Chapter 24: Languish
Sorry Everyone. This is the last chapter shaydoe wrote for this story.
Several months earlier...
Beryl walked among the b odies, dressed in her dark leather and violet cape. The heavy cowl pulled low concealing her face and whatever emotion might lurk b eneath the shadows. A long sword gripped in one hand, the b lade wet with gore and b lood. Her other hand held a short sword, slippery with b lood as well. Her armour was soaked with the remains of the fallen. A fierce wind picked up and howled over the hills of spring grass, snapping her cowl violently and sending it b ack from her face. It fell in dark velvet folds upon her shoulders. Revealing her face marred with dirt, sweat and b lood. Her lips twitching upward in a satisfied smile, in an expression of grim pride. All the men scattered over the prairie were dressed in the grey leather armour and forest green mantles of the Outrider's. Her retrib ution had b een b rutal and long over due. She stared down at the scene of raw savagery with a sense of peace, her b urden lighter with these depraved men now dead. The villages would b e safer now, the young girls no longer preyed upon b y these vile b astards. Their death had b een quick, lacking in the torture or ritual dismemb erment they deserved. Their slaughter had b een ferocious and efficient, rememb ering it made the hair on her arms rise in arousal.
She had so much power now...no longer weak or vulnerab le to the likes of these men. She had b een reb orn b y her vengeful goddess.
...Metallia...
She had left her mortal coil b ehind and b ecame her champion, her weapon to seek her own revenge upon the Gods. Beryl was satisfied with her sacrifice and was eager to prove her worth. Her goddess would prevail in the war to come and the earth would b e reb orn under her rule. Human passions would b e tamed as her Goddess fed upon their energy. Enslaving their souls, b inding them forever at peace under her rule.
A dark shadow wavered b eside Beryl, floating silently b ehind her. The sun spots had allowed this darkness to b reak free of it's prison. Queen Selene had hunted it down and sought to ob literate it's soul from the universe. She had b elieved it had b een vanquished as it feel in pieces towards the earth. Desperate and weak it had sought refuge upon the mortal planet of Earth. It's corporeal remains falling like meteors over the five earthly kingdoms. Its b ody might b e destroyed
b ut it's dark spirit still remained. A solitary woman had watched them fall from the heavens, that fateful evening. Believing it was a b atch of falling stars and not a demonic evil, she had b owed her head and knelt upon the grass of an open prairie. She prayed to those falling stars, wishing with everything she had for power. Enough to protect all who are weak or to scared to fight b ack. She offered herself like a sacrifice to have the power to change her world. So she could avenge all the victims who had perished at the hands of tyrants. To kill all who deserved death and b ring an everlasting peace to the earth. This fallen goddess of darkness...this demon queen had sensed the seeds of vengence, of pure hatred towards her own people. That dwelled in Beryls heart, it could flourish there, grow stronger and then use this pathetic human to devour all life in this solar system.
The immortal soul surveyed the carnage created b y it's disciple with b oth pleasure and fear. Metallia was just a fragment of a greater darkness. Who had tainted the hearts of men and gods alike for countless centuries.
Known as "The Corruptor."
She had seen greater desolation, larger numb ers of b roken corpses b eneath smoldering skies of countless planets. Before b eing imprisioned within the Sun of this Solar system. But never had it experienced a mortal soul capab le of dispatching so many lives with such ob vious indifference. There was something far more frightening ab out Beryl's b rutal nonchalance. For there was no sense of righteousness or malice in the act. She held no more emotion in the act killing a human then a b utcherer of animals. She did it only b ecause it needed to b e done, for the greater good of all.
Finally, Beryl stopped, finding the b ody she had b een looking for. A well muscled man in his late thirties, dressed in similar grey leather b ut more ornate. With a b right crimson red cape, torn and damp with b lood. His hawk like face was pressed against the earth, pale b londe hair crowned his head. Cropped tight along the sides and around his ears. The rest was is hair was long, thick and wavy. Matted with the dark icor of dried b lood, the ends fluttering aimlessly in the warm b reeze. All the power and dominance he had claim to in life was now snuffed out in death. Beryl crouched down b eside him, scanning the vast meadow where his army had fallen at her hands. She raised a hand to her b row and shielded her eyes, it was midday and the sun was b rilliant. The b right b lue summer sky dominated the world ab ove. There was no cover here, the trap had not b een easily laid. But Allan and his men, thirsty for wealth had rode straight into her b lades.
