Daughter of Darkness

Chapter 24

Another week goes by and I don't get a single chance to slip away and visit the tomb again. And even if I do get a chance, there's no guarantee that Darius or his accomplice won't be down there, keeping me from exploring. I'm frustrated and anxious.

Willow is keeping up on her promise though and meditating with Mortimer daily, working to keep her mind and body cleansed of the evil infecting it. But I'm getting itchy to help, to do something, anything. Sitting here, just waiting for something bad to happen is driving me insane.

I remember Mortimer mentioning that it might be a good idea for me to read the legends of the gods, to learn more about Melora. I suppose reading counts as something. And maybe I'll be able to find something that will help Willow.

At dinner that night, I head over to Sebastian's table. He's been absent fairly often lately, his job obviously taking a lot out of him. 

"How's it going, Captain?" I ask, sliding into the seat next to him as he holds it out for me.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Sebastian?" he sighs, brown eyes amused. 

I just shrug, knowing he thinks I'm doing it to fit in since none of the other recruits are comfortable being so informal with him. That's part of the reason, but I also don't want to draw too much attention to our friendship. Maddox isn't the only one making comments about the nature of our relationship; he just says them to my face. 

Not that I would ever tell Sebastian that his men think we're involved. 

I change the subject before I can start blushing. "I just have a quick question... Now that Willow is letting me visit her, am I allowed to visit other parts of the castle?"

He thinks for a second. "I don't see any reason why you wouldn't. What are you thinking?"

I glance around, noticing a few curious stares and lower my voice. "I need to talk to Mortimer and borrow a few books."

"I see," he says, nodding. "I can take you to the library first thing tomorrow morning, if you'd like. He's there basically all hours of the day."

"I'd really appreciate that." I'll have to miss my morning practice with Hale, but he'd understand. It's a sacrifice I'll have to make to help Willow.

I thank him again, and make my way back over to where Hale is waiting for me, a heaping plate of food already in front of him.

I sink into my seat, nabbing a roll off of his plate. He raises his eyebrows when a piece of cheese follows, but says nothing, just slides his plate so it's between us. I smile hugely at him. 

Gareth and Elias aren't here yet so I try to talk quickly before they arrive, telling Hale I'll be missing morning practice to do some research in the library on Willow's sickness. Not a complete lie but I still feel a twinge of guilt.

"I'm not trying to brush off your help or seem ungrateful-"

He cuts me off. "You don't have to explain, I completely understand. Do you need help? Two sets of eyes will be better than one."

"Oh." The twinge of guilt grows and I look away. "Sebastian actually already offered to take me. Thank you though."

He glances over at where Sebastian sits, a strange look crossing his face. I feel weird declining his help but how could I possibly explain reading books about gods and magic to help my sister with her illness. 

A slightly awkward silence falls over us as I desperately try to find something to say.

"They probably wouldn't even let you into the castle anyways," I offer weakly.