Medice Ceres

Chapter 3

Ceres's body twitched as she slept. Periodically a breathy mumbled utterance escaped her lips, all under the concerned eye of her protector. But he felt so helpless. There were no blades nor fighting skills that would defend her from this. He only hoped that the Spirit Phy was as good a friend as she believed.

The green light reappeared above her, faint at first, then brightening. At once Ceres jerked up with a gasp, her hands grasping frantically at the air, and her eyes wide and unfocused. She narrowed her eyes at Phy as if scolding her.

"Be at ease, my dear Ceres." Waithe spoke gently and helped her lie back down as her eyes begun to focus on his. "You be safe now. For but a moment, I had concern that my employment had come to an abrupt end."

She put on a small smile. "Ah, my gallant protector, I am overjoyed to tell you that I still have need of your services."

"You may wish to reconsider. I was not much of a protector against... the gray light, whatever that may have been."

"Not at all, you performed with valor. I shared your wonderful visions. And after Phy was wrested from me, she returned at your request. Had you not done these things, I feel I would have fallen into madness. You have more than earned your pay this day."

He bowed slightly. "I be truly honored, my fair Lady. But what nature of beast befell you?"

She frowned. "A beast indeed. The Spirit Ker."

"Ker?"

"Aye. Ker, the Spirit of Death. She is loathsome, true, but never before has she resisted my actions. Even Phy was surprised." Ceres looked up at the green light and smiled. "Weren't you, my friend?" She shook her head. "That should not have been. I feel this event somehow important, but I understand not what it means."

Waithe shook his head. "I understand much less of the Spirits. Perhaps you would tell me of them at some time? For now, rest yourself, as still your face be pale. I will have food and drink brought in so that you may regain your strength."

"Very well. Thank you, my dear Waithe. But I must ask you one thing now. In your thoughts, I felt your deep joy and love as you held a baby girl, your daughter perhaps? I cannot tell you how much it warmed my heart, still, it does. Do you have a family?"

Waithe dipped his head and took a long breath. "Once I did..." His words dropped off.

His sadness spread to Ceres. "I am sorry. I did not know."

He gestured as if brushing aside her apology. "Worry not. It happened so long ago." He put on a forced smile and stood up, then walked out the door with head bowed.

In about an hour he returned with the innkeeper's wife. They bore steaming bowls of a stew, a loaf of brown bread, and a bottle of red wine, all of which was set on a small wooden table placed before Ceres. With a nod, the old woman retreated from the room and shut the door.

Ceres sat up and smiled Her face had regained much of its color. "You tend to me well, my friend."

"Not as well as you to me. Despite the unfortunate appearance of Ker, I feel the Taint has left me. I be in your debt."

She dangled her legs under the small table and pulled a bowl closer to her, taking a moment to savor the aroma of the stew. After a few tentative spoonfuls, blowing across the first few to cool them, she began to eat in earnest. Waithe pulled up a chair to sit across from her and followed her lead.

Ceres wiped her mouth with a napkin, having already half-emptied her bowl and taken a sizeable chunk of the bread loaf. "I already feel my strength returning. This stew is medicine indeed." She took another spoonful. "I owe you a tale, my good protector. A tale of Magic." A piece of bread dipped in the broth delayed her continuation for but a moment.