Believing a merchant convoy had b een waylaid here at the edge of Elysian's mighty greenwood. A rumour she had created b ack at the Dragon Bone Inn for his men. Whispering her tale of great wealth in spices and silk from the Eastern Kingdom in the ears of drunken young men. The perfect vessels for spreading rumour and heresy.
As far as she could see, was tall high grass, b rittle and golden in the summer heat. Waving silently in the warm b reeze, b owing in supplication when it b lew to strong. The b ack of her throat tightened when the looked down upon the b ody. This kill had b een monumental for her. A final exorcism of all the demon's that had haunted her days since he had first darkened her life. She thought b ack at all the vile, depraved things he had done to her, forced upon her as a young woman years ago.
She had had no choice, unab le to care for herself after her mother had died. Shunned b y the palace after Endymion left. The Golden Queen had never like her much, she had suffered her presence for her sons sake. Once he had left upon her pilgramage, she had cast her out of the palace. Beryl could not find enough work in the village to survive. So she had no choice b ut to flee Elysian. She had nothing to keep her there b ut b ad memories and unrequited love. She ended up in a b ordello within a vast port city along the eastern coast.
There she b ecame Allan's of Makaju's favourite girl. He liked her spirit, enjoyed how she fought him, seemed to have no fear ab out the pain he could inflicted upon her. He enjoyed fear, it was arousing to him, even more so when he knew he could win. Their first session had b een b rutal and he had taken her virginity violently and without mercy. Leaving her face and b ody so b ruised it had taken weeks to recover.
Months later he returned and this time he forced her to service every one of his men. Leaving her defiled and humiliated, used like a toy for his own amusements. After that she refused to ever b ed him again. The manager of the b ordello agreed, she wanted her girls to b e safe and healthy. It was b ad for b usiness for them to b e so b adly b eaten and ab used. The third time he arrived to have his way with her, her manager had refused his b usiness. When Beryl had returned from running an errand, she found Allan and his men camped out on the narrow street b efore the b ordello.
She had walked right past him, her chin struck up stub b ornly, as he was leaning casually against the heavy oak front doorframe.
"Beryl, my sweet. I was starting to think you weren't coming?" He crooned. His grey armour was dull in the faint dusk light, his red cape hung limp and lifeless down his b ack.
"If I had known you were here, I wouldn't have returned." Beryl retorted, pushing past him and into the modest main foyer of the inn. She felt rather vulnerab le in just a b eige cloth dress of a commoner, with a simple rose petty coat to protect her. She gripped the cloth b ag full of food, freshly b ought against her chest like a shield.
"I merely request an appointment with you. There is no harm in that?" he shrugged, strolling into the dimly lit room with a smug smile.
The foyer was simple, with two red velvet couches ab utting each other near the hearth along the north wall. With polished wooden accent tab les set on either side. Long windows allowed the morning light in b ut left the room in shadow during the evening. A sturdy set of oak steps dominated the b ack of the room, leading up to the rooms that they shared with clients. It wasn't a fancy estab lishment, it was simply decorated to suit a commoners sensib lities. Their clientle was not typically high class or wealthy. Mostly lonely, travelling merchants or passing soldier's in need of a night rest and femal companionship.
"I am sure you have b een told that I will b e declining your appointments hence forth." Beryl stated, trying to calm her steps as she felt ready to b urst into a full run just to get away from him.
"I was hoping you would change your mind." He grab b ed her arm as she past and twisted her around.
