Book 2 Chapter 1: Loss

Vero rushed through the castle wing. Where were they? A servant had mentioned Ylva had collapsed. Where was she? And where where the guards he had watching her?

He turned a corner and caught a whiff of poison up his nose. He froze as he covered his face. No way. Here? And why was it so strong? He retreated and pulled a cloth from his pockets. He found a jug just inside one of the open doors and drenched the fabric before tying it around his face. He tucked in the edges and then proceded to head to the location. The water would help catch the poison that was still hung in the air.

He noticed the apothecary also coming over having done a simliar action with his own face covering. Vero noticed the stain of poison in the covering of another Yowlume who was running with the apothecary. They rounded the corner and saw Ylva convulsing on the floor. Her guards were also twitching and laying on the ground. Vero gritted his teeth and kept his breathing shallow. He silently helped the apothecary and his aide carry her and the guards away from the floating poisons. When they were a safe distance Vero ignored the numbing sensation in his arm.

He waited silently as he watched over the Apothecary and the aide. He noticed the aide mix something else that the apothecary hadn’t ordered into the tonic and he grabbed the startled Yowlume’s hand.

“What else did you put in there!” he shouted.

“Let go of me welp!” the aide retorted but the apothecary flicked his ear to tell the aide to be quiet. He moved over and looked over the tonic and touched his tounge to the liquid. His eyes went dark and he shook his head. Vero growled and motioned with his tail to the guard nearby to take the yowlume with him for interrogation.

“Thank you for catching that,” the apothecary sighed.

“You should take better care to find out the origins of your aides Cogaslann,” Vero said as he helped the yowlume clean up the herbs and medical supplies.

“Yes, though with how often this has been happening, it’s been a bit rough,” the apothecary chuckled mournfully.

“Now make the tonic,” Vero ordered and Cogaslann bowed his head ever so slightly.

“As you wish, Lord Vero.”

Vero grumbled and rubbed at his ear. He didn’t appreciate that all the servants and staff had started calling him that, but it couldn’t have been helped. He watched the apothecary prepare the tonic as he had instructed before and give it to Ylva, and then the guards. Vero truly felt sorry for her staff and protectors. They were often exposed to the increased dangers like this and would have to be served second. He figured they deserved an extra compensation, especially one that would be sent to their families if something happened to them.

While he mused, the apothecary revitalized them a bit before grabbing some of the blue amber from his robes and placing it on Ylva. Since she was often the target, it was nessecary to extract the poison from her, but the guards would have to work it off on their own as the increased production and exporting of books had used a substantial amount of the supplies. Vero watched as she came too and looked about in confusion.

Then she grunted in pain and Vero inwardly cried. Another close call, this was too many times in a row. He knelt beside her as she groaned.

“My Lady. Let’s get you to-“ he began but she grabbed his hand. His eyes flew wide as she clamped down it with a strength that belied her previous condition.

“Get the healers,” Vero said quickly to Cogaslann. He looked around and made eye contact with one of the guards. He flicked his tail for the yowlume to get a doctor and the guard bowed before running off towards the opposite wing of the castle. This was not going to be like normal.

Vero stayed with Ylva while she kept her breathing under control. If not that she had grabbed his hand, he wouldn’t know that she was in pain.

“Ylva!” he heard someone shout. He looked back to see Filtiarn running towards them. He stepped aside as much as his reach could allow with Ylva still fiercely griping his hand. Filtiarn fell to his knees next to them and grabbed her other hand.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Poison.” Vero said as his freed hand pulled over the wet cloth that had been stained with the airborne poison. Filtiarn was looking around, quickly piecing the situation together.

“And the guards?” Vero shook his head. They were alive, but he didn’t know if they would be able to continue serving at this point.

“Alive, but also poisoned. Airborne this time.” Vero reported. Ylva shifted with the pain and Filtiarn looked at her with extreme concern. In previous poisonings, the Ulrika hadn’t been this worried. Vero stared at him. What made this time different? Was it just because it hadn’t happened recently? He watched the master bend down and touch his forehead to her hand as if apologizing.

“Just hold on Ylva,” he said softly. Vero managed to get Filtiarns attention and had him take both of her hands.

He rose to his feet and saw the healers and doctor coming. He stepped back to give everyone some room and ordered a few of Filtiarns guards to follow him. They needed to keep everyone away from that poisoned area.

After making sure the perimeter of that place was secured, he froze as he heard Ylva scream in pain. He had never heard her cry out like that in all the days he had served her. The cry continued for a bit and Vero walked back to the area, then broke into a run. What were the healers and doctor doing wrong? Had there been something else afterall.

