The air in the lair still hung heavy with the scent of healing herbs as Aldric Oberon laid there resting and recovering.
The air in the kitchen was also thick with the aroma of rosemary and thyme, a symphony of scents that danced around Lady Elowen as she deftly stirred a pot of rich stew.
The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls. A low, contented hum escaped her lips as she worked, her movements as graceful as a seasoned dancer.
"It smells divine, mother," Kylan said as he leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen, his tall frame relaxed with a smile playing on his lips as he watched his mother cook, still hiding his scars from his mother with a blanket.
"It's just a simple stew, Ky," Elowen replied, her voice laced with affection. "But I did add a pinch of spices. I thought it might be nice for a chilly morning. I wish I could make it richer."
He looked up at his mother, his eyes bright with hope. "We will recover all, Mama."
"Surely, my love," Lady Elowen said, with her gaze softening as she turned momentarily to look at him.
With a final stir, she ladled the steaming stew into bowls, placing all in a tray with the wooden spoons to go along. She then carried the tray and started walking to the entrance of the kitchen where Kylan was standing.
"Let me help you, Mother." Kylan insisted as he collected the tray from her and made for the lair.
"Thank you, Ky." She said with a smile. "I'll bring some drinking water along then." She moved with a quiet grace that belied the turmoil churning within her.
She reached for a clay jar, its smooth surface cool against her fingertips. She filled it to the brim from the pot, the water gurgling softly as it flowed. Then, she gathered a handful of wooden cups, their edges worn smooth from years of use.
As she turned to leave, her gaze fell upon a small, embroidered cloth hanging on a peg by the door. It was faded blue with a single white dove stitched in the center, a symbol of peace and hope. She took it down, its texture soft against her fingers, and tucked it into her satchel.
Aldric's face pale and drawn, his chest rising and falling in a shallow rhythm. His eyes, usually so bright and full of life, were open, but his brows furrowed in pain. He was doing everything within his power to not show his agony.
She drew a stool and sat beside him, her heart aching at the sight of his vulnerability. Gently, she lifted his head with Kylan's help, supporting it with her arm as Kylan propped him up with pillows. His eyes closed as he wriggled in pain.
"Elowen," he rasped, his voice weak.
"I'm right here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I brought you food and water."
Kylan filled one of the cups with water and handed it to his mum.
She held the cup to her husband's lips, the cool water soothing his parched throat. He drank greedily, his eyes closing as a wave of relief washed over him.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
She smiled tearfully. But it was a smile nonetheless.
"You are strong, my love," she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her heart. "You will be strong again."
She placed the embroidered cloth on his chest, a small gesture of hope in the face of fear. And as she sat beside him, she fed him stew and nurtured him back to life.
"Here, Aldric, let me feed you," she said, her fingers gently lifting a spoonful of the stew to his lips. He closed his eyes as he savoured the rich flavors, a contented sigh escaping him.
"You'll be fine, father." Kylan reassured him.
Kylan, meanwhile, was already halfway through his bowl, his face smeared with sauce. He dropped it momentarily to fill both cups with water and drank from one.
"Oh, Swifty!" he suddenly remembered his furry companion. "I need to get him some food to eat."
"You can finish yours while I help your father. There's some food in the kitchen you can fetch from for him when you're done eating. You can get some in your bowl and turn it into its bowl outside."
"Okay ma." He replied as he hurriedly finished his food and made for the kitchen to get some food and feed the dog.
He served some food onto his plate in the kitchen and headed outside to find the dog.
Swifty, their loyal family dog, bounded towards Kylan, his tail wagging furiously.
"Here, boy," Kylan said, his voice soft as he offered Swifty a spoonful of the stew. The dog lapped it up eagerly, his tongue darting out to catch every last drop. He laughed as he watched the dog.
Kylan knelt beside Swifty, a large, goofy grin plastered across his face. The dog wagged his tail so hard his whole body swayed. Kylan carefully scooped another spoonful of the soup for the dog.
"Good boy, Swifty!" Kylan said, scratching the dog behind the ears. Swifty lapped up the food with gusto, his tongue lolling out in a happy, sloppy grin.
Kylan glanced down at the bowl, a faint frown creasing his brow. He noticed a small, chipped ceramic plate nestled among the items strewn around the corner of the house.