She screamed, drawing her manager out from the b ack kitchen. A stout, heavy chested woman. Always dressed in a plain b eige gown that hung as straight as a piece of window drapes. With flame red hair, spun into tight curls around her head. Her cheeks hung like jowls, her skin flushed and b eaded with sweat from the heat of the kitchen. Her small dark eyes were moist, b urning with an impotent rage. She tried so hard to take good care of the girls that lived here. Theirs was not a respected profession, they needed more protection then most women. It killed her that she could not protect Beryl from Allan's depraved ob session.
Beryl glared defiantly up at Allan, "Why, does Maggie look so upset?" She growled.
Allan looked distraught for all of a second, b efore laughing darkly at Maggie.
"Now, now, Beryl, my sweet. Maggie is of no concern to me. I have come a long way, you can at least let me tell you what I
want." Allan eased his grip upon her arm b ut did not release her.
"I don't care what you want." Beryl ground out, flinching as Allan retaliated against her verb al defiance b y squeezing her arm painfully.
With a tired sigh, he released her arm and shrugged. "You are so insolent. That is not something I tolerate, b ut in you it is strangely alluring. "
Beryl set the b ag of food down on a near b y tab le then turned towards the front door, intent on leaving. "I am sorry, Allan. I am not interested in serving you."
"That's fine, I have another girl to serve me." He stated darkly, b eginning to unlace his trousers. One of his men moved from just outside the front door. Stepping in front of Beryl, with his arms crossed b locking her exit.
"Would you like to meet her?" Allan's voice was smooth, cold like ice. She could feel the frost in his smile.
"Not really." Beryl quipped, glare up at the smug Outrider Soldier. She wasn't intimidated b y Allan's lackey's. This man's pressence only fuelled her rage, she pledged that she would scream until the city guard showed up. Scratch and b ite, kick and punch anything to stall the vile outcome of this encounter. She would go down fighting and hopefully unconscious b efore Allan had his way with her.
"All right, Beryl. Have it your way. I am truly sorry we could not come to an understanding. Let her pass." Allan motioned for his soldier to b ack away.
The soldier opened the door and made a sweeping gesture for her to pass. Beryl glanced b ack, uncertain if this was going to b e just another ploy for Allan's enjoyment. Finding his smile had grown more radiant and cruel.
As the door opened and a second soldier strode into the foyer. Dragging a child b ehind him, no more then eight or nine. She was writhing and howling in his grip, her long b londe hair swinging in wild arcs as she was attempting to free herself. Her frame was lithe and overly thin, her face sweet b ut stained with dirt and dried b lood. Dressed in a simple grey cotton night gown, no doub t dragged screaming from her b ed in the middle of the night.. The woven shawl she had tied around her small shoulder's was large like a cape. It ob viously b elonged to an adult, it was dirty and b loodstained. She was tremb ling and her soft b lue eyes were wide with fear, flying straight for Beryl's.
The look of ab ject terror was clear in her moist eyes, yet she held her expression frozen in a stoic grimace.
Beryl's eyes opened wide in horror, as she spun b ack upon Allan. Finding Allan had already removed his pants. What ever disgusting act he wanted to preform upon the little girl, he had no issues with doing it in pub lic here in the main foyer. Beryl groaned and swallowed the b ile b urning in the b ack of her throat. She had already experienced the humiliation of b eing forced to please Allan and all his men in pub lic. She didn't want this child to have to endure such trauma.
"She is just a child!" Beryl shouted, b alling her hands into fists.
"Goodb ye my dear." Allan waved her off dismissively. Throwing his leather chest armour to the floor and pulling his tunic over his head.
"Where did she come from?" Beryl moved in front of Allan, b locking his path to the girl.
"Oh, she is my ward. It's a very sad story, really. Her entire family perished in an unfortunate fire to their farm house. Tragic. But don't worry I intend to take very good care of her from now on. You can leave now."
"By the Gods. You truly are the most repulsive person I have ever met." Beryl snarled, staring up at his cold b lue eyes finding no soul there. His smile was triumphant, he knew he had her. She would never allow him to defile an innocent. She was too, good, to honourab le.
Beryl looked b ack at the face of the little girl, her eyes b rimming with tears. Shaking like a leaf in a fierce fall wind in the grip of the soldier. She had given up on fighting and was now awaiting her fate or salvation.
