Asterix sat for the second time that day on the side of the cot in Getafix's hut. The darker lighting of the cottage, as well as the slightly musty smell of the bed's sheets, were beginning to become quite familiar to the little Gaul. Outside the sun was just starting to set in the west, filling the sky with a brilliant orange and pink hue. The day had gone by so fast; though not fast enough in Asterix's opinion. In fact, he would have been happy just skipping that day altogether. It had been full of worry, fear, embarrassment, and a good deal of pain, and not only for him. The others had been very upset; fussing over him, just like his mother would have, had she been there. They were worried about him, that Asterix understood; but all he really wanted was to let the day's events rest in the past. He had never liked being the center of attention, and now was no different. He felt ashamed that not only hadn't he been able to protect the village against Mastix's power, but he hadn't even been able to protect himself. That feeling of weakness; of helplessness, was one he found left a terrible fear within him. It was his job to protect the others, but Mastix seemed to have his powers fixed on him. As long as that was the case; as long as Mastix had the power to reach down and hurt him, Mastix had the power to manipulate the others. They couldn't stand seeing him suffer any more than he would be able to tolerate Mastix torturing one of them. Asterix was frightened of how far that could go. What would Mastix do to convince Getafix to give him the Magic Potion? The little Gaul didn't care about his safety so much, but what about the others? The men, women, and children? If something happened to him, who would keep Mastix from hurting them as well?
Of course, Getafix's spell was doing a fine job at the moment of keeping the dark druid's power away. The moment the Neutralizing Spell had been initiated, Asterix had felt that terrible pain leave his chest; like a chain being broken between him and Mastix. It had been such a relief; like a breath of fresh air after an eternity of drowning. But, though he was instantly released, it took Asterix a good hour and a half to truly feel himself again. Obelix had carried him to Getafix's hut, with Asterix far too weak to protest. He had been once again lain on the old sheets of the cot, and carefully examined by Getafix, under the concerned and ever-watching eyes of the other villagers. It had made Asterix very uncomfortable, but there had been nothing he could do about it. He could barely move, his muscles strained from his lack of sleep and the two brutal attacks he had received. Luckily, Getafix knew enough about Asterix's character to know he didn't like appearing helpless or weak in front of the others; especially in front of the whole village. The druid had told them to go about their business; to go get themselves fed and take care of their children. Soon, only seven Gauls remained in the hut: Asterix, Getafix, Obelix, Unhygenix, Fulliautomatix, Vitalstitistix, and Impedimenta.
Getafix would have asked the others to leave as well, had the circumstances been different, so Asterix could rest. But that would not be happening at the moment. The druid found himself with three more patients, all suffering from rather frightful burns. Of the trio, Obelix's wound was the least severe. Having only been lightly touched by Asterix's hand, he was left with what Getafix called a 'first degree burn', while Unhygenix and Fulliautomatix suffered 'second degree burns'. Fortunately, long ago, druids had concocted a healing rub for such an injury, of which Getafix was well accustomed to using. Working around a boiling cauldron making potions had its hazards, burns of all degrees being one of the more common. It would heal the skin quite speedily; within a night and a day, with proper treatment. It was the application that was the difficult part. Rubbing a lotion onto red, exposed flesh was hardly an easy task; especially when many of the main ingredients of the concoction were of a rather more acidic nature. Fulliautomatix and Unhygenix in particular had to grit their teeth to keep themselves from crying out as the rub was applied.
Asterix felt terribly guilty. He hadn't remembered how his touch had scorched his friends, and when they had told him, Asterix had been both frightened and shocked. He was horrified to know that he had inflicted such painful injuries on the other three Gauls; apologizing profusely despite their claims that he hadn't been able to control it, and that it wasn't his fault. But it was his fault, by Toutatis! They were his hands! If Mastix could use his own body against his closest friends, what else would the dark druid be able to do? These thoughts tumbled around and around in the little Gaul's mind, only succeeding in causing his anxiety to grow, as well as his exhaustion. He sat on the edge of the cot, watching guiltily as Getafix continued ministering to his injured friends.
