Infirmitate

FOUR | Population Increase

I take a deep breath as I walk down the dark corridor. I waited just over two hours for Charlie to have his wounds cleaned and for him to have time to think my offer over.

This gave me enough time to think over some things as well. Some of my thoughts turned into actions. I told the Captain of the Guard and all of our staff to keep all civilians away from the cells and visitors. Father, especially, is to not enter the cells anymore.

Visitors are now required to bring some form of identification with them to be allowed onto the property. All clan members, including myself and my family, will be required to carry a card with their blood on it.

Each guard will carry a vile of a special liquid that will temporarily turn the dried blood a metallic violet shade. If the blood turns any other color than that, we will know they are imposters because every clan member drinks a potion each new year, or the day they join the clan, that binds them to the Fortitudine Clan. Luckily, we just recently renewed the Binding so it will be much more accurate.

I had a maid prepare a room close to mine for Charlie, just in case he decided to help us. I breathe in deeply once more to build my courage, squeezing the fresh set of clothes in my hands, before nodding for the guard to open Charlie's cell door.

I sigh in relief at the sight of the very different-looking young man. His skin is clear of blood and dirt now, his cuts cleaned and bandaged. His black shirt has been cut away in order to better get to his wounds.

I try my best to hide the blush from showing on my cheeks at his slight indecency. Our Clan isn't nearly as strict about clothes as the humans are but this is pushing the line. Charlie seems to notice my demureness and looks down at his feet, his arms still raised high above his head in the Magic-blocking shackles.

I clear my throat softly for him to look back up at me. "Have you made a decision?" I ask cautiously. He seems to stare deeply into my eyes for a moment before nodding his head. "Jacob looked after me when no one else would. I owe it to him to help." Charlie coughs as his throat goes dry. I nod for the guard to fetch him some water.

After the guard leaves, Charlie meets my eyes once more. "They will kill me for this." His tone suddenly very serious. "I hope you realize what you are asking of me." I nod my head solemnly. "And I will do everything in my power to protect you." A sudden feeling of respect flows from him and I smile.

I set the clothes down on the floor by my feet as the guard returns with a glass of water. Before I tip the glass to his lips, though, I pull a vile out from my dress pocket. "This vile contains a truth spell." I pull the cork off and make sure he watches as I pour the contents into the glass of water.

"If you drink this," I hand the vile to the guard for him to send back to the Potions Elder later. "Any question you are asked within the next ten minutes will be answered completely truthfully. Are you willing to drink this for you to either gain or lose my trust?"

Charlie nods his head. "Yes, I am." I smile and hold the cup up to his lips to drink. He drinks every last drop and sighs once I pull the glass away and hand it to the guard.

"First question." Charlie nods his head for me to continue. "Is your name really Charlie?" He snorts as if disinterested. "Really? My name is Charles, but those who know me call me Charlie." His eyes widen in surprise and I try to cover my smile with my hand.

"Do you work for the Powered People Protection Force?" I wait patiently for him to answer. "Yes." I hear the guard shift his feet nervously at the affirmation. "Why were you sent here, Charlie?" He sighs. "To retrieve two rogue agents, Noa Petrović and Jacob Isaac."

"Who is 'Master Borac'?" I watch silently as he frowns in thought. "Other than the head of the Academy, I do not know." Hmm. "Can I trust you, Charlie?" His eyes meet mine without hesitation. "Yes."