The Chronicles of Nir

20 | A Dangerous Discovery

The remainder of the week passed without incident. Doctor Haspers, a tall, reptilian humanoid of no identifiable gender, treated Tallon's chemical burns and left him with translated instructions from Leon to use a poultice and change the bandages daily.

Eri wasn't so fortunate.

As Doctor Haspers explained in a long series of hisses and clicks that Leon somehow understood, the poison Eri and Tallon had encountered acted differently in water than in air. In the air it formed a caustic gas that burned the skin; in water, it targeted the eyes. The purpose, undoubtedly, being to make it that much harder for whoever got trapped in the chamber to find the switch.

Moreover, it had done a very thorough job destroying the light sensing parts of Eri's eyes, damaging them beyond Doctor Haspers' ability to repair. For the time being, Eri would have to make do without the benefit of sight.

"I swear to all the gods," Eri told Tallon once the Doctor had packed up and left, "I will kick you in the dick if you try to apologize for my condition."

Tallon, who'd been just about to do that very thing, retreated several steps. He had the distinct feeling Eri could make good on his threat, sighted or not. "I was going to do no such thing."

"Hmm," Eri grunted, clearly unconvinced. "You're not the only one who can blame himself, you know. I was blind to Korkin's treachery, and as a result I've lost the use of my eyes. Rather fitting, I should think. If I never see again, I shall be aggrieved, but I've not given up hope. There are other avenues to pursue. But, first, we have more important matters to attend."

"Surely you do not still wish to attend Trinnian's ball?" Thaddeus, who'd been standing by, watching anxiously, asked.

Eri nodded. "I do. I may not be able to see, but I can hear just fine. People often underestimate those with disabilities. They will let their guard down with me, and who knows what secrets they might spill? More so to my unfortunate wife, burdened with a blind husband for whom she must care."

"Wife?" Maisie squeaked. "I thought I'd slip in among the servants and catch the gossip there."

Eri shook his head and grinned. "Servants gossip, yes, but I think Lord Vine will agree with me that no one spills more tea than a noble with a drink in hand."

"I can't speak like no proper noble!" she protested, making her point as she enunciated can't like ain't instead of aunt.

"Oh, but that is easy!" Thaddeus exclaimed, clapping his hands. "I shall school you in speech and etiquette—we've a few days left!"

He bounced in his chair, clearly thrilled by the idea. Maisie bit her lip, still unconvinced. All it would take was a gentleman to try to kiss her hand and he'd feel her rough calluses, which no noblewoman had.

As she examined her hands, Tallon added, "You shall wear gloves and find jewels in your hair. With a touch of rouge, no one will be the wiser."

"They shan't risk offending unknown nobles," Thaddeus chimed in, grabbing Maisie by the hand and pulling her toward the parlor's exit. "They're all drawn to power and money, you see, and accent or not, you shall shine like a star!"

Leon, who had not left the room, cleared his throat. "Master Vine, perhaps you might consider the impropriety of latching onto Ms Barnes' hand. After all, she is supposed to be Erianthus' wife, and you might as well practice your own etiquette now, sir."

Thaddeus flushed pink and dropped her hand.

"Ah, yes! Forgive me. I got a bit excited there. But in truth, I would be honored if you'd allow me to treat you to shopping excursion, Ms. Barnes"