"Let her go." Beryl b owed her head in defeat.
"Don't b e ridiculous, she needs me." Allan laughed, with mirth.
Beryl cursed him under her b reath, "Let her go!" She shouted.
"Why, Beryl. Are you jealous of her? Such a sudden change of heart? Was it, perhaps the sight of me in all my
splendour?"
Beryl gave his erect phallus a scoffing look. "Hardly." She replied angrily.
With a groan and a sigh of surrender Beryl turned b ack to Allan. " All right, you have me you sick b astard, so let her go!"
"Splendid!" he clapped in triumph. Snapping his finger's, his soldier released the girl. Who rushed forward. Beryl knelt down and emb raced her tightly. The little girl b uried her face into her shoulder, finally allowing the tears to fall. Clutching her small arms around Beryls neck, tremb ling and shaking in b oth remorse and relief to b e free.
Beryl closed her eyes and sighed, not relishing the ab use to come. But the pain and misery of b eing Allan's plaything yet again would b e worth it. She would make sure that he never touched this little girl again.
"Alright then, you will agree to my terms." Allan's voice was stern and had a frightening ring of victory. That caused Beryl to b egin to tremb le in real fear.
"Here is the b argain, My men and I will b e here for the fortnight. After, I will b e gone for the foreseeab le future b ut I will return for you eventually." He laughed at the sight of disgust that crossed Beryl's features.
"I will have you all to myself, whenever I want you, wherever I want you. If you perform up to my expectations then the child is yours. If you make things difficult, with your impertinence or your lack of effort. I will take her with me and you will b e left wondering what is happening to her."
"Fine." Beryl growled, turning to face him as she guided the child b ehind her b ack towards Maggie.
"The second term." Allan called out, as Beryl coaxed the reluctant child into Maggie's arms.
Beryl groaned and grit her teeth, her stomach was b roiling with hate and anxiety over what was to come.
"You will want me, and tell me so. I expect you to b e very demonstrative with your affection for me." Allan demanded, crossing his arms over his b are chest.
"I desire to do many things to you Allan. That I would b e more then pleased to demonstrate if I had a knife handy." Beryl smiled darkly, not hiding the seething anger she felt towards him.
"Your wit, is truly trying my dear." Allan sighed, snapping his fingers. The soldier b ehind him wasted no time, grab b ing the handle of a cattle whip from his b elt and snapping it towards the girl. It stuck around her calf, with a sharp scream the soldier yanked her off her feet. She wailed in pain as he b egan to drag her across the floor. Maggie snarled and lunged for the girl. Grappling her around her middle, hovering over her, protecting her as b est she could with her own b ody. Adding her own more ample weight slowing down the soldier's attempt to reclaim her.
Beryl's b lood ran cold, as the girl and Maggie were pulled against their will across the floor. Maggie refused to let the little girl go, offering the child words of comfort. As she dug her heels into the wood floor, glaring death up at the gloating soldier who was reeling them in at a lazy pace.
Allan laughed at the murderous rage b urning in Beryl's eyes. His own eyes b ecame wild, the calm amusement fading away with the coming storm.
"Lastly, you will meet all of my needs willing. You will engage with me eagerly and relish me in every way. You will not service me, you will make love to me. With not only your b ody b ut your words as well. I want your heart, Beryl. Can you promise me your reciprocation?" He leered down at her, relishing her full surrender to come.
"I can not give you my heart, Allan. You would know it was false anyway. But I can promise, you can have everything else." Beryl sighed, willing her own tears not to fall as she rememb ered her prince. Endymion would b e the only man to lay claim her heart, even if he didn't feel the same way. She would never see him again and that hurt more then anything. She b it down hard on her lower lip as she listened to the little girls wailing and struggling against the rope.
Allan's eyes were gleaming with a frightening intensity. "Show me." he snapped his fingers.
Then the crack of the whip echoed like a thunder clap in the room, as the soldier recalled his weapon b ack into his hand.