Impedimenta sat on a chair close to Asterix's left. She was very concerned about all that had happened. She was worried for them all; terrified at the prospect of going up against such a cruel and powerful enemy. She was worried about Obelix, Fulliautomatix, Unhygenix, and their dreadful burns. But, at the moment, she was most concerned about Asterix. Seeing him in such agony earlier had filled her with more fear and distress, that even now that he was sitting there, calm and quiet on the bedside, she could think of nothing else but the pain he had endured only a short while before. He looked so small and pale; almost sick. It was obvious that he needed sleep, but Getafix insisted they needed to try and get something of nutritional value into him first. That task had been left for Impedimenta, and it was far easier said than done. While Getafix had managed to get the warrior to drink a minimal amount of water, she found it nearly impossible to get him to eat anything. She didn't push him at first; that is, until she found out the short, little fellow hadn't eaten a thing all that day. She had cooked up a light, boar broth and now sat in the chair, gripping the warm bowl in her hands; determined to get it into him by force if necessary. If there was anything Impedimenta had ever learned from her mother, it was that, when someone was ailing, there was no better cure than rest, warmth, and a good meal; the last being one of which Asterix was lacking at the moment.
But Asterix remained focused on Getafix and his patients, his eyes seemingly staring right through them in an exhaustion induced, trance-like state; looking very much in need of rest. Impedimenta sighed, looking up at her husband who stood beside her, watching the little warrior with unconcealed concern.
The Chief returned his wife's sad, wordless expression, before changing his own to a look of determination. "Here, Impedimenta; let me try."
Taking the warm, wooden bowl from her small, chubby hands, Vitalstitistix carefully made his way around the chair. He sat himself down on the bed, beside Asterix, feeling slightly embarrassed by the great, creaking groan the cot gave in protest to his considerable bulk. The extra weight bowed the bed, causing the considerably less bulky Gaul to nearly fall against him. Asterix blinked rapidly, coming out of his deep, dark, troubling thoughts. He turned to Vitalstitistix, surprised to see the Chief in such close proximity to him. It wasn't that Asterix didn't like Vitalstitistix; not at all! It was just that, out of all the Gauls, Vitalstitistix was a little less...intimate. Maybe it was just part of being a leader; a figurehead; someone everyone was supposed to look up to. A leader had to be strong; giving direction and commands rather than the more delicate actions, such as giving encouragement or comfort. But seeing Asterix like he was now, motivated Vitalstitistix to step out of his area of expertise. Taking hold of the smaller Gaul's wrist, the Chieftain pressed the bowl of boar broth into Asterix's hand.
"Eat," he said firmly, though his eyes showed it was more of a plea than a command. He didn't have the heart to force Asterix to eat; even to insist seemed too harsh an action after all the little Gaul had been through. But Vitalstitistix knew Asterix, better than most would expect him to. Despite being a good six years older than Asterix, the Chief had grown up with the smaller man; they had been friends first, before fate cast them into their different roles in the village's society. They had drifted apart somewhat, over time; Vitalstitistix becoming the overseer, and Asterix a workman. It was something the Chief had been intending to mend for quite some time now. But Asterix was hard to get close to, as far as friendships went. He got along with everyone alright, as well as cared a great deal for all the villagers; as did the villagers for him. But Asterix tended to keep himself slightly separate from the others. No, that wasn't the word; he tended to keep himself separate emotionally. He kept his opinions to himself, unless he thought it was vital to the village's safety, and rarely confided in anyone; the only exceptions being Obelix and Getafix. To the others, Asterix was sometimes a bit of a mystery. One could never be sure of what he was truly thinking or feeling, mostly because the little Gaul would keep it all locked up inside him. Like he was now.
Asterix lowered his eyes to the steaming bowl of brown broth. "...I'm not really all that hungry, Chief..."
Vitalstitistix continued to press it into the other's hand. "You need to get something into you. If you don't, you won't get any better. You've got to keep up your strength." He paused, watching as Asterix hesitated. As an afterthought he added, "If you're not well, who will help us defend against Mastix?" It was rather a low blow, he knew; but Asterix needed to gain his footing again. If playing on his fear was the only way to get him to eat, Vitalstitistix would use it; even if it made him feel more than a little regretful.
