Fire and Liberty

Chapter Four

The world felt distant, memories like faded dreams and words that felt hollow and empty. You opened your eyes many times to find the room pulsing around you, trembling in and out of focus. Even Ratonhnhaké:ton was difficult to keep in sight. He leaned forward a few times, lips moving as he spoke inaudible words, a cloth patting across sweaty skin. You felt separate from the rest of the world, a simple body residing in it but nothing more.

You couldn't know what day it was when you finally opened your bleary eyes to the soft glow of a sunrise. The warmth spilled across your skin, heated your cheek like a lover, as you slowly took in your surroundings. It was a modest room at best, thin lace curtains and quilts embroidered with roses.

You used your arms to hoist yourself into a sitting position, sliding your legs out over the side of the bed. That small movement alone left discomfort low across your abdomen but it wasn't the same sharp pain as before. It was dull, a subtle throbbing, and it was manageable enough that you could put your full weight down onto your legs.

Your things were folded neatly into a pile on a wooden chair in the corner. Your weapons were laid out along the table next to it, neatly lined up as if they were on display. It was a slow process donning every article of clothing from blouse to waistcoat to jacket. Your breeches were the most difficult thing to get on. Right there next to lacing up your boots.

You donned your weapons and shuffled through the humble home, finding yourself in a sitting room without really even trying. The doctor stood with another, a towns person by the looks of it. A farmer, you thought, noting the dirt and fading tan. He gave you a quick look before stalking around you towards the door. He didn't look hateful but he was certainly suspicious.

"I'm pleased to see you're up and walking around." He set down a few items, medical things that weren't really worth noticing. The swords that hung upon the wall were a far more interesting thing to take note of. They were either for looks or easy access. "We thought for the longest moment you weren't going to make it out alive. Quite the fever, I think."

We, he had said, and you wondered if Ratonhnhaké:ton was still nearby. Had he left once he realized you were well taken care of? Had the brief visions of him been only delusions? His leaving would be for the best. You couldn't get close to him. It would be... Well, practical but you didn't want to use him like that. He had saved your life. You couldn't hurt him.

You looked about the small room, that simple scan telling you all you needed to know about the doctor. He wasn't remarkable. But it was clear that the town respected and liked him. He wasn't rich but he was far from starving. The fireplace was well stocked for the winter so he never truly knew what cold really felt like.

You gave a meager smile. "I'm grateful for your help. I don't have anything to really pay you with."

He scoffed, half-snorted in shock. "No, no, please. You won't need to pay me." Seriousness gripped him rather suddenly. "But, don't tell me you're planning to leave soon?" He was a humble man. His eyes were small, narrow, overshadowed greatly by the thickness of brows. He truly meant his words. He didn't expect anything in return.

You tossed your gaze over towards the front door, easily in view of the sitting room. "I should be getting on my way..."

"I see." He tucked his hands behind his back, walking slowly towards you. "Your friend left a moment ago to help someone with their cart. The wheel busted off, I think. He'll return soon if you wish to wait here."

Ratonhnhaké:ton. Your vision swept to the floor, your heart racing as you considered it. He had stayed after all. Of course he did. He was noble and kind, the ridiculous ideals of an Assassin. He was off right now helping someone else. That's what he did. You weren't special. You needed to remember that.