

“My eldest is six, her little brother Adam turned two just yesterday.” Daniel knew if he were to look Jones' mouth would be moving in reply. He could feel the buzzing of speech, but his ears failed to process anything else that was being said. The noise ceased and Daniel felt a firm hand upon his shoulder, the words muffled within his head. “Come, this weather's fit for neither man nor beast. Let me walk you back before you catch your death.” Daniel opened his mouth to speak, the words catching in his throat. Knowing what he wished Jones gave his shoulder another squeeze. “Shall I stay with you?” Daniel shook his head. “Then tomorrow I'll escort you to the forest's boundary.” Jones crouched down, meeting Daniel's red eyes as he looked upon him. “We all owe your brother a great debt. If you ever need anything, help, shelter, anything, come to us first.”

Jones began to walk away, casting a glance back to Daniel. He had not expected this gesture to meet with such a reaction. Perhaps showing him such a thing had been a mistake, perhaps he should have settled for just having him here.

They had known of Daniel's arrival in this forest some time ago. It had given them ample opportunity to ensure there was shelter available. He had made it clear to those who remained, that one way or another, Daniel would be paying them a visit. Even if it was by the means of an insistent escort. Luckily no such coercion had been needed. He glanced back once more before the marker was lost from sight. Daniel had still not moved. Jones veered from his planned route. He would pay a quick visit to his guests.

When Daniel returned the young girl was already asleep, wrapped in blankets in one of the side rooms, the door left ajar. Acha, hearing him enter, retired to bed, leaving Eiji to greet him with warmed towels in hand.

Their talk with Jones had been a serious one and centred around Daniel's health. They had spoken openly about all they knew. There was little point in attempting to conceal the truth from eyes that had seen the things this man had. Through their talk they learnt more of Daniel, although Jones had only met him once his brother had spoken of him often. It was obvious Adam had been his hero. Before leaving he had deemed it necessary to apologise to them.

Daniel's eyes were red and swollen. He made no attempt at moving his soaked hair as it sent streams of water down his face. Eiji wrapped a towel around him, pulling him inside towards the fire before running another towel through his hair. Daniel gestured him away, only to find a warm cup within his hand as Eiji moved to take the seat next to him. They sat in silence, Daniel staring deep into the fire, not even shivering against the cold.

Eiji, after finishing his drink, stood to pull off Daniel's shirt, drying him as best he could before replacing it with a clean one. Daniel stood as Eiji pulled him to his feet, encouraging him from the wet trousers and into dryer ones. And still neither spoke.

A few hours past and finally the silence was broken.

“Thanks,” Daniel whispered, his surroundings now coming into focus. He had no memory of returning home, only a vague recollection of Eiji helping him change, and a strong feeling of his presence as he had sat in his almost catatonic state. Eiji gave a nod rising to his feet. He had known more than anything at that point his friend had needed company, even if it was in silence. But now, he needed some time alone. Eiji made his way to the other room where Daniel could see the bedding had been laid out for the both of them.

“Try t'get some rest,” Eiji urged from the doorway. “It's gonna be a long day tomorrow, y' need y' energy. I've made a bed when y' ready.” He pulled the door closed behind him, even then questioning whether Daniel would heed his advice. Eiji could only imagine the things which plagued his sleep, and only hope that one day soon he would see fit to talk about them. The forceful restraining of his emotions was of no benefit. One way or another, things would catch up to him.

* * *

The night seemed to pass in a haze. Once Eiji retired Daniel had cast a quick glance around the room only to discover what he had suspected, his satchel was no longer here. Eiji must have taken it, leaving behind only the tincture being used to treat the child.

Since Collateral, with the exception of his mistake in Drevera, he had managed to evade sleep. By his estimation he should be able to procure the items to make another potion to stay the dreams before he needed to sleep again. That being the case, why was it he felt so tired? His eyelids felt heavy. He glanced towards Eiji's room again, wondering if he could enter without disturbing his friend. He needed something to keep him awake, to fend off Darrienia and all its terrors.