Asterix looked back to the Chief sharply. He didn't look mad; the small warrior looked frightened. After a moment, he nodded, shakily taking the bowl from Vitalstitistix's grasp. The Chieftain got up from the bed, allowing Impedimenta to take his place. The short woman settled herself beside the short Gaul, in case Asterix needed any help. The small man's hands were shaking badly, making it difficult to spoon the broth into his mouth without spilling it back into the bowl. But he was persistent; determined to complete the task himself. Even so, Impedimenta stayed close should he need her.
Getafix continued wrapping clean linen around Obelix's arm. Glancing once more over the same treatment he had given both Unhygenix and Fulliautomatix, he saw with relief that the two Gauls' faces looked far less pained than before. The burns would heal quickly; most likely gone in two day's time. An easy fix, though the druid had no doubt that it was quite sore at the moment. He had taken great care to clean and dress the wounds, all the while softly lecturing his patients on their destructive error.
"And that's why you must never touch someone under a magic spell," he concluded. "The current of energy between them and the caster is very powerful. You're all lucky to have walked away with nothing but burns. I've seen much worse."
The three patients didn't want to know what the worst case scenario might be; still fighting to keep their nausea to a minimum, especially Fulliautomatix and Unhygenix. They couldn't imagine anything more terrible than having their skin sizzled like a boar roasting over a fire. It had hurt; it still hurt. But they also know that, if it had been that painful for them, it had been a hundred times worse for Asterix.
"That should do the trick," Getafix announced with satisfaction as he finished his task with a final wrap and a tuck. "That herbal rub will mend those burns very soon, but I want you three to be careful not to get the wounds dirty. An infection would be far more difficult to tend to. So keep away from anything especially filthy." He looked to Unhygenix hesitantly. "I suggest you let Bacteria handle the fish for the next several days."
The fishmonger looked as if he were about to protest, but then shut his mouth; to tired to argue at the moment.
"Go home and get some rest," the druid instructed. "I'm sure your wives are worried about you."
Fulliautomatix and Unhygenix gave a slight nod, getting up and thanking Getafix for helping them. After making sure there was nothing more they could do, the two men left for their families. Obelix remained; sitting on a stool much to small for him by the fireplace. He was holding his injured arm, fiddling with the tightly wrapped cloth that covered it.
"If it's alright, Getafix," he asked softly, "I'd like to stay here with Asterix."
The druid nodded with a gentle smile. "I expected nothing less." Turning his attention to the other side of the room, Getafix's heart was warmed by the sight of the Chieftain and his wife carefully tending to Asterix. It was something he hadn't expected, but was truly grateful for. Asterix needed all the support they could give him. Though Mastix's most recent attack hadn't left any physical injuries, like the one prior, it had left the little warrior weak and drained; something that could be equally dangerous under certain circumstances. They needed to get Asterix back to full strength, if not for their sake, for his. Getafix knew his friend was blaming himself for all that had happened; Asterix always did. It seemed to be his way of coping; a very unhealthy way, Getafix observed with a shake of his head. The druid went to stand next to the bed, watching with satisfaction as Asterix managed to finish as much of the broth as he could; leaving just a few spoonfuls in the wooden bottom.
Asterix hadn't realized just how hungry he had been. Anxiety had dulled his appetite for the past twenty-four hours, and now it had been reawakened with a vengeance. The broth was mild and soothing, warming him from the inside out as it slid down his throat and into his empty stomach. It calmed his nerves, and, after a moment or two, the shivers that had been plaguing him for the past hour and a half slowly subsided. A little bit of color returned to his face, though he was still far paler than any of the others liked. Having had all the broth he could handle, Asterix handed the nearly empty bowl back to Impedimenta, who took it with a relieved smile.
Obelix eased himself up off his stool and came over to his friend's side. "Are you feeling better, Asterix?" It was actually the same question Getafix had been about to ask, but the druid didn't mind. Somehow it sounded less intimidating coming from Obelix, which was for the best. Asterix would be more willing to be truthful about his condition with his closest friend than he would be with Getafix.
