Book 1: Chapter 49: Bindings and growth.

Book 1: Chapter 49: Bindings and growth.

I will admit, there were more questions within my skull as I left the farm than when I had entered, if such a thing was even possible. This was yet another compilation to my dream of idyllic, peaceful farming. Yet for today, things seemed to be on the upturn. Perhaps. Ishila was back in safe hands, if perhaps scarred by her adventures. We had discussed matters of supply and how to best deal with the situation at hand.

For now, Velton had assured me that we needed only to pretend as if Ishila had been sick for the past several days and had nothing to do with the awakening. I had not disclosed the information to anyone else, save for Artyom and Lerish. Any other leaks would be..taken care of, or so the elf promised. Truth be told, the tone of voice in which he had suggested that unsettled me.

For now, they were content to let the proverbial ball roll at its own pace and for events to take their natural conclusion. News would no doubt be spreading akin to wildfire, and they intended to step back and let the humans either save or damn themselves for now.

There had been a glint in the elfs eyes when I asked how he intended to avoid further scrutiny, and I had chosen not to press the question further.

For now, I tiredly walked home. Chronically deprived of sleep, I yawned in the mid-morning heat and vowed to catch up on some much-needed rest once the chores were done. I would have a visitor later, but nothing that rushed to be addressed at the moment.

Fate smiled upon me, and I made it to the safety of mine own home without further altercation or some monumental event unfolding upon me.

The cows were not yet milked, I discovered, but all other chores had been tended to. Artyom was currently entrenched within the vegetable garden, stalking his prey with the look of a hunter set in his eyes. As I watched, his ears flattened, fur stood on end and hiss escaped his mouth. Like a blur, he shot across the dirt, bounded over the stem of a tomato plant, and ripped free that which he stalked. The weed spilled dirt and was deposited firmly into the wicker basket carried at his side.

One more foe overcome.

With a tired wave, I made note to thank him for his hard work, grabbed some pails myself and headed for the pasture. Come hell upon this earth or grace everlasting descending from the sky, the cows would be milked.

Several turbulent tussles later, I gave up on trying to milk them withoutCloven Crash, froze them in place and went about my work. Patience could wait for another day. Milk stored in the shed, I sighed, rubbed weary eyes and sought out the shade.

Sleep should have claimed me before my eyelids properly closed, but instead I just sat there, sort of half-awake and caught between my waking dreams and the thought of just slogging through the day anyhow.

By some grand miracle, the darkness took hold, and I drifted off.

Not for long.

A rather rude kick woke me, and my eyes dragged themselves open to find a crimson-haired elf patiently drawing back for another jab. A few confused blinks confirmed that yes, it has mysteriously turned into late afternoon despite me only falling asleep mere seconds ago.

The time for rest will come later. Was all he offered as I blinked at him with accusing eyes.

Fine. Was all the response I deigned to offer him. It took more effort than I was strictly proud of to haul myself up and stare balefully at the smaller man. Tall as he was for his kind, I was still a minotaur, and held several feet of height to my advantage.

If he was at all intimidated by that, it showed neither in his scent nor on his expression.

This supposed wondrous flower with remarkable healing properties my daughter maintains is so all-important. I would wish to see it.

A yawn stifled in my throat, I nodded, lumbered past his smaller form and led him to the garden. With a grunt, I nudged the bled-out carcass aside and gestured to the already-regrowing petals with a wince. It was..rather bare at the moment.

Id offer you an example, but I expended it all to heal your little girl.

For which you have my gratitude. Came the stiff reply. If I might?

A nod of approval was given, and the elf knelt down to inspect the plant. Much more hands-on then I had been about it. He poked it physically, prodded it with magic, felt it out and hummed to himself all the while.

It feeds on blood, I take?

A suspicion I confirmed.

I blinked and realized that yes, it was.

A level-grinder that attacked me on the road. I nodded.

Then one could safely assume youll see a growth spurt within the next day or two. Keep feeding it good blood, and it will continue to grow quickly. Lower-leveled, water-down slop with drag out its potential regeneration and properties. Youll find the system demands something be given in exchange for another thing taken.

Nothing is ever free. I nodded grimly.

Not in the purview of your benevolent Gods, at least. He chuckled.

This is excellent. I nodded. Wisdom that will help me and my endeavors.

Im sensing a but here.

It is not entirely the knowledge I seek.

And so we arrive at your actual query.

It is imperative, for me at the very least, that we find a way to replicate this plant. I myself have not yet discovered a way to do this.

It has regenerative properties, does it not? This should be evidenced by how it heals itself whenever you pluck off.

Indeed.

Then, I would suggest a small test. Like so.

He gestured, and my eyes widened in horror as part of the blooms center was simply cut away. The elf gestured, and the piece sprung to his hand, which he then presented to me.

Unless my extensive knowledge on this topic suddenly and inexplicably fails me, it should be fine. He reassured me with confidence I did not share. That plant was by far the single most precious thing on this farm. Its value was absolute. To see it so casually damaged after I had carefully tended to it for weeks now was a shock, to state it mildly.

He handed it to me with instructions to bury it in soil, water it thoroughly in quality blood, nourish it with water and copious amounts of sunlight.

Now, I am not entirely suggesting that you start cutting down high-leveled individuals or somesuch to get better blood for this thing.

I am sensing a but here. I returned his earlier quip.

You are close friends with Lerish, are you not?

I would hesitate to define our relationship as close.

Yet she of all people would be able to procure these needed substances if you but ask. And dont pose too many questions about the hows.

Noted. I replied. Yet, such a dubious offer would not sit right with me. I had my morals, I would stick to them or die trying. There were obvious implications in what the elf had said, and none that I was willing to closely entertain.

Well then, I believe that concludes our business here today. He nodded. Before I could so much as protest, he was gone, naught but the sound of a thunderous crack left behind. With a tired sigh, I rubbed my eyes, looked down at the frighteningly large piece of cleric-shine, and hurried off to find a pot and some soil.

Whatever the weeks to come would hold, I could rest assured that at the very least, I likely would not find myself overly bored.