The Son Of Snakes

20 - Meeting Her Mother

Nikolas opened the door to the small shack, closing it behind him as he stepped inside. He tapped his stick across the floor, listening as the sound echoed off of the interior.

"Hello...there." A frail woman spoke. "You must be...Nikolas."

She was laying in the bed, sitting slightly up with the pillow propped behind her. She looked towards Nikolas with a warm smile.

"Yes, I am." Nikolas replied.

"Come on over." She spoke.

Nikolas walked over, sitting on the stool that was set next to the table.

"It's nice...to meet you." She smiled. "My name is...Catherine. My daughter...told me some things...about you."

"It is nice to meet you as well." Nikolas replied. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes...I am feeling much better...than before." She stated. "I'm sitting up...I haven't done that...in a long time."

She let out a small cough.

"From just a short time after....taking that pill..." She continued. "...I'm feeling much...better. I heard that...you got it...for me. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Nikolas replied. "I am glad that it helped."

"What a...respectful...young man." Catherine smiled. "I see Ria...chose well."

"Thank you." Nikolas nodded. "For as long as she helps me, I shall be the best right hand man for her."

She lightly giggled. "Yes. Please do." He was quite the interesting man. But from just a few words with him, she could tell that he was raised well and was becoming a fine man. If he continued like this, Ria had chosen a great person to fall for.

But one thing worried her. He was blind, but why did he wear the blindfold? Was he naturally blind, or did something happen? Ria hadn't known, and upon seeing him in person, the thought resurfaced.

She couldn't help but have her motherly instincts kick in.

"She told me...you were blind." Catherine stated. "To be traveling...across Greece...you are one brave boy..."

Nikolas paused for a moment, an old memory resurfacing through his mind.

. . .

"A whole deer?!" Medusa exclaimed as she exited their shack, looking at a small, excited Nikolas. A singular arrow pierced the deer's neck.

"I did it Mom! Are you proud?" He beamed.

"Oh honey..." Medusa bent down, patting him on the head. "...I'm so proud. Just make sure you're careful. You are more important than anything you could ever bring me."

"Thanks Mom!" Nikolas smiled.

Medusa couldn't help but feel her own smile grow onto her face. She ruffled her son's hair once more.

"You are so brave, my son. You are such a brave boy." Medusa told him. "It's ok to be afraid, you know."

"Hm?" Nikolas titled his head at her in confusion.

Medusa lightly laughed. "If you're ever afraid, just tell me. You don't always need to be the strongest. I can protect myself you know."

She grinned. "Like this!" She thrust her hands to his side, squirming her fingers across them. He broke out into a short fit of laughter, before she stopped and grabbed the deer.

"How about we have some dinner?" Medusa smiled.

. . .

"Is...everything alright?" Catherine asked, wondering why he had gone completely silent for a few seconds.