Sythius seemed entirely uninterested in this discussion
about himself. His attention was entirely focused on the boy. He seemed to be
studying William’s condition. After a while, he leaned down and touched William’s
cheek with one finger, tilting his head to one side.
“Nasty bit of work,” Cell said, nodding to himself. He
picked up one of William’s hands and showed it to the giant. “See here? The
webbing between his fingers. Cracked. So dry it’s bound to start bleeding soon.
Hmmm ... he needs to re-hydrate. We’ll have to get someone here to help him,
quickly.” He turned to Sithe. “That letter you had your son—Godric, was
it?—send. A doctor?”
Sithe frowned thoughtfully. “Something like that. Do you know how to stem this poison’s tide?
You seem to know plenty about its effects.”
Cell rubbed his chin. “... Sentinel Oak tea.” He looked at
Sythius and said something in a language that Sithe didn’t recognize; she could
swear that the big man’s ears perked up, like a dog’s. “Can you find it?” he
asked, pointing east. “Outside the walls, in that direction. You’ll find
plenty. Go and gather some. I’ll put water on to boil.” At the giant's blank look, he spoke again in that other tongue.
Sythius nodded, looking more purposeful and resolute than Sithe would have figured him capable. He left the building.
Cell found an iron pot and turned to Sithe. “I’ll be back. I’d
appreciate it if you didn’t lock the door the moment I leave.” He winked.
Sithe smirked. “I wondered
if you were clairvoyant or not.”
Cell chuckled. “No such thing, Milady Breckenridge. But I
suppose it’s the closest you could get in your language. You humans are fascinating.”
The smirk flipped round into a scowl. “Don’t push it. I’ve seen sentient creatures that aren’t
human. You look nothing like any of them. Don’t take me for a simple nursemaid.”
Cell bowed with a flourish.
“I would never.”
After Cell left through the back door in the kitchen, which
led out into the outer alley just inside the high walls of Moonguard, Sithe
slammed it behind him and turned her attention to William.
“You’re the luckiest boy in this city right now, you know
that?” she asked. “You aren’t awake to deal with that man.”
* * *
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