Iorrjaer

Chapter 20

Allin and Allen were out and about, making their rounds for the day when they found old farmer Cid outside of Granna's hut. He looked peaceful sitting in the small herbal garden. So peaceful that he even looked like he was dozing off. The brothers whistled and made bird noises to wake him up. Cid came to slowly and then smiled when he saw the brothers.

"Care to join me?" He asked pleasantly.

They did and he started to regale the two boys about his farm, how he had come to the area from Khico to start anew with his wife, Edeana and their new child, Shanna. He told them that Edeana died their third winter from an infection in her cervix. It was likely a result of Shanna's troubled birth that had gone untreated. By the time it was something that needed attention, it was too late. He told them that he had been to see Granna before and could not properly describe the ailments, and Edeana was too weak to accompany him to visit for a proper examination.

He had been left to care for and raise Shanna on his own and now, his eyes welled up. "Had I not... the wagon would not have broken down. Shanna, my sweet innocent girl, would not have been there when that orc happened by us. He helped get my wagon fixed but then he.... because I had no other reward for him..."

"You can't blame yourself," Allen said, trying to guess what the old farmer was talking about. He looked at Allin, who just shrugged. "How could you have known?" He put his hand on the old farmer's shoulder.

"Thank you, laddy. Thank you. You are kind in this unkind world." Cid patted Allen's hand. His old eyes held Allen's before breaking away. Allen felt the old man slump and quickly helped him sit back.

"Where's Shanna?" Allin asked.

"Inside," Cid answered. "She was having pains in her belly. We wanted Granna to take a look."

"Want me to go in and check?" Allen asked as he started for the door.

Cid grabbed his arm and surprised Allen with how strong his grip was. "No. No, it's okay. Don't go in,"

"Father?" Shanna's voice sounded from the door. It was soft, as gentle as a flower. She took in the quick scene and placed a gentle hand on her father's wrist. He released Allen, who backed off and Shanna threw herself to her father's knees.

"Father, are you well? You look tired."

"Shanna? Oh, Shanna. Are you well?"

"I am, father. But you,"

"I am just tired. These boys sat with me while I waited. They are kind boys. I am sorry, my lad."

"It's alright." Allen said, massaging his wrist.

"Shanna, my dear. Help me up. I think I need to lie down. Can you boys help get me back to your father's manor?"

Both boys sprang into action. They got Cid between them and when he was secure, they walked him towards the manor. Shanna made a glance back towards the hut with her hands on her belly. Granna appeared at the door and met her eyes. There was an unspoken feeling between them, something that they had discussed in the hut and something that Shanna had agreed to. Still, she was afraid. Despite Granna's reassurances for her part in the greater cause, and despite the larva that now nestled in her neck, Shanna could not help but feel apprehensive.

The walk back to the manor was that long and when the boys got Cid up to their room and into bed, he fell asleep immediately. Allen looked around the room and saw that there were flowers around, he grabbed a select few, opened a window for the breeze and put his new arrangement on the sill, letting the breeze bring in their fragrance.