"Tired," Asterix confessed. There was no use hiding it. He knew the others could read it in his face and body language; he was exhausted. His eyes refused to stay open for much longer, and the little Gaul realized that this was one battle he was going to lose. He wasn't invincible; he needed all the things any other person needed. Sleep being the most pressing issue at the moment. He never slept well when stressed. When a problem ate away at him, he just couldn't fall to sleep. Not until his body simply shut down from the lack of rest, like he knew it was about to. But he actually felt like he could sleep, which was strange. He had more important things to think about and do; normally he wouldn't even consider taking a rest. But, oddly enough, his body had other plans.
"Then I suggest you lay down," the druid informed. Getafix motioned for the other Gauls to shift out of the way, then, carefully, he helped Asterix beneath the sheets. Once the little Gaul was settled, the druid lay a gentle hand on his friend's shoulder. "If you need anything, just let me know." Asterix's eyes were nearly shut, but he gave a slow, almost unnoticeable nod. He was sound asleep before Getafix even turned to face the others.
Impedimenta gazed at the motionless figure wrapped beneath the folds of the blankets. "That certainly came over him awful quick," she noted with a tone of alarm. "Is he alright?"
"He'll be just fine," the druid assured her, "I just slipped him a little sleeping potion to help him rest."
The Chief's wife looked dumbfounded. "How did you do that?"
"I put a few drops in your broth."
"My broth!" She looked a little indignant at the idea, but her expression softened again as her gaze refocused on Asterix. He looked much more relaxed; less tense. Impedimenta decided that she didn't mind Getafix messing with her cooking, as long as it helped the short warrior to recover.
"And you're sure it will help him?" Obelix asked carefully, "Not hurt him?"
Getafix knew enough than to take the question personally. Obelix was scared, as they all were, and fear made you doubt a lot of things. The big Gaul's faith in magic had dwindled in the last several hours; seeing it bring nothing but pain and suffering to his best friend. Mastix's abuse of power was shameful, as well as frightening. Obelix had never seen magic used in a negative way before. Getafix's powders, spells, and potions had always been light, friendly, and helpful; not dark, sinister, and harmful like Mastix's. It was really rather a shock. Until that day, Obelix had always just assumed that all magic was right and good. But today had proved that to be nothing but the beliefs of an ignorant man. Mastix was cruel and evil, as was the power he wielded. The Obelix had seen Asterix tortured beyond what Obelix could emotionally handle at the moment. He was beginning to doubt all magic...even Getafix's.
The druid gave Obelix's uninjured arm a reassuring pat. "It won't harm him in the least. He's far too weak and drained; this will ensure he recovers before Mastix attacks again."
Vitalstitistix raised a questioning eyebrow. "You make it sound like you expect Mastix to make it through your spell," he commented anxiously. The Chief didn't like the sound of that at all. Not only for Asterix's sake, but for all of theirs. Mastix's attacks had had a very negative effect on all the villagers. No one felt safe. Since that morning, the Gauls had been getting more and more on edge. They didn't know when and if Mastix would strike again; they didn't know whether Getafix's spell would hold; they didn't know anything. And there is nothing quite so frightening as the unknown.
Getafix was about to answer, when, all at once, he pressed a hand to his head with a wince. He staggered a little, but Obelix steadied him with one of his large, sturdy hands. The three Gauls carefully helped their druid onto the stool, where he could sit without fear of falling. Obelix didn't let go until he was sure Getafix had sufficiently regained his balance.
"Thank you," the druid sighed, running a tired hand down his face. Returning his fatigued gaze back to the Chieftain, he spoke in a strained voice. "To answer your question, Vatalstitistix; yes, I know Mastix will break through." He pinched the bridge of his nose with a grimice. "He's already working to overcome it; which explains my sudden headache."
Impedimenta stared at him in shock. "You mean, what happened to you just now was because of him?!"
"Shh! Not so loud," Obelix shushed her, crooking a thumb in Asterix's direction.
The Chief's wife lowered her voice and continued, though just as ardently. "You can feel him?!"
"In a manner of speaking; yes."
"But how is that possible?" Vitalstitistix asked apprehensively.
