The Magician's Vow: A Retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Part II - Chapter XIX: Breakfast & Blossoms

“What are you doing?” Mrs. Montgomery asked from the doorway. She strode into the room and placed the tray onto the dresser top. For a moment, she simply stared down at her guest.

Eugene looked up from where he crawled on his hands and knees. His head knocked against a knob and he winced.  Rubbing his head, he held up a single stalk of small purple flowers. “Is this lavender?”

“Yes. What are you doing crawling around like a blind man?” She grabbed his arm and tried to heft him onto his feet. She was unable to move him more than an inch and her efforts were more of a mental prompt than a physical aide. 

He pulled away from her and crawled slowly back to the foot of his bed. There was no strength in his body to even attempt to stand on his legs. The night had been eventful enough. It was a small mercy that he had even returned to his bed. 

“I needed this.” He waved the flower and pulled himself up onto the chest and then over the footboard into the sea of blankets. Mrs. Montgomery made no motion to help him. She picked up the tray and set it down on the end table to Eugene’s left. 

“How did you know it was there?”

“I smelled it.”

Her eyes shot up to meet his, clear surprise in them. “You smelled it? All the way from the bed?”

Eugene realized his small error, but he refused to let it register in his expression. “Yes, once I got near enough, that is. Lavender has a way of retaining its scent long after its plucking. But, really, I knew that there would be some sort of fragrance object in one of the drawers to keep the linens smelling fresh. It could have been anything.”

“I see. Now sit up. I’ve got your breakfast here.”

She poured a cup of tea and handed it to Eugene. He took the small porcelain cup hesitantly. Painted with pink flowers and green leaves, he held it gingerly in his hands, half expecting it to shatter between his fingers.

“Careful, dear. You’re cut up enough as you are, there is no need to add to the injuries. And from a little teacup...” She clucked her tongue. “There’s toast and preserves as well as some coffee.”

Eugene glanced at the measly meal. 

Mrs. Montgomery frowned. “I know it isn’t much, but Arthur insisted that in your condition, you should take eating slowly. Too much too fast, and your stomach could turn on itself.”

“I see.” 

When her frown stayed, he added. “It’s good, actually. I’m not too hungry at the moment. The amount seems perfect.”

Her face relaxed. “I have to get to my cleaning, but Charles will be up soon. If you need anything, just ‘ask and you shall receive’.” She smiled and, wiping her hands on her apron, turned and left. 

Eugene finished his meal in less than five minutes and placed his dishes back onto the tray. Now, with nothing else to garner his attention, he held the lavender blossom in front of him. He remembered the day his father had taught him about the uses for ordinary and easily found foliage. His instructions would come into use this day.