Her next scream was quieter this time but it still sent a chill up his spine. He shook it off and rounded the bend to see Filtiarn holding her tight in his arms. She was sobbing and Vero looked away. He leaned against the nearby wall and took some steayding breaths. How unfortunate the timing was of this. As he slumped to the floor, he brought his hand to the bridge of his nose. He let out a weary sigh.

Of all the times to get poisoned, it had to be when she was expecting. It didn’t take much to realize that it hadn’t ended well. Vero looked skyward. He prayed to Veles that this wouldn’t take her sprirts too far down. There was still much to do with the buidling of the religeon and if word got round of this… Vero paused that line of thought. This was a time to be present, not dwelling on the what if. He covered his ears as he heard her wails and cries. Eventually is subsided to soft cries of mourning.

Vero rose to his feet and saw Filtiarn comforting her as best he could. The two would be together for now, and she would need someone like him by her side. Vero determined it would be best to make sure the work continued unabated right now, and that the palace was secured.

He rolled back his sleaves and headed to the servants quaters to seek out Bartemaus. There were going to be some changes in staff at the rate things were going. He would also need to visit the captain of the guard and there would be a needed meeting with Cogaslann before the day was over.

As the day ended Vero plopped face first onto his bed. He had met with each individual and read through reports and pointed out suspicious individuals who had entered in the past decade. They would be more heavily scrutinized for the time being until they could determine heads or tails of the situation. Tomorow he would need to speak with the new priests and finally the merchants.

He flicked his tail and heard the knock on his bed frame. He looked over to see Ha’tak, ever faithful and aging.

“I assume you saw the perpertrators?” Vero asked. Ha’tak bowed.

“Yes, Lord Vero. And my condolences to the Lady,” he replied.

“Those condolences are appreciated. I’ll pass the word along,” Vero sighed as he rose to sit on the bed. “So what info do you have?” he asked. Ha’tak pulled out a cloth and handed it to Vero. As Vero held it he realized it had part of an emblem on it. His ears went flat. The emblem of the church of the black wolf god. It was them who had done this. But what caused him to pause was that there were new symbols on it.

“Do you know what is going on with that group?” he asked.

“They’ve entered the low lands, as anticipated, but it seems they have joined up with the criminals and terrorists there,” Ha’tak answered.

“Hence the knew symbols,” Vero growled. “You are well informed,” he complimented as he handed back the cloth.

“It is my honor to serve. I only wish my life were longer,” Ha’tak said with a hint of sorrow.

“Don’t go shortening your life any further Ha’tak, and keep up the good work,” Vero said with a knowing smile. It was sad that humans lived for such a short time. Ha’tak bowed in thanks. He then paused and turned to Vero. “When I am gone, please look after my family,” he said softly. Vero smiled sadly.

“Of course,” he said calmly. Vero didn’t know why Veles would have such drasticly different life spans for his creations, especially when offspring could arise between the races. It was both humbling and sobering. Ylva’s offspring had their life cut short, and Ha’tak would never live to see his children grown. A cruel world it was sometimes. “You have my word.”

Ha’tak left and Vero sighed before dropping onto the bed. Emotional exhaustion and physical exhaustion. What a day.

He closed his eyes and only realized he had drifted to sleep when he awoke. The blankets were haphazardly draped across him and he kicked them off before touching his feet to the stone floor. He barely registered that it was still night and only the light of a moving candle illuminated the space from under his door. The cool rock woke him from his stupor and he looked about for his missing shoes. They had been kicked to the far end of the room and he sighed as he retrieved them. He hurriedly left, wondering who else was awake at these early hours.

He saw the hint of golden ears and tail and rubbed his eyes as he stared towards the flame.

“Master?” he asked. The Yowlume stopped and turned to face him, keeping the candle above his face.

“Vero. Did I wake you?” he asked apologetically.

“No, not at all,” Vero said as he walked over. “I fell asleep early, so it’s natural that I awoke early.” He shrugged. He flicked his ears asking how Ylva was doing and the Ulrika sighed.

“Not well, huh?” Vero also sighed. “And what about you?” Filtiarn hummed a sound of discouragment. “Come, talk with me,” Vero said as he grabbed the Ulrika’s hand. He pulled him towards the baths where there would be less prying ears. He took note of the guards that were performing their job, despite the early morning hours and felt relieved. Vero moved some of the linens from a bench and sat his Master down. He leaned back into the wall behind and let out a gusty sigh.

“I imagine you stayed strong for her,” Vero said and he could barely notice Filtiarn look at him surprised.

“How much do you know?” he asked.

“I saw it. I didn’t stay becasue someone had to keep things running, but I know what happened,” Vero said as he averted his gaze. He hoped the Ulrikans hadn’t taken his unexplained absence as something nefarious or betrayl.

