Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 42: Unanswered Prayers

Merida being an official Task Lead made leaving a bit difficult. She had to fight Caxton to allow the students to train up the skills they already knew in her absence. He was insistent that they needed proper supervision. After a very draining back-and-forth, they came to a compromise. The students could train with weapons for one hour a day, supervised by Aym. Other than that, they could exercise as their schedules allowed, and use training weapons during their designated training hours. They would not be permitted to spar unless Aym was present. Merida's students were disappointed by the news, but did not argue against it. On the last day of training, they wished her a happy break which Merida found heartwarming.

Though she was extremely tempted, she denied the urge to ask her parents about the Black Crown. For the time being, at least, she would refrain from bringing it up. Merida had two reasons for the decision. Firstly, she worried that the conversation could devolve into an argument. It seemed highly likely since they were so insistent on hiding the information in the first place. Secondly, she did not want them to use her curiosity as a reason to prevent her from seeing Narinder. She planned to discuss it with them eventually, but she thought it wise to ask Narinder first.

Merida packed her bag for a month's stay, though she knew the chances of it being cut short were high depending on when Lydie went into labor. She promised she'd be there for it, and had every intention to keep that promise for her sister's sake. Thankfully, her parents were assured by Nykka during Lydie's last check-in that it would not be for at least two weeks. So, Merida had that long to roam away from Narinder's cottage for training and the other request she had planned for him. She wanted to recruit Narinder's assistance in collecting a skull necklace for Aerwyn. She wanted to obtain at least one so Khalyn would wear hers. She saw no reason why Narinder should refuse her request as Kenedra would need no form of guarding during the search. She would be safe with Nykka.

The morning sun in the sky, her bag on her shoulders and her staff in hand, Merida said her goodbyes and set off for the cottage. On the way there, she focused her mind on everything she had planned for the busy visit. Talking about the Crown's disappearance, searching for skull necklaces, curse training, and learning how to use her devotion in combat. If she had time left over, she would like to learn how to create heatless flames and ghost chains. But, that was low on her priority list and could be saved for her next stint.

Merida knocked upon the ex-God's door and waited a minute or two for it to open. Narinder looked out at her with a surprised countenance. Likewise, Merida was momentarily thrown off by his new clothes. She was still so used to that tattered old set that Kenedra so kindly replaced. He was not wearing the outer robe, understandably opting to bother with it while venturing outside of his home. Instead, he had the new tunic and accompanying trousers. Regaining his usual demeanor, Narinder spoke.

"I did not expect you to return so quickly."

"Quickly?" Merida chuckled, "It's been a month."

"Yes... But, Kenedra is not here and will not be until late next week. She did inform you during your sister's wedding, did she not?"

"She did." Merida shrugged, "I don't see why that should stop us from training though."

"Very well, so long as you are aware." Narinder stood aside, allowing her into the home. "I'm afraid that I have already eaten breakfast. I can make something for you if you haven't eaten."

"I ate before I left." Merida waved away his offer and walked back to Kenedra's bedroom to deposit her hiking bag on the desk. When she returned, she found Narinder in the kitchen working on the dishes left after said meal.

"Speaking of which... Have you continued cooking?"

"Yeah, a bit. Dad's been helping me with it too. I'm learning quickly enough, I think."