Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 40: Responsibility

Merida spent the next two weeks training nearly every day. Thanks to the separate lessons, four of the days were spent training up her students back to back. Two lessons with Cassius, two with the rest of her students. In addition to that, she had also picked up a few books on using different weaponry, and took notes so she could better guide Cassius' training. On her days off of teaching, she spent her time with Lydie and Khalyn in an attempt to see them as well before her much anticipated return to the cottage. Keeping to his word, Aym crafted a shield fit for Cassius' arm. With it, he could block attacks and wield his hammer with little issue aside from a slight learning curve. Her students as a whole were excelling at an exceptional pace, and she suspected they could begin their training with sword staves after her break.

It was one of her much needed rest days, and Merida was sitting on the couch, copying down notes from one of the books she'd picked up. Meanwhile, she could hear Aym and Caxton talking in the dining room. The rabbit had come over to discuss construction plans. Merida's ear twitched as she heard footsteps approaching within the temple. She looked up as the door opened and her mother stepped in. The woman looked tired, but otherwise fine.

"Hey, Mama." She smiled and set her book aside to stand up.

"Hello, dear." The Lamb greeted her tiredly only to jump when Caxton popped up in the doorway.

"Leader, you've returned!" He grinned.

"Caxton, hello." She said with a weary smile. "Uh, what are you doing here?"

"We were discussing construction." Aym said as he rested a hand on Caxton's shoulder, lightly pulling the short rabbit back so he could greet his wife. "Are you well?" He asked as he slipped his arms around her in a hug. Mir̃alai gratefully returned it and chuckled.

"I'm fine, everything's fine... I'm just a bit tired." She sighed and released him. "Has anything urgent come up?" She asked, looking between the two men.

"No, Leader, everything has been running smoothly." Caxton said with an air of great pride. "I've taken diligent notes though if you'd like to review them."

"Ah, thank you, Caxton. Perhaps later. How is Lydie?" She asked, pointing her look at Merida.

"Lydie's fine. She's excited about the marriage and everything."

"Oh, right, right." Mir̃alai sighed and rubbed her temple. "I need to focus on that, it is coming up much faster than I anticipated."

"Most of it has been taken care of, love." Aym assured her and rested a hand on her back. "Come, you need to rest." The Lamb did not argue, willingly walking off towards her bedroom. Merida watched her go, feeling a bit uneasy by her mother's exhaustion. It was odd. Even on lengthy crusades, the Goddess usually returned with more energy than that. Aym looked back at Merida as if suspecting her curious thoughts. "Go with Caxton." Merida's brows raised. She didn't want to leave the home at all, let alone with Caxton.

"What? Why? I'm not going to be loud, she can sleep. I'm just working on Cassius' training." She motioned down to her books.

"Because this project pertains more to you than me at this point. We have already discussed the basics, you will aid in the rest of the planning."

"Planning for what?" She asked in exasperation. For once, she hadn't been listening to their conversation. She was too focused on her notes.

"Your school." Caxton answered irritably. It was astonishing the way his tone could shift depending on who he was speaking with.

"My what...?" Her brow furrowed.

"Go with him, Merida." Aym insisted. She was positive he wanted her to leave so he could talk with Mir̃alai about whatever she was doing. There was no point in arguing. In any case, she was confused and curious about the sudden news. Merida relented with a sigh and took a moment to put away her books. She returned and joined Caxton who was already on his way out.