Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 6: Injustice

Merida had intended to stay awake through the night, but the warmth of the cottage, the gentle crackling of the fireplace, and Kenedra's soft purring as she slept in her lap was all so calming that she drifted to sleep. She woke again with a jolt, fear that she may have overslept snapping her into a state of instant wakefulness. She looked out the window and sighed heavily as relief rushed over her. It was still dark out, she couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour or two.

"Are you alright?" She looked in the direction of the voice and saw Narinder leaning in the kitchen doorway, a mug in his hand. He had a quizzical expression as he watched her.

"Yes, I didn't mean to fall asleep. I have to be awake when they come." Merida explained, sitting up just a little, but not enough to disturb Kenedra.

"Well, I imagine that could be any time now. Dawn will come soon." He looked out the window and took a drink from his mug. Merida worried that he was going to make another attempt to change her mind. Why else would he linger for conversation?

"You aren't going to try to talk me out of this again, are you?" She asked wearily. He shook his head, and shrugged a little.

"There is no point, you are clearly too stubborn to see reason."

"You're right about that." She chuckled a little, and began to once again pet Kenedra's head. Her fur was soft, and the act itself was relaxing. The cat purred in response, curling up tighter. Narinder's eyes narrowed just a little. For a moment, Merida worried that he would have some moral objection to this. Instead, an almost imperceptible smile hinted upon his expression. Narinder tried to cover this by taking a deliberate drink from his cup. Merida's smirk broadened. It was clear to her that he was still trying to appear disapproving of the whole idea. How could he truly disapprove though? Kenedra was so kind, so sweet. It is not for no reason that everyone was fond of her. As if realizing his attempts were futile, he went on.

"And... I admit the prospect of having Kenedra with me is too good to ignore. Perhaps it is my selfishness, or the loneliness I have felt these last seventeen years..." He paused, watching Kenedra. "Now that it seems I have a chance at being her father, albeit slim, I cannot let it slip through my fingers. I would be a fool to..." Merida nodded in agreement. "How long have you been friends with Kenedra?"

"All my life. She's only a few months younger than me, and Nykka brought her over to see us all the time."

"I thought as much... You seem close." He spoke in a measured tone. Merida furrowed her brow, unsure how she was meant to read the comment. She was about to ask when something caught her attention from the corner of her eye. The window that had been pitch black just minutes ago, was shifting to a hazy gray. Sunrise would be upon them soon. Realizing she no longer had time for idle chatter, she put her attention on the sleeping cat. Gently, she shook Kenedra's shoulder, rousing her from her peaceful sleep. Kenedra took a little coaxing, but hummed softly as she awoke. She sat up slowly, rubbing her tired eyes.

"Did something happen...?" She asked groggily.

"Not yet, but my parents will be up soon. I'm sure Nykka will too."

"I understand." She stretched her arms and looked at Narinder. "Good morning." She smiled.

"Good morning..." He replied with a small nod. Once her lap was free, Merida stood and picked up her staff, using it to unceremoniously wack Khalyn on the head. The rabbit woke with a groan and sat up, rubbing the tender spot.

"What?" She glared.

"They'll be here soon."

"Oh, I can't wait." The hare huffed. "Do you think they'll bring Dad?"