Spoiler
Teddy woke up the next morning. His body ached all over, but it didn't feel like he had any serious injuries. He tried getting up and felt a tug on his side. There was a thin, long straw protruding from his side. Dried blood had caked in a wooden bucket next to the bed.
The Alchemist had done a good job. Had the blood remained inside his abdomen, the pressure might have caused some serious damage and lengthened his recovery. He grabbed the straw and pulled it out. A Small trickle of blood followed but the bleeding stopped swiftly and the wound closed.
Teddy focused his attention to his surroundings. Judging by the angle of the light siphoning through the thick woolen curtains obscuring the tiny window, it was nearing noon. The room smelled of extinguished candles and bittersweet medicine. The smell reminded him of the mixture he was given some time ago. Teddy couldn't be sure of the date and it bothered him. He hefted his legs off of the bed and the wooden structure creaked and groaned under his weight.
Teddy stretched himself to his full length and and moved around, trying to loosen his stiff muscles. He realized he was butt naked, but then again it didn't really bother him all that much. It was the Southerner way to cover oneself with clothes. A brisk breeze would surely wake him up, Teddy thought.
He pushed the door opened and had to bow down to fit through as he entered the living room. The smell of all kinds of mixtures and herbs was stronger here. An alchemical table, a decently build fire place and a table stained by the all the colors imaginable were the largest objects in this cluttered room. All manner of plants were hanging from the roof beams and the slowly boiling and bubbling porridge in the cast-iron cauldron gave an eery, yet welcoming feel to the house.
Teddy took in the sight and before long focused his gaze on the stout old lady in a rocking chair, milling something in a mortar. The ladys her hair were pulled up into a tight bun, she was dressed in a thick gray woolen dress and an apron that most likely had once been white, but now was brown and stained.
- Up already I see. The woman said to Teddy. He nodded.
- Don't just stand there. Sit down and have a bowl of porridge. Teddy obliged and sat on a chair in front of the table.
The woman placed the mortar on a small stool next to the rocking chair and hoisted herself up. She waddled to the fire place all the while cursing her old bones and aching joints. After a quick search through the cabinets above the fireplace she found a small bowl, glanced at Teddy and put it back. She then grabbed a thick cloth from the pocket of her apron and hoisted the whole cauldron up and waddled closer to Teddy.
- Grab that would you, Dear. She nodded at the second, stained black stool next to the alchemical table.
Teddy reached and grabbed it and placed it in front of himself. The old lady groaned and dropped the cauldron on the bench. The wood sizzled a bit and a four small streams of smoke rose from where the beastly legs of the cauldron touched the wood.
-There. The lady said and waddled back to the fire place. Another quick search and she produced a ladle. She gave the ladle to Teddy and searched about in the room before finding a pint she deemed large enough. She blew into it and wiped it clean with her hand. Her fingers were thick and stained like the rest of the things in the house. The joints were swollen.
The lady placed the pint on the table next to Teddy and filled it with oxen milk from a jug she had grabbed on her way.
- What are you gawping there for? Eat up and drink your milk. The lady said with a stern voice that didn't leave room for argument. Teddy did as he was told and started stuffing his face with the porridge. He soon realized how hungry he was and increased the pace of mouthfuls. He took a long swig of the milk, emptying the pint and helping himself for another pintful. The old lady was back in her rocking chair, milling the herbs in her mortar. Though she didn't smile, one could see happiness in her eyes.
- That's a proper appetite you got there, Dear. Don't mind me, help yourself to some bread. It's over there on the side table. Teddy raised his eyes up from his meal and reached out. He grabbed the loaf and took a large bite of the dark malt bread. It was sweet and slightly bitter and the smell was intoxicating.
When Teddy had finally finished eating and was gouging the las bits of the porridge from the cauldron, the old lady hoisted herself up again and sat on the other side of the table.
- Now that you are fed, let's have a talk shall we. Without waiting for Teddy to reply she continued.
- I know who and and what you are, Sentinel. And I would like you to tell me why you have left your home and brought yourself over here on the edge of civilization? Teddy blinked, surprised by the straight forward manner of the woman.
- Oh, where are my manners. My name is Silva and I am the healer of this town. Silva introduced herself. Teddy grunted and made a courteous bow. The small smile tugged at Silvas lips.
- Now then, Teddy dear. Explain yourself. Teddy scratched his chin, trying to figure out how to convey his motives to Silva. There was a stubborn stubble growing on his chin and it made a rasp sound as he scratched.
Teddy began making simple and broad hand signals, trying to use as obvious gestures as he could. It turned into a guessing game, but eventually the main points of his story were conveyed.
- So you are trying to save Hildr from the White Queen... This is troubling. If you are not on your post, guarding the rest of the South, what is there to stop Her from marching straight for us? Teddy shook his head.
- You didn't think this through did you? Silva asked. Teddys head dropped. Silva snorted.
- Men. Well. There isn't much we can do now is there? Don't answer that. You have done enough as it is. Silva waved Teddy apologies away as she got up. She waddled back and froth in front of the fire place with her hands behind her back, thinking. Teddy followed her pacing with his eyes.
- I supposed the only thing we can do is prepare for the best and hope for the worst. The quip was filled with bitterness but it held a certain truth in it. Teddy rose up and gestured his pledge to fight for the town.
- Oh that wasn't up for debate in the first place. I expect you to bleed for this town since you are the bringer of this disaster. She closed in on Teddy and poked his broad, hairy chest with her lumpy finger.
- I know what you are capable of and have seen it first hand. Make sure you bring your best effort to the table when the fight comes or I'll be sure to make you one of the Spearless myself. The coldness in Silvas voice made Teddy feel small and insignificant, like a mouse in front of a war dog. His hand instinctively moved to cover his privates.
- Now, get back to bed and let me sort out this business with you and Hildr. The sudden changes in mood threw Teