Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 33: The Love of a Father

"She was hanging by a noose from an iron hook in the ceiling." Mir̃alai sighed. "Caxton was... It was-" She faltered, unable to find words to do her memories justice. "I never want to see him that way again. It was gut-wrenching. He had lost nearly everything that night. He still had his daughter, but his wife was gone and so were the children they planned to have. He had been so excited for their future and it was ripped from his grasp the moment he found her." The Lamb frowned, "He ran outside and called for help. Atti and Aym got there first and Aurelia went to get me. He was in hysterics, he demanded that I call for Nykka but there was nothing that could be done. Nykka can't reverse death. Only Narinder had that ability, and he doesn't have it without a crown. Khalyn was the only thing keeping him together that night. He let me change and feed her, but he wouldn't put her down aside from that and none of us dared to make him because he was hanging on by a thread as it was. Once he had calmed down enough to talk rationally about it, he told me he didn't want Khalyn to know. After the funeral, I gathered all the followers and told them Caxton's wishes. They might not have all liked Caxton, but they respected the situation enough to agree. If not that, they respected me enough to refrain from mentioning the true circumstances. It was decided that should anyone ask, Deoma died during childbirth." She sighed and waved a hand. "If there is a bright side, its that Deoma's suicide was the last and there hasn't been another once since then. A couple weeks later, Caxton went back to business as usual. He threw himself into his work and did nothing else aside from caring for Khalyn. He arranged for a daycare to be established with Sapher watching the children during the day. We hadn't needed one before since it was only you and your sister. Aym and I had each other for support, plus Atti and Aurelia... It just wasn't necessary. But, Caxton was a single parent, so it became a necessity."

"That is terrible." Kenedra commented quietly, "I am not surprised he is so protective of Khalyn."

"He is too strict, and it has caused issues between them." Mir̃alai nodded, "But, he can't stand the thought of losing her too. He is terrified of going through that again. If I am being honest, I think that losing Khalyn would be the end of him. He couldn't take it."

After hearing the story, the three separated to go to sleep. Merida and Kenedra entered the bedroom to find Lydie already fast asleep in her bed. She must have gone straight home after the wedding. The couple settled into Merida's bed and cuddled up. It was then that Kenedra spoke, her voice quiet so she wouldn't disturb Lydie's sleep.

"Do you think Father's followers are still out there...? The ones who did not join your mother."

"Some of them must be." Merida replied, rubbing her back to soothe her. "There are so many... But, I've never seen them out there."

"They probably went far away then."

"Most likely... Don't worry about it, Ken. It sounds like they didn't want to serve him anyway. Mama's right, they probably just went off to forget everything."

"I suppose so... This does not sit well with me though. I live out there..."

"Yeah, I know." Merida sighed, squeezing her close. "If anything ever happens, Narinder will protect you. I will too. Don't stress yourself out about it."

"Right..." Kenedra muttered and buried her face into Merida's neck. "I love you..."

"Love you too, Ken. Sleep well, 'kay?"

"You too..."

The following day, the girls woke and got ready for their day. Lydie and Kenedra left together to go to the medical tents, while Merida had a different task on her plate. She wanted to check in on Khalyn. Even if she didn't want company yet, she'd at least give her condolences and assure her that she'd be around whenever the hare was ready to talk. Merida pulled on a cloak and exited the temple, heading for Caxton's cabin. Once she arrived, she knocked loudly on the door. Usually, Khalyn stayed in her room, so it was the best way to be heard without going directly to her window. To her surprise, however, Caxton answered the door. He looked at Merida and sighed.