Again, Getafix sighed. "The Neutralizing Spell isn't like a lot of other spells I've developed over the years. Most spells can be cast and left to stand alone; but not this one. It has to be constantly held in place by what is called an anchor, or a person to which it is connected. That said person must control and maintain it, otherwise it will collapse."
Obelix looked at the druid worriedly. "Does it...hurt you?"
"Nothing more serious than a little dizziness and a sore head; at least, as far as pain goes." Getafix hesitated. "But it is tiring...and draining. It's like carrying a heavy weight, with someone repeatedly trying to push against it. Eventually, your arms can't hold the weight anymore. Mastix will get through, it's just a question of what will weaken first; the spell, or me."
"But that would mean Mastix could attack us again!" Obelix cried, forgetting to lower his voice. "He could attack Asterix again!"
"I know. That's why I can't let the spell drop. Until we come up with a better defense against Mastix's powers, I'm afraid I'll have to keep regulating the Neutralizing Spell."
A grim silence fell over the three Gauls gathered under the druid's roof. No matter how they looked at it, things were very bleak. No matter what they did, every option was extremely unfavorable. If they didn't keep the Neutralizing Spell monitored, it would collapse, and they would be at the mercy of Mastix's cruel intentions. But if they kept it up, Getafix would grow weaker and weaker until the wall collapsed anyway. They were just prolonging the inevitable. Mastix was going to get in, and, at the moment, they had no other way to stop him. It was worthy of panic, but, oddly enough, they found themselves eerily calm.
"Does Asterix know?" Impedimenta asked softly. She knew the small warrior would never stand for someone else suffering for his sake. Which was essentially what Getafix was doing. Though he wasn't in any physical pain, it was obviously depleting the druid's strength. He was pale, and had dark circles forming beneath his eyes. His movements were slow, and, whenever he spoke, his voice sounded weary and strained.
"No, I haven't told him. I can't imagine that would help our situation in the least. And I suggest we refrain from telling the others either. The last thing we need is for everyone to panic." The others nodded in agreement. "Now," Getafix finished, "I think it would be prudent if you all got some rest."
"What about you?" the Chief asked. He didn't like the look of their druid either. It was obvious that, of the three of them, Getafix was in the most need of rest. But, for some reason, Vitalstitistix wasn't surprised by the druid's answer.
"I will be staying up. If I were to fall asleep, the Neutralizing Spell would more than likely collapse. No, I cannot sleep tonight."
Vitalstitistix noted that Getafix left out the fact that 'tonight' wouldn't be the only night. If what the druid spoke was true, Getafix would have to stay awake until another solution to their problem could be found; and that was indefinite. Going without sleep would not go well with a man of such advanced years, even if the druid often had more energy than all of them combined. It was an unpleasant prospect, but one that couldn't be avoided.
"I'll stay awake with you," Obelix stated determinedly.
"Oh, Obelix, you do not have to do-"
"I want to." Obelix glanced toward the cot in the corner of the cottage that held his best friend. "I'll help you care for Asterix." His voice was stern and serious, and Getafix realized that the big Gaul had made up his mind. It would be useless to argue.
"Very well," the druid nodded sympathetically. He turned to the Chief and his wife. "You two go to bed. We'll meet to discuss the situation in the morning. Often that which seems impossible when we are tired, yields hope when we are renewed by sleep." Again, he left out the fact that he'd be getting none himself.
Hesitantly, Vitalstitistix and Impedimenta wished them a good night, saying that they'd stop over at Asterix's hut to check on Dogmatix. The pup had spent much of the day alone and Obelix was worried. The Chief and his wife turned and left, leaving Getafix and Obelix alone. The hut seemed so empty with them gone, even with Obelix's mighty size taking up a considerable amount of space.
"Things are going pretty badly, aren't they, Getafix?" the menhir deliveryman remarked forlornly.
The druid gave Obelix a sad, fond smile. "There are times when our situations seem darkest. But we need to hold on to hope, Obelix. Never forget that. We will get through this.'' He pushed himself up from his stool with renewed purpose. "Now, let's see what we can find to entertain ourselves. It's going to be a long night..."
...
There we are, yet another chapter. :) And I'd just like to thank everyone for their awesome reviews; they are a huge encouragement. :)