The Dark Witch And Her Knights

39

The moon was high above when I found my way back to the inn. I could not go back to Gavrial's after everything that had happened. I was embarrassed- mortified at myself. After the strange encounter I had experienced I was so drained I avoided returning to the ball. My promise to General Monteros was broken.

The innkeeper was an elderly woman waiting at the desk. "Mrs. Carpenter, why have you been tasked with the night shift?" I asked entering through the front door not expecting to see her.

She looked up from her book and over the glasses hanging low on her nose. "In the name of the Holy Father, what are you wearing child?" I resisted the urge to cringe at the lord's name. "Don't tell me you walked here- I heard no carriage drop you off." Leaning to look around me she tried to catch a peek through the closing door.

"I was at the king's ball. Remember I came to town to follow my mother's dream and hopefully start a family of my own." She gave me that all-knowing look. It was a half-lie and she could smell it a mile away. She was too wise to try to con.

She snickered at me disappointed but not pushing for the truth. "Well then, Marryella worked all morn' and day, poor Tovias- that boy is sicker than the plague. God Bless his soul." She made a cross from shoulder to shoulder and head to chest. I shuddered.

"The king has just permitted me to apprentice the royal healer. Do you know what is wrong with Tovias, maybe I could help?" I offered.

"Well look at you, Miss Fancy, moving up in the court." Her head shook in discontent again. "It is a real shame you know. I thought the way you and Mr. Hallstead were looking at each other that you would be popping out a wee one come next summer. Maybe even a speedy winter wedding?" The look on my face must have told her everything she needed to know as she quickly changed the topic. "Two doctors came to see Tovias and neither could tell what was wrong with him. I would be more than grateful if someone worthy of kingdom-work looked at my boy."

"I could see him now if you would allow it?"

She gave me a look I was familiar with. It was the look that said she thought I was crazy. "It is the middle of the night. I'm sure you've been on your feet dancing away all your energy but if you think you're up to it, you're more than welcome." Mrs. Carpenter slowly raised from her chair the wood of it not the only thing creaking. She placed her book face down on the counter and pulled her long iron ring of keys from the pocket of her apron- rounding the counter I expected her to lead me out the front but instead, she locked it and told me to follow her.

Behind the counter, she led me past the inn kitchen and lodgings to a stairwell that led to her private residence. Pulling the keys back from her pocket she used one to unlock her door. As soon as it swung open I could feel the heat coming from the small apartment. A phlegmy cough echoed down the hall. The dark candlelit rooms were stifling with warmth.

Marryella appeared from a back room red hair frazzled and an object hidden behind her night skirt. "Mother, you scared the life out of me. I thought someone had broken in."

"How's Tovias?" A terrible wheezing cough answered her question.

Marryella noticed me waiting in the doorway. "Lady Sable, What's happened- why are you here?" She pushed back some of her unruly curls and set the candlestick- her weapon of choice- on a nearby table. She came closer to give me a greeting hug noting my odd attire.

"Lady Sable has just been accepted into court as an apprentice to the royal healer. She wishes to extend her gifts to Tovias, if possible." Mrs. Carpenter filled her daughter in as she started making her way around the small home using a single candle to light as many as she could find. Soon the entire apartment was glowing with light.