It was clearly meant for Swifty's food, but it was a bit away from him and rain water had collected inside of it. He went and picked it up, turning it over in his hands. "Hmm, I guess you'll eat from my plate while I feed you then," he muttered to himself.
Suddenly, he stopped eating and turned his attention towards the gate. Swifty's ears perked up, his tail stopping its wagging. He let out a low growl, his eyes fixed on the open gate.
"What is it, Swifty?" Aldric asked, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword that he didn't have on him.
"Damn!" He muttered under his breath.
The gate creaked open, revealing a tall, imposing figure.
Zephyrus Brecan of Birchwood, a man known for his stern demeanor and sharp tongue, the head of the Birchwood clan, stood in the doorway, his scarred face etched with a mixture of surprise and annoyance.
"I come in peace." He said as he took further steps into the compound with his hands slightly raised.
Swifty was still agitated and was still mixing barks with low rumbling growls.
"Kylan my boy, is that you?" he asked, his voice gruff. "I need to see Elowen."
"Easy, boy. Easy." He said trying to calm the dog and then turned to motion chief Brecan in as he recognized the menacing man now.
"Yes, it is Kylan. Come right in sir."
"I had to hurry down as soon as I heard about the attack here. How is your father?"
"He's been wounded severely, but he is holding up well."
"Take me to him at once." He said as he approached the uneased dog and Kylan.
Kylan, not standing straight, took the plate with him and pushed open the door, leading Zephyrus into the house.
"Mother!" Kylan called out, his voice echoing through the hallway.
A moment later, Lady Elowen emerged from the kitchen, her face a mixture of relief and concern.
"Kylan. Chief Zephyrus! You're here." She glanced at Zephyrus, her eyes lingering on the breastplate wrapped around his chest. "Your friend is seriously wounded. It's a miracle he's alive."
"The gods be praised, Lady Elowen," Zephyrus said, his voice strained. "I came as soon as I heard the news. How bad is the damage?"
"Thank the gods. We will recover all that is lost." she murmured, her gaze softening. "Come, Aldric is resting in the lair. He just had some soup and I believe he's closed his eyes to rest by now."
She led them down to the lair. Aldric laid in his divan with his face pale, his chest rising and falling with each laboured breath.
"Oh, dear friend," Zephyrus whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Aldric's eyes fluttered slightly open. A weak smile touched his lips. But he slipped back into his sleep again.
Zephyrus stepped forward, his heart pounding. "I am here now, old friend." He said as he reached out a hand, his fingers trembling to touch Aldric. "You fought bravely. You've always kept the legacy of Emberfall. A true hero you are."
Zephyrus placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, with sweat beading on his forehead. "Rest and recover your strength, my good friend. I shall return."
Aldric seemed to have nodded, his eyes closed. His breathing slowed, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm that was almost peaceful now.
Lady Elowen, her eyes filled with tears, gently guided Kylan and Zephyrus out. They stood in the hallway, the silence broken only by the crackling fire and Swifty barking outside.
"He'll be alright," Kylan said, his hoarse voice barely a whisper.
Kylan nodded, his gaze fixed on the closed study door. "He has to be."
"Elowen, thank you for taking care of my old friend. The journey is far from over. I will see how to send my men over with some supply of grain and some other necessities. And my young warrior. Take care of your father and your mother. When next we see, you shall tell me all about the war front against Dragonfrost." He said as he turned to head for the door.
"But not so fast Zephyrus. We still have some food I can serve you." Lady Elowen said.
"Oh, no. That won't be necessary. Moreover, I came with my men and we're about ready to ride out. I see you also don't have any horses again. I will see to it that one is left for you in the stables."
"Thank you so much Lord Zephyrus. I can't thank you enough. How is my fair lady Thalia and Fiora?"
"They're doing well." He replied.
Something caught his eye on Kylan's wrist – the amulet.
"That amulet... I gave that to your brother once. He didn't take it with him?
"I don't think so, chief Zephyrus. I saw it in our room when I came back." I believe he forgot it behind. And no word from him until now."
"The gods keep him safe. I must ride out now. Take care of my friend and your mother. Be strong, young warrior."