Unfinished Rites: Part 2

Victor raised an eyebrow. “So you knew that much?”

“I did. For the longest time, I was the only one who knew within the village. She was a good person, who healed their sick and treated wounds. But of course, the day they found out she’s a witch was after an outbreak hit the town, killing several children.”

“And you know for a fact that she didn’t do this?!” Enderan asked.

“Why do you keep butting in?!” To Enderan’s dismay, Poppy rounded on him. “You are just a brat! You never knew her!”

“And you do?!” Enderan rebuked. She was about to open her mouth then closed it.

Kegan’s mouth opened and closed without sound, but he quickly turned to them when she remained quiet.

“I don’t, but it’s just wrong for strangers to assume.” Poppy said.

“Caleb was right to ask. As strangers, our purpose is to learn what we don’t know. Sensitive subject or not, lives are at stake and this is keeping us from our journey.”

“Poppy just let them ask their questions.”

She glared at Enderan then scoffed.

“Have you gone to visit the tree?” Victor continued.

“I have.” Kegan admitted. “But I was never able to get close. Like everyone else, it just attacks all those who leave or get close to it.”

“Did the tree happen to have any significance to the witch?”

“A bit. She used to read there and it’s where she talked with me and her friends.” He grimaced. “Does that satisfy your curiosity?”

“Not yet. I want to know your relationship with her.” This caused Kegan to scowl. “Listen, I’m only trying to figure out how to save you all.”

He scoffed. “I don’t doubt it. Then perhaps you should focus on getting the Mayor to admit what he did.”

“The mayor told me that he already admitted that hanging her was wrong, and that he was sorry.”

This caused both Kegan and Poppy to bristle.

“That’s because he is a liar and a coward!” Kegan cursed. “He needs to admit that not only him but all the residents were arrogant morons for hanging an innocent woman who did nothing but care for them!” He was seething.

“I see. All right, we’ll be on our way now.”

They didn’t say anything, as Victor turned to leave, Enderan spoke.

“Why are you two hanging out together?”

Poppy snorted. “Are you seriously getting jealous over me?!”

“It’s not like that! It’s just that your reaction to the witch seemed too strong, like you did know her. And the fact that you’re hanging out with the one who buried her makes me believe there is more than you let on.”

Victor opened his tome and began writing.

“Is what he said true?” Victor asked.

Kegan laughed. “You’re reading too much into things. We’ve been acquainted for years now, and she helps water my plants.”

“That’s right, that’s when we started talking about the witch and her story has stuck with me. I can’t help but feel upset when someone bad mouths her.”

“Oh, all right.” Enderan felt embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, we know you two mean the best for all of us.” Kegan sighed.

“So you really don’t know the witch, Poppy?”

“What, of course not. She died years before I was born.” She looked wistful, then she coughed suddenly.

“Are you okay?” Kegan asked.

“I’m fine, just a dry throat.”

“Let me get you some water.”

“Well, thanks for giving us your time.” Victor closed his book. “Let’s go Enderan.”

-

As they walked away from the church, Enderan hung his head. “Ugh, I’m such an idiot. I feel like a jerk for reading so much into things.”

“Don’t. I think you’ve actually confirmed my suspicions about them.”

Enderan perked up.

“It’s not exactly foolproof, but a liar’s first instinct is to get angry.”

“Do you know this because you are a serial liar?” Enderan asked.

“Perhaps. Anyways back to them. While I can’t say for sure that Kegan is adept at hiding his emotions, I’m certain Poppy is bad at lying. When she tried defending herself, she didn’t just wave you off, she practically started telling a story.”

“That does kind of make sense.”

“You did it when the mayor accused you of being a horn dog going after Poppy.” He snickered, before pitching his voice. “I just thought there was a story there!”

“I really did!” Enderan was blushing.

“But that definitely wasn’t your only reason, was there?”

Enderan mumbled to himself before speaking. “Fine, you’re right. Poppy probably was trying to hide her tracks.”

“Glad you’re picking up what I’m putting down.”

Enderan raised an eyebrow at the saying.

“Now of course some people’s instinct in telling the truth is to just state a ton of facts, so that method might not work. But considering everything we’ve been shown; Her outburst with the mayor, her skittishness, and weariness around us. I think it’s fair to say she’s worth investigating.”

Victor was also sure because of the tome’s results. Before walking away from Kegan and Poppy he made sure to check his tome.

Kegan will lie about his relationship with the witch

-Prediction difficulty: low

Manipulation: Following his lie, he will cough

-Character manipulation mana cost: high

When Enderan questioned Poppy before leaving, it gave Victor an idea.

Cancel prediction

-Prediction canceled

Prediction: Poppy will lie about her relationship with the witch.

-Prediction difficulty: low

Manipulation: Following her lie, she will cough.

-Character manipulation mana cost: high

-Prediction Successful. Manipulation cast. 

“So do we start stalking her?” Enderan asked.

“I don’t like that your mind went there, but we might resort to that. First we’ll walk a bit more before turning back.” Victor looked at the passing buildings. “I want you to talk with her while I speak with brother Kegan.”

“But I think Poppy hates me.”

“So. If she does, then apologize and take things from there.”

“Why don’t you do it?! It seems like she likes you more.”

“Enderan, you can’t get upset when a young maiden fawns over a good looking young man.” He blew out a breath as if being handsome was a burden. “If you were older, you’d have the same charm I’m sure.”

He frowned then looked down. “Or is she weirded out by my arm and burns.”

Victor paused and turned to him. “Enderan, you are a good looking guy. In fact your arm and scar makes you look really cool.”

“But you’re a guy. I bet girls find it repulsive.”

“Let’s not bring gender into this. It’s a matter of taste. I’m sure many guys would find you disturbing to look at.”

Enderan shot him a glare.

“But on the flipside, there are plenty of girls who find scars cool and attractive. So don’t let it get you down. A missing arm brings enough problems already, so focus on how you can’t knead dough effectively, or be the greatest lumberjack in the world, I dunno. What exclusively requires two hands?”

“You sure know how to make a guy feel better.” Enderan punched him in the arm and Victor groaned as he clutched the sore spot. Then Enderan grinned.

“I’ll try to talk with her.”

“Glad to hear it.” He said through clenched teeth.

Victor snuck a glance at Enderan.

You don’t have to worry about girls my boy, in the future you are going to meet a girl who is going to envelop your entire heart.

Victor’s mind conjured the image of the story’s heroine.

When that day comes, the world will be jealous of you two. Though their union is possibly going to be years in the making, Victor would see that it happened again in this world.