Page 99 of Daughter of the Serpent

She gathered her remaining strength as they hobbled through the forest, in search of the familiar path. She could only hope the others from the feast were still occupied with awkward reunions or finding their way back to their beds, so they could slip by without notice.

“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you,” Haldor said suddenly when they slipped past the feasting hall, remaining out of sight.

“What do you mean?” she asked, nearly stumbling over another branch as she struggled to hold him upright.

“The bear.”

“It’s ok. It’s not your fault you're as stubborn as an ox.” She murmured. “Maybe next time you can try trusting me and my judgment.”

“I just didn’t want to believe it.” He explained, his eyes thoughtful. “Everyone said it was the Karnakim, and part of me wanted to believe it was true. If they were back, I would have something to protect, people to keep safe.” He looked at her, the blue of his eyes seeming to deepen. “I have always known my purpose, and it’s been to safeguard the people I care about most, to protect those whocannot defend themselves. It’s what I’ve trained my whole life for. It’s why I go to the trials now, to prove myself worthy.”

She nodded, her eyes softening. “I understand.”

“Does this mean I’m forgiven then?”

“For not believing me?” She asked, “Or for not wanting me to partake in the trials.”

“Not believing you.” He said, before adding, “I still will never support you going to the trials.”

She huffed as she readjusted Haldor’s arm across her shoulders, feeling the weight of his enormous frame bear down on her with their unsteady steps. “You’re not helping your case.”

Despite his good humor, she could tell he was in pain, his breath coming in ragged, tension lining his jaw.

“Let’s not argue now,” she suggested as they stumbled over another tree root shrouded in darkness. “We must get you to Godvick before anyone sees us leaving together.”

Haldor gave a tight nod, his jaw clenched, but she could see the strain etched on his face. Too stubborn to show weakness, she had grown used to his usual stoic expression, but she knew what lingered beneath. It was the same as when they were children, all those years ago when they had snuck away from their studies to climb the apple trees in the temple courtyard. He had slipped, tumbling out of the branches and falling with a sickening crack. He had broken his arm in three places that day, yet never cried once. It wasn’t until they were alone later that night, under the cover of darkness that she saw him ever shed a single tear. She looked at him now, grown and burdened by the weight of responsibility - yet still clung to the hope that the little boy existed somewhere. It was that part of him that she loved most. The part of him that made her remember he was human, real, and just like her. As much as she tried to hide it, she would do anything she could to protect that piece of him.

When they finally reached Godvick’s home, a secluded cottage nestled near the temple grounds, away from prying eyes, Sylvie let out a sigh of relief. She rapped softly on the wooden door, the soundbarely audible above Haldor’s labored breathing. Godvick opened it just enough to see them, his eyes widening before he silently ushered them inside.

“Put him on the table,” he instructed, his voice firm as he moved to clear it. Sylvie struggled to ease Haldor down, her muscles aching from the effort, but she managed without letting him fall. He let out a groan as Godvick rustled around them.

“What happened?” he asked, his eyes assessing them wearily.

“A bear.” Haldor grumbled from the table.

He immediately looked at Sylvie, eyes wide.

“Don’t worry - we scared it off.” She assured him.

“It must have put up a fight.” Godvick observed as he came to Haldor’s side.

“It wasn’t just a normal bear Godvick - our magic, it was useless against it.” Sylvie said, as she adjusted Haldor.“Perhaps this is what has been picking off Rederick’s servant’s one by one.”

“This will stay between us,” Godvick replied, his tone serious as he got Haldor more comfortable.

“But, we need to warn the people.” Sylvie suggested.

“You know as well as I that the elders will use anything they can to disqualify you, and if they find out Haldor was hurt and you were involved - ”

Sylvie nodded, already gathering bandages and salves. “I understand, but what if it strikes again..?”

“We’ll keep this quiet.” Godvick silenced her, “Now, let me see those ribs.”

Haldor winced as Godvick inspected his injuries, his face a grimace of pain but his eyes fixed on Sylvie. She didn’t hesitate, moving quickly to the shelves lined with dried herbs. She grabbed what she needed - comfrey, yarrow, willow bark - and began to crush them together, the familiar task grounding her in the midst of her frayed nerves.

“You’re going be fine.” she murmured to Haldor as she worked, her hands deftly preparing a poultice. She hated the idea of himbeing in any more pain than necessary. “Just hold on till I get this ready.”

Godvick turned, moving outward, speaking slowly. “I’ll collect some sapling of the vine - it will help with the pain.”