Crossbreeds Part 1: Chapter 10 Is it Working? by RedPhantom ()

Writers • Fantasy • posted on Jan 13, 2021

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Description

Thailyn returned to the visitor’s hut as much as he could each day. The Council and the clan were understanding. This was his daughter and she may not live much longer. He finally got to be with her as her father. He wanted as much time as possible. He had always regretted not coming forward when they were looking for him. He had been so sure they would keep her from him. When he tried to tell them where she was, and they refused to listen, to even see him, it just confirmed what he had thought. When he’d seen her in Thager, he’d been afraid not only that she’d reject him, but that it would bring Drepal back out and allow her dark half to take control again, permanently.

And now, here possibly at the end of her life, he finally got to be with her. He told no one of his fears, that she might not make it. He kept it hidden. The bond between her and Andy was strong. Her death would likely kill him. It didn’t matter how closely he was watched.

Today was the day. Today, he had the potion that should destroy the spores. He entered the hut and hung his cloak on a peg near the door. Those who were not sick looked up expectantly.

He held up the bottles. “It’s done.” He went into the bedroom. As always, he went to Bremul first. He drained as many of the spores from the baby as he could and then gave him the dose he had made for him. He had added extra flavorings so the baby would drink it. Most potions were not known for their good flavors.

But Bre did drink it. Then he waited and checked the spores’ progress. They were dying. It was working. He waited until he was sure every last spore was dead and then handed the baby to Sapphire. “We’re half even,” he said with a smile. She smiled too.

Then he went to Ann. He repeated the procedure and waited. He realized he was holding his breath. It was taking a while. He waited. Finally, he sensed the death of the first spore, then another and another. It wasn’t the rapid annihilation that Bremul experienced. This was agonizingly slow. He continued monitoring the spores, making sure none were missed. He had another extra-strong dose he brought just in case but it would be hard on her so he didn’t want to give it to her until it was deemed absolutely necessary.

“Is it working?” Andy asked.

“Slowly. It’s going to take some time yet to know if it will get them all.”

“What happens if it doesn’t?”

Thailyn had been dreading this question. “We’ll try something else. One step at a time.”

“But…”

“Do you want to see the glass half-full or half-empty today?”

“Half-full of life,” Andy said, understanding.

Thailyn nodded.

“It’s going to be close,” he said after an eternity. “Most of the spores are gone but so is the potion.”

“What if the potion runs out first? Can we give her more?” Andy couldn’t help but ask. Thailyn understood. This was his mate he was watching die. Thailyn’s own mate’s death had been over in seconds and it had been agonizing to watch. This must be so much worse.

Thailyn nodded. “I have a concentrated dose.”

“That could kill her,” Sapphire said.

“It could, but the spores will. Once the spores are destroyed, I can take care of any potion that’s left. But, we’re not ready for that yet.”

“Come on, come on,” Thailyn said. “Got them. They’re gone.”

“Are you sure?” Pt’this asked. Thailyn glared at him. Of all of them, he should’ve known better than to ask that.

“I’m staying here tonight. I’ll check on them in the morning to be sure. We’ll take turns keeping an eye on them. If their magic drops any, it will show us there are still spores. Andy, you won’t be able to sleep with Ann tonight. You may inadvertently give her more energy and that will mask the effect of the spores.”

Andy nodded. “I can stay up and watch them. I can see their energy levels better than either of you.”

“No, we’re going to take turns. You will sleep on the floor next to her. You’ve been pushing yourself a great deal. You need to get some rest.”

“But…”

“Listen, you mated my daughter. You’re now my son. You will do what you’re told and get some sleep or else.”

“Or else what?” Andy challenged.

Thailyn pulled the rug out from underneath Andy’s feet using magic and he fell on his backside. “Or else anything I want. I’m stronger than your shields. You can’t drain me without touching me. If we touch I could put you to sleep faster than you can put me in a trance. You can’t drain that from me.”

Andy nodded and started to grab his bedroll, then he swept Thailyn’s feet and was on top of him, pinning him. He used his sleeves to protect his hands, though in truth it was Thailyn’s own clothes that blocked the healing.

He leaned close. “Remember, there’s always someone stronger and faster than you. I will do whatever it takes to make sure Ann is kept safe, no matter what it does to me. I don’t care who you are or what relationship you claim.” He then stood helping Thailyn of still using his sleeves as a buffer. He then pulled up a chair. “I’ll take first watch.”

Thailyn nodded, stunned. Thailyn knew what Andy had said wasn’t bravado. The boy had skills yet unseen and was quite a fighter. It would explain the broken bones he’d had. Ann had definitely picked a good mate. He would do anything he could to take care of Annlonna, even if it got himself killed. He doubted the boy understood what that would do to her though.

He left Andy sitting watch and went outside to sleep in true form.

Image Comments (3)

MioraaNyte ()  11:40AM | Wed, 13 January 2021

Marvelous image and narrative, wonderfully done.

bucyjoe ()  5:00AM | Fri, 15 January 2021

good work

ikke.evc ()  7:14AM | Fri, 15 January 2021

Great!