“I see…” Filtiarn said as he leaned and rested his elbows on his knees. Vero sighed and placed a hand on the Master’s back.

“How long have you two been trying?” Vero asked, trying to grasp the depth of their pain.

“A few years,” Filtiarn said softly. Vero’s hand retreated from it’s position as he realized this wasn’t a first attempt.

“I’m sorry… Ha’tak also sends his condolences,” Vero said as he put a hand on his neck. He heard the Master let out a simple huff of a laugh.

“It is what it is,” he said as he stared out into the dark. “I just worry about her though,” he whispered. Vero could understand this to an extent. Some of the other servants had lost children and he and Bartemaus were there to offer comfort and keep them from desiring their own ends. It was not an easy thing to deal with, but it seemed way too prevelant. Perhaps with the advancing of medicine, things might change, but for now, there was too much uncertainty till a child reached seven if they were a human and thirty years if they were Yowlume.

“We’ll keep her safe, and it’s not the end. I’ve already found evidence of the perpetrators, thanks to Ha’tak. We’ll make this place safer for her.” Vero promised. He was surprised that Filtiran sighed in relief instead of demaning the information to take charge of it. Instead, he seemed exhausted enough to let that responsability fall to Vero. Or perhaps, he realized just how precious Ylva was, so he didn’t dare leave her now. Vero hummed in pondering.

“Go get some sleep master. Being away while she is mourning won’t help,” Vero said as a final note before righting himself to leave. He paused as the light of the moons illuminated a white gown and fur.

“My Lady,” Vero said softly.

“Vero. I didn’t expect to see you up so early,” she said calmly. Vero bowed and heard Filtiarn get up from his seat.

“Shall I draw some water for you?” he asked, knowing there wasn’t anything else to do here. He heard the slightest hum of acknowledgment to his question. It was like she was reverting to those old days. More quiet. But unlike those olden days, she wasn’t as domineering with her presence and breath. “As you wish, M’lady,” Vero said as he righted himself. He looked back at Filtiarn and the two silently communicated with their ears and tail. They didn’t dare let her bathe alone. Too risky. Thankfully her husband was there, else Vero would have fetched another female servant.

He left and quickly began to fill the buckets with water. He slung them onto a large pole and propped it upon his shoulder to carry them faster and more efficently. While he filled the tub, he also boiled some of the water. Whilst he worked, he noted Filtiarn holding her, quietly. Thankfully she didn’t discourage the attempts of comfort, but it seemed to hardly reach her.

When he came by she called out to him and he paused and set the pole down.

“My Lady?” he asked and she seemed upset at this. He approached and bowed before her. “How may I assist you?” he asked. She held out her hand and he took it and pressed it to his forhead. The quiet exchange lasted a few moments before he looked at her. He noted her tears and looked away. “My deepest condolences Ulrika. Please accept them,” he said placing forhead to hand. She pulled back her hand and quickly patted him on the head. He breifly looked up, still not liking her treating him like a pup, but if this brought her comfort, he would bear it. He slowly stood up and her hand moved to the side. He realized in that moment how much he had grown in the last decade and he started to reach for her hand but stopped and looked down. “Please, enjoy your time together,” he said before breaking away and heading back to work.

His ears flicked as he heard Filtiarn speak to her.

“How uncharacteristic of you my dear,” he lightly teased.

“We both owe him a great deal. If you hadn’t left that year….” Her voice trailed off and Vero wondered what that meant. He knew they had met at The Master’s grounds, her homeland, and that Filtiarn had never told her that he was an Ulrikan. Perhaps, if he hadn’t been that… was she imagining the life they could have had together? Vero knew that the Ulrika had returned after Vero had started working at the palace. He wondered just how long the two had known each other before that

“I know. Though I doubt any of ours would be the black wolf,” Filtiarn whispered with a wistful sigh. Vero kept pouring the water into the bathhouse, but he paused as he pondered. Would it have been possible that they could have children his age? It sounded weird to think of that, but it seemed they knew each other before he was born. If that was the case, how different would his work have been. He could only imagine the reaction the previous Ulrika would have had if the Master had gone and done something like that. It was a dream that they could have, but the practical side of Vero’s mind told him that if they had children, it would be hard to raise them to adulthood with this much danger around them. When the hot water had gotten to a high enough temperature, he put it in the tub and checked the temperature. It was warm, but not likely to chill soon. Still, he took a few of the hot rocks from the fire and placed them in the room. If they needed more heat, they could use them to warm the water.

He exited and bowed, signaling for them to enter. As they closed the door behind them, he shrugged his shoulder and started to head back to his quarters. While he had gotten up early, it wasn’t becuase he had gone to bed early. And the early chores had sapped the rest he had gotten. He sighed and this time made sure to climb under the covers for the rest of the night if possible.