A Good Man Awakens

Chapter 16: The Orchid

I was startled awake by a sharp kick to the bed from Reece. "Rise and shine! The day's not waiting for you. If you want grub, you better be quick. We've got a busy day ahead—dozen barrels to fill and stack before ten bells. Trust me, you'll need the fuel."

He scowled down at me, irritation twisting his face. "Move it. I can't have you slowing me down. I don't even know why Da suggested this—might as well bring a bucket with no bottom. Huh, maybe we'll find a use for you yet. Hurry up!"

Reece gave the bed one final kick and stormed out of the barn, his muttering trailing behind him like the tail of a storm. I blinked a few times, shaking off the lingering effects of sleep. Given everything that had happened, I should have felt like a wreck—disoriented, even terrified—but somehow, I felt good. It must have been the youth in this body, allowing me to spring back faster than I could ever hope to in my true age. Whatever doubts I had from the day before vanished as I tugged on my shoes and ran after Reece. If Ross had made breakfast, I wasn't about to miss it.

The sun had just begun its slow ascent, casting the grassy fields in a warm, golden light. A faint chill hung in the air, though the sunlight was already burning it away, evaporating the last of the morning dew. The farmhouse, a sturdy two-story structure with weathered stone walls and a thatched roof, stood proud amidst the fields. Thin trails of white smoke curled up from the chimney, filling the air with the comforting scent of cooking meat and spices. I took in a deep breath. In that moment, everything felt right, secure even. It was the kind of morning that promised new beginnings.

I burst through the farmhouse door with the same energy the sun brought.

"Too late, Rags," Reece barked from across the room. "Da already took the last of the bacon for his pouch. Might be some oats left... no, wait, Sophia took them for the horses. Looks like you're out of luck."

Reece shot me a mocking grin as he stuffed rope into a canvas sack. I stood there, feeling as if the warmth of the morning had been sucked away. Disappointment settled over me like a cloud.

"Reece, stop teasing the boy," Ross said, her voice carrying a hint of reprimand. She turned from the stove with a smile and handed me a small wooden bowl. "Kept some aside for you, love. A bit of bacon and sausage. I had to hide it from Reece's Da—he'd have eaten this too and still gone for seconds."

I smiled gratefully and sat near the hearth. "Thanks, Ross. I think yesterday took more out of me than I realized."

Ross smiled warmly before turning back to her cleaning.

"We'll see, Rags. Hurry up, though—I mean it this time. We've got more work than the two of us can handle. I'll load the cart. Don't make me come looking for you."

I nodded, wolfing down the food with a single-minded focus. I wasn't about to miss the day's work, even if Reece wasn't exactly friendly. I wanted to know about what happened at Moss Side, but I thought I could handle a few day's here, Jacob would be back soon, and hopefully with some answers. Finishing the meal quickly, I followed Reece outside, where Ged was finishing up strapping an old, weary-looking horse to a wooden cart filled with empty barrels.

Ged gave Reece a stern look. "Finally decided to show up, have you, boy?"

Reece opened his mouth to protest, "Rags here sle—"

"No excuses, Reece. You know we're behind. Take Lolly and clear that orchard. It's the last of the harvest. You'd better fill those barrels."

Reece shot me a glare but held his tongue. He climbed onto the wagon, taking the reins in hand, while I clambered up next to him..