Releasing the sob b ing little girl, who clutched at her b ruised and b urned calf.
"Maggie, take the girl to the kitchen and get her something to eat." Beryl commanded, glaring at the soldier who still stood guard over the front door. She turned and gave the girl a b rave smile and nodded to Maggie. Who b ustled the now limping child threw the kitchen door.
"Tell me what you want of me, Allan." Beryl confronted him, squaring her shoulder's and holding her chin up defiantly.
He guided her over to the couches near the fire, his smile was cruel and triumphant. With a practiced hand Beryl b egan to unb otton her over coat allowing it to drop to the floor. Before starting to untie the b ack of her dress.
Allan devoured her with his eyes, demanding more from her then just a peep show.
"Leave us!" Beryl called to the soldier.
Allan's smile b roadened. "Yes, leave us."
"I want to b e alone to pleasure my...lover." Beryl's eyes never dropped from staring up at Allan, who hovered over her. As her dress fell to the floor, his erection rose, stiff and demanding. His pulse quickened as did his b reath.
"Yes...leave me alone with my lover." He echoed.
Serenity awoke at dawn, to find a stranger glowering at her from beyond the smoldering remains of the fire. She jerked to her feet, prepared to run. As wild thoughts raged through her mind. That the angry brunette woman had mercilessly killed her protector during the night and that perhaps she was next. After all the brutality she had witnessed yesterday, she felt it wasn't a far stretch in thinking.
"Relax, I am a friend of Thrones. He had to leave and placed you in my care." The woman jumped to her own feet, placating the frightened girl with a raised hand. Beryl had played interference for Endymion all her life. He had taken on the name of Thorne in their youth, when they would run away to neighbouring villages. So that he could play at being a commoner and relish being free of all his responsibilities and living up to his parents expectations of him. He was king now, yet he still ran away from the palace, but not as often. When he did seek a break from palace life, he hid out with Beryl in the Greenwood. Rarely going into the village for fear he might be recognised.
Serenity eyed her cautiously, twisting her fingers into the skirts of her dress.
"Why?" She asked meekly.
"Lets just say he works for the Elysian Kingdom and was needed back at the Golden Palace. " Beryl smiled, a hint of bitterness in the weak arch of her lips.
Serenity merely nodded, nervous about going off with another stranger but not having much of a choice either. If Thorne trusted this woman to take care of her, then so should she.
"Come, I will take you back to my cabin. I am sure Thorne will return shortly to gather you." She sighed, beaconing her forward as she headed off into the trees.
Serenity scrambled to catch up, as the woman never slowed her pace or even looked back to make sure she was following. Intent on reaching her destination and completely uncaring about her ward. Expecting Serenity to keep up or face the consequences of becoming lost again.
"What's your name?" Beryl called back over her shoulder, as she took her deep into the forest.
"Serenity." She called, amazed by the forest that surrounded them. The trees were thick almost ancient, with stands of dark green pine that blotted out the sun. "What do I call you?" She shouted, finding that the woman had strode far ahead.
"Beryl." She called back, then sighed in frustration finding her ward had fallen behind. She stopped and waited for Serenity to catch up.
"Where are you from?" Beryl demanded, as she neared. Striding off down the path as quickly as before.
Their pace never slowed as the trail grew thin, to practically non-existent. Yet Beryl seemed to have an innate knowledge of the terrain. The forest seemed to welcome her, making her passage through heavy underbrush easy.
"The moon temple." Serenity responded, yelping in pain once again. While the branches seemed to always be in her way, obscuring her path, the underbrush catching on her skirts and tearing them. She had scratches along her arms and thrones pricking the underside of her slippers at every step. Serenity wanted to protest such a troublesome route, her arms itched and her feet were sore. She wanted to rest, but bit her tongue knowing by the firm look upon Beryls face she had no intention stopping. Her whimpering and moaning for most of the morning had already gone on deaf ears. If she didn't keep up she would be left behind.
"Priestess?" Beryl asked, glancing absently over her shoulder.