The fire warmed him, soothing his mind as he lost himself staring into the glow of the flame. He felt himself startle, his body's conditioned reaction to approaching sleep. His near-dream-state mind recalling images, reminding him of fears forgotten, of Marise stalking them through the shadows. Had she been there on the edge of Weft, had she followed them here? He stared into the fire, his mind lost as sleep was evaded. Dawn could not come soon enough.

Eiji was the first to rise. He glanced to the bed mat beside him and found himself both unsurprised and disappointed that Daniel had not even considered attempting to sleep. Opening the door quietly, a small part of him hoping his vision would fall upon his friend's sleeping figure in the chair he had last seen him. He found himself once more disappointed. Daniel sat staring into the dulling embers of the fire, his fatigue obvious by his swaying posture as his head seemed to nod with his every breath. He failed to even notice Eiji as he approached to pull the metal pot across the fire and add more kindling to the dying flames. After impaling some bread on the toasting forks, he cut thick slices of cheese from the provisions Jones had left.

“Morning,” Daniel finally spoke. He had been aware of some movement before him but hadn't really been paying it much attention. It was only now, as his mind adjusted to the brightness in the room, he roused from his trance like state.

“Mornin'.” After adding some apple to the plate, Eiji passed the prepared food to Daniel and, much to his surprise, he began to eat. Eiji sat before the fire eating his own as he readied food for Acha and the child. He could already hear the sound of movement from within their room.

It had almost seemed as if Jones had stood unseen, patiently waiting for them to finish their breakfast, for no sooner had the wooden plates been cleaned when there came a knock at the door. He opened it, inviting himself inside and looking casually over each of them in turn. His eyes lingering on Daniel, a seriousness crossing his brow. As Daniel saw him staring, Jones gave a warm smile.

“Good morning, I thought I'd stop by and see if you're up to some training. I'd love to see what you can do.” His eyes studied Eiji, who shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. “No?” he questioned with a grin before giving an exaggerated sigh. “Are you sure? We offer a great wage, and perks for someone of your standing.” Jones shook his head, his smile never faltering. “Well I still have time to win you over with my chef's cooking, the last of your kind I came across was a real Trencherman.” He looked to see their belongings had been all but collected. “Aw, don't tell me you're leaving before I can tempt you further?” He looked to Daniel, his smile fading slightly. “In all seriousness, there's no rush for you to leave. We'd enjoy having you around.”

“It's a kind offer,” Acha intervened. “But we really need to try and get the little one reunited with her family.” Her words brought with them a heavy air. They were unsure if the girl's family even survived.

“I understand, how does she fare today?”

“She's still not talking much, but her fever broke in the night and she seems to have an appetite.”

“Right, well when you're ready come get me. I'll have a package ready, see if I can't tempt your return from afar.” No sooner had Jones left when the door from Acha's room opened. The young girl moved quickly to position herself beside Daniel. Acha smiled impressed at the child's progress. She was well on the road to recovery, the restful night of sleep along with another dose of the medicine had ensured her fever had almost vanished now.

When she had first awoken in the strange environment, she had been very quiet and afraid. Almost as if she had barely dared to make a sound in case the strangers she now found herself with meant her harm. She was on the verge of tears, struggling to hold back her fear any longer, when Daniel had approached her. He had knelt down to her height, placed his hand gently on her shoulder and explained the rules of the game her parents were playing. It was called hide and seek, but it was far different to the one most children her age knew. It was a special game. First they had to travel to the place where all the best hiders in the land gathered, Albeth castle. Once there she needed to keep a watchful eye out for anyone belonging to her family. She only needed to find one person to win the game. He explained that their walk there would be the same as counting, it allowed her family time to find a good hiding place. After this explanation she couldn't wait to depart.

As Daniel had explained the rules of the game, Acha had put the finishing touches to the girl's teddy bear, it looked far healthier now for a few stitches and some extra padding.