Crimson River

Chapter 4

We arrive back in town to see everyone gathered in a large crowd in front of the Elite's house. 

"She must be back!" Sara squealed as she rushed forward to join the crowd. I sigh and walk towards the crowd and they part allowing me through to see my mentor. Well, my future mentor. She hasn't yet made it official that I'm to be the next Elite but everyone knows I am. 

She turns towards me and look upon me with her dark eyes. I drop into a deep curtsy everyone around me drops into curtsys and bows. "Welcome home Elite Hamilton. I take it that your trip went well?" 

"My trip went exceedingly well Cassandra Vermilion. Has anything changed while I have been gone?" 

I stand up and take in her thin frame and dark hair tied back in a bun. "Nothing has changed since you have been gone Elite Hamilton. Life has continued on as normal."

"Very good. Since everyone is here I would like to make it official that you are the next Elite. I shall take you on as my apprentice and you will start your lessons next week. Do you understand Cassandra Vermilion?" she asks me looking out at everyone. 

"I understand Elite Hamilton," I say as I drop into a curtsy again and she nods then heads inside her house leaving everyone to start chatting. I rise slowly and start heading home, the crowd splitting before me and dropping into bows and curtsys as I pass. This will be common for now and I might actually enjoy it. 

Once I reach my house I find nobody inside, my parents probably out in town. I set my basket on the table in the dining room and start dinner for when they arrive back. Just as I'm finishing dinner they walk in and say hello. 

"Hello to you two. How was your day?" I ask as I set the food on the table and they start filling their plates. 

"It was eventful with Elite Hamilton arriving back in town. We heard that she officially took you on as her apprentice. Are you ready to begin your lessons?" my mother asks me as she eats.

"I guess. It will be a lot to take on and I won't be able to head out to the human market as much but I can handle it. Speaking of humans, Rikkard invited me to have dinner on his parents farm tomorrow night. May I go?" 

"I don't see why not. Be careful coming back alright?" my father says as he eats. I nod and continue eating. Once everyone finished I helped my mom clean up and then I went upstairs to continue reading before going to sleep. 

I awake the next morning and get ready as usual, struggling a bit with the crinoline to the dress but I eventually get it right. I head downstairs to see my father reading the newspaper as usual and I sit next to him as my mother sets a plate of fresh muffins in front of us. I eat one quietly and then excuse myself as I get up to go to the human market to sell poultices again. 

I have a normal day at the market selling poultices to many high up Lords and Ladies preparing for the Season. They all want the same thing, something to make them look young. I end the day selling a poultice to Lady Elise of Yarrow. She takes the poultice gratefully and rushes of to find her parents. I start packing when I notice a shadow appear in front of me. 

"Terribly sorry but I was just closing up for the day. I will be here next week if you wish to come by then," I say as I continue packing up the green bottles. 

"Actually, I'm not here to buy anything. I'm here for you," I hear the person say. 

"I should've known it was you Rikkard." 

"You really should have. Who else would appear behind you magically?" he laughs as he helps me finish packing up.  "Will you really not be back in town till next week?"