"I guess..." Serenity responded, her heart once again leaping into her throat. As she strained her eyes to the corpse of trees at the next bend in the trail far ahead. More then once, She swore she had seen a glimpse of a dark cape, or a large shadow in the distance. It remained far off but known to her. The threat it posed was nothing like the demons who had been hunting her earlier. It wasn't seeking to harm her, merely watching...hovering just out of view like a silent sentinel. It's aura of darkness was sinister and it hung in the air like a foul stench. Making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up every time she caught a glimpse of it. Beryl never seemed to notice, her focus singular to the trail ahead. Serenity quickened her pace, seeking more security by being closer to Thrones chosen guardian. She didn't know if Beryl would protect her if that shadow attacked, but she had no skills or powers to draw upon to protect herself. So she had to trust in this stranger...trust that Thorne would not leave her in the care of someone who may harm her.
They came to the edge of a shaded vale, obscured by wilted vines that would be thick and impossible to see through in the summer. The sun was just cresting the apex of the sky, when Beryl led her through the wall of vegetation and into a lush glade. Ahead lay a simple forester's cabin, cobbled together with what the green wood could provide. The cabin was simple in its design, constructed with stone walls and a thatched roof. Just behind lay a small shed, of waddle and daub walls, encased with skins and woven matts of forest brush. What it housed, Serenity did not know. A sturdy wood and stone well sat a few yards in front of the cabin and a large plot of barren soil dominated a great portion of the glade. It might have been a garden just freshly harvested by the turned soil. Still dark and well worked from many months of toil.
"This is were I live and you best keep it secret. I care not for interlopers. Only those I trust are welcome here." Beryl turned, the steel resolve in her eyes making Serenity stop cold and swallow hard.
She had never endured such a fierce stare as what Beryl was sending her way.
"I promise." She nodded, solemn and respectful to the woman's need for privacy.
The door to Beryl's cabin looked ancient and thick, the wood deeply carved with designs that somehow reminded Serenity strongly of home? It was well worn and stained by many wet seasons. In the far left corner a small hex sign was crudely dug near the hinges. It wa unlike any symbol she had ever seen before.
A spiral that held what looked like an upside down crescent moon?
"Come." Beryl nodded curtly to the cabin. Pushing the door open and leading her inside.
Serenity followed, blinking rapidly at the nearly barren hovel that lay within. Swallowing her disappointment over a comfortable bed and perhaps a warm bath. Promsise's Thorne had been unable to keep.
The cabin was only one room, that contained a small wooden bed topped with a stuffed sackcloth mattress filled with hay and covered with undyed wool blankets. A large wooden table sat near the only window at the front of the room. With two wooden chairs, the looked more like poorly constructed stools. That were crudely carved, and less then trustworthy. A small cupboard abutted the wall behind the table, containing whatever meager food stuff this poor woman might have on hand. A large stone hearth was built against the far wall, with two soft grey velvet arm chairs facing it. They were well made and richly designed, as if stolen from a royal palace and looked totally out of place in this hovel.
"I am going to see what I can find for us to eat." Beryl stated, turning back toward the door. "I am sure you will be alright in here for a few minutes?" She took hold of the cord that served as the doors handle. "You make yourself comfortable. I will be back in a bit." She announced leaving the cabin.
When she returned, an armload of fresh vegetables and winter apples in hand. She found Thrones little damsel sound asleep in the bed, smiling blissfully.
Serenity awoke to the warmth of a crackly fire, burning peacefully in the small fireplace. She sat up with a start, disorientated in the dark. To find the dower woman who had introduced herself as Beryl, once again watching her intently from an armchair across the room.
Night had fallen while she slept. She had know idea how much time had passed, since she had fallen asleep in the first bed she had occupied since running away.
Beryl smiled faintly at her, the weak turn of her lips this time seemed sad, almost crestfallen. As if all her hopes and dreams had crumbled away since the last time she had been awake. Serenity didn't know what to say, so she merely smiled back. Wanting to assuage whatever concern was plaguing her.
Beryl seemed intent on treating her kindly, even though her heart was not in it.
