“He said he saw him again a few days ago-but he looked close to death. He comes by often to check for something to help him.”
Molly chewed on her lip and sat on the edge of the bed. He might already be dead. They both knew it, but at least they weren’t going in circles. He had passed through the market in search of a remedy. Perhaps he was close enough to hear the man actually had one.
“Beckham is watching the booth, he’ll leave a note on the horse if he follows anyone.”
“Shouldn’t we wait out there too?” Molly asked.
“We will. Tonight. The man said he always comes at night, never during the day.” Jayce picked at the plate of food she laid out for him. “I’ll get answers out of him one way or another.”
His voice darkened a little and sent a small shiver through Molly. She never knew where his emotions would land at any given time. Perhaps it should thrill her that she never knew what he was going to say, but more often than not it left her annoyed with him. Or terrified of what he was capable of. Lately she’d been feeling less scared and more… accustomed to it.
Molly attempted to activate the heater, but it would not commence operation. She struck it several times, yet there was no response. She exhaled deeply, reclined on the bed, and draped the covers over herself. The night was several hours away; both required rest prior to its arrival.
Her whole body quivered. How could she feel colder indoors than outdoors? She perceived the bed creak as his weight slightly depressed it while he positioned himself. Molly shut her eyes and nearly ceased breathing as he enveloped her petite form in his large embrace, confining her within his warmth.
“Jayce?”
“Silence,” he whispered into her ear. It elicited a novel sensation of trepidation throughout her body, prompting her to silently chastise herself. What was her issue?
Jayce roused her a few hours later when the room was entirely dark, save for the few candles he had presumably ignited near the door. “It is time,” he whispered.
Molly stuffed her books into a small pouch and exited after him. She had nothing else to take and was uncertain if they would return. It is unlikely if they ultimately located him.
Upon exiting into the snow, she discerned the sounds of conversation emanating from all directions. The area was even more vibrant at night, illuminated by torches and candles, creating a picturesque scene. She grasped Jayce’s arm and accompanied him along the road. She endeavoured to disregard the muscles discernible through his jacket and concentrated on avoiding a slip on the ice. They paused at each booth, examining items of little interest while attempting to discreetly scan the crowd for a man in a precarious state. Thus far, all individuals appeared entirely healthy.
As they approached the booth, she increasingly discerned the sound of the bell. The spice vendor positioned himself at the periphery of his stall, tolling a small bell while vociferously addressing the crowd. “Toxicity from a shrub? I possess the antidote! Visit promptly, limited supply!”
He vociferated it above the murmuring voices and laughter, yet everyone disregarded him. She presumed that poisoning was not a frequent occurrence. Even poisoned berries would only cause an upset stomach, provided they contained the wolf. Jayce escorted Molly to a booth that offered warm cider and confections. He purchased some for her before they proceeded to sit on a bench that coincidentally offered an ideal view of the spice booth.
“I may have provided him with a slight additional compensation for his assistance,” Jayce remarked while encircling his warm mug with his elongated fingers. Molly inched closer as another gust of wind swept through the booths.
“What if he fails to arrive tonight?” Molly whispered.
He inclined his head nearer to hers. His breath emitted an aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. “He will. The man stated he has become desperate. The information will reach him.”
Molly raised her book and feigned reading while observing the crowd. Minutes elapsed into an hour, and her skin approached the point of freezing into ice. Her tremors were so rapid that she struggled to control her chattering teeth. A portion of her feared that she would soon fracture her teeth. Jayce encircled her arms around his torso to embrace her. The warmth provided minimal relief; she could not comprehend how all these individuals managed to endure it so effortlessly. She perceived herself as an icicle.
Several booths had already closed and departed, resulting in less congestion on the roads. The spice vendor ceased his ringing approximately thirty minutes prior, and Molly already sensed her readiness to concede. At minimum for the evening.
Subsequently-
The sound of coughing echoed along the sidewalk. Jayce placed her book before them, feigning mutual interest in its content. She recognised that his blue eyes followed the man who ultimately emerged before them; however, he did not cast a single glance in their direction. He was solely focused on the man at the spice booth.
He ambulated slowly with a limp leg. Molly was certain he was exerting all his strength merely to move. She recognised that sensation; it was as though all of his extremities were foreign, necessitating a struggle to induce even the slightest movement. He was resolute, however. He did not cease until he arrived and forcefully deposited his coins with a harsh cough.
