Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 26: Greater Purpose

Merida spent the afternoon trying to calm Kenedra down. She was devastated by the news, and deeply worried for Narinder's well being. Like Merida, she knew that he should be punished in some way. He had committed murder on top of his other crimes, it was only right that some form of reprimand take place. But, knowing that did not make it an easier truth to swallow. As soon as she had calmed down enough to speak, she asked Merida to visit him. She had to see him for herself. Merida was hesitant to agree. She might have wanted to go herself, but the thought of Kenedra seeing him in whatever state he was in made her heart preemptively break. Additionally, she knew Narinder would not be exactly happy to see either of them after explicitly telling them not to come. After a surplus of coaxing from her worried partner, however, Merida caved and agreed to escort her.

Lydie was their only real obstacle. She had returned home early that evening, she was once again not feeling well. The three had been carrying on light conversation until nearly ten. Kenedra squeezed Merida's arm then, an anxious expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" Lydie asked, having noticed the silent sign. Merida sighed, looking at her twin.

"We are going to visit Narinder tonight."

"Oh, I knew it." Lydie glared, crossing her arms. "Mama doesn't want you to go, neither does Nykka." She added with a pointed look at Ken. "From what I understand... Narinder doesn't want you to go either. Leave him alone."

"I cannot do that." Kenedra said, her hands clasped. "He is my father, Lydie. I am so worried..."

"He's alright, Kenedra, he just needs to heal."

"How would you feel if it was Aym?" Kenedra asked, that fiery spark returning to her eyes. She stood, drawing herself up to her full height. "If Aym was out there, hurt and alone. You mean to tell me you would leave him to suffer so long as everyone tells you he will be okay ?" She glared. "I need to see him, Lydie. I have to see that he is safe and alive with my own eyes." The twin shook her head, looking off in thought.

"Fine..." She muttered then looked at them. "Fine, go see him." Lydie growled, her eyes narrowed. "I won't say anything to them. But, if they notice you two are gone, I won't lie to them. Be back before sunrise." Merida nodded and got up.

"We're just checking in on him, not staying." She said as she opened the window. Merida leaned out, listening hard for any sign of followers. All was still. She looked back at Kenedra. "Ready?"

"Yes." She nodded. Merida hopped out of the window and held her hand out, assisting Kenedra in slipping out. She looked around the side of the temple, pleased that no one was around. They walked on past the cult gates. Once they had penetrated the tree line, Merida crouched down.

"Get on..." She said quietly. Kenedra nodded and climbed onto her back, her legs squeezing against the other's sides. Merida stood straight and hooked her arms underneath her beloved's thighs. She took off in a sprint down the path that would lead them to the cottage. The enchanted fleece fastened over her shoulders aided in her speed, allowing her to glide along the path she knew so well. Kenedra was silent, too anxious to carry a conversation along their journey.

They arrived at the cottage in record time. The typically two hour walk had become an exhausting, but efficient, half hour sprint. Merida crouched down, allowing Kenedra to dismount. She stayed down for a moment to catch her breath.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah..." She panted standing up with her hands on her hips. "Never ran that... fast..."

"Take your time, Love." Kenedra smiled, though she kept glancing nervously at the cottage. Merida took a few more seconds to breathe then walked on towards Narinder's home with Kenedra's hand in her own. She did not bother knocking on the door, chances were he wouldn't be able to answer it anyway. So, she reached out, opened it and stepped inside. The moment they were in, Merida's nose scrunched and she instinctively held a hand over it.