"Are you hungry?" Beryl asked. She had laid the plain meal on the table, one bowl was already empty.
Serenity nodded and rose from the bed. Taking a stool the faced Beryl at the table, she meekly pulled a bowl towards her.
Beryl watched her as she ate, it made her self-conscious. She finished the meal nervously, then thanked her for the food.
Beryl's forehead wrinkled as she watched her from the firelight.
"Who are you...really?" She asked bluntly.
Serenity had no idea what to say. She had felt her goddess hood was well shielded, she had been dampening her immortal aura as best she could since descending to earth. Her crescent had remained invisible since meeting this woman, so there should be nothing odd to give her away as anything more then a lost young woman. Serenity tried to formulate a more concrete story, something simple yet believable. That she was just a person, like Beryl. But her first words of explanation was blocked by the sudden sound of shouting.
Beryl rose from her seat and rushed to the small cabin window. Even in the weak light of the firelight. Serenity saw Beryl's face go pale.
Beryl rushed to the coat pegs near the hearth and pulled down her dark lavender cape with hood. Rushing towards Serenity, who rose from her stool as she drew near. Beryl draped the cape around Serenity, pulling the hood up over her filthy hair.
"It is best you remain unseen, until I know what is going on. " Beryl ushered her into the farthest corner of the cabin that was in deepest shadow. The color of the cape and hood allowed her to blend right in and remain hidden.
Beryl waisted no time, grabbing a large kitchen knife from the lone cupboard before darting out of the door. She returned a few minutes later, kicking the front door open with her boot. The heavy door slammed into the wall, as she trudged threw. Her arms burdened with the limp body of a young woman, barely the same age as Serenity herself. She was a dark beauty, with long ebony hair that clung around her damp face. She was very pale, a sheen of sweat covering her body. Her belly was swollen, straining against the plain woollen fabric of her dress. Beryl was quick to set her down upon the bed, as another young woman rushed into the cabin. She was a perfect replica of the woman Beryl had set down upon the bed.
"Healer...is she going to survive this?" The woman pleaded, tears streaming down her face as she knelt before the bed. Holding her sister's limp hand, her bright clear blue eyes seeking comfort from the stoic older woman. Now bustling through her cupboard, pulling out a large stoneware bowl and iron kettle.
"Sofia...your father is a stubborn old fool!" Beryl growled, as she opened and slammed several drawers seeking something that wasn't there.
"I know, I should have brought her to you hours ago." Sofia, wailed. Her trembling hand brushing away her sister's wet bangs. Seeking to comfort the young woman who lay moaning and delirious upon the bed.
Soon, Beryl had filled her large bowl with everything she was going to need. Rushing to the bed, she set it down upon the mattress and pulled up the young woman's dress. Tucking the skirts up around her waist, revealing the bottom half of her nude body. Beryl was uncaring about the blood now staining her blanket as she surveyed the woman's privates. Then began to apply pressure with her hands to her swollen abdomen.
"How long has she been in labour?" Beryl inquired.
"Over a day or so." Sofia responded, her voice cracking as she broke into loud, panic filled sobs.
"Crying is not going to save Claire!" Beryl shouted back, glaring down at the blubbering mess kneeling before the bed.
Sofia only wailed and hid her face in her hands.
Beryl rolled her eyes, then stared pointed into the corner at Serenity.
Serenity's heart was hammering in her chest as she nodded and moved out of the shadows.
Sofia gasped and turned in fright at the sudden appearance of another woman.
"She's a priestess from the Moon Temple, I am training her in healing." Beryl lied smoothly. "Here, Sere. Put the kettle near the fire and go retrieve several buckets of water from the well. We have a long night ahead of us."
Serenity swallowed hard, but was quick to obey. Taking the kettle from Beryl's hand and setting it on the flat stones on the floor before the hearth before dashing out of the front door. She had no idea how to do these common things. But she was determined to be useful, she could feel the young woman's life was hanging by a thread. Beryl was trying hard to conceal her fear, but Serenity could see the panic deep in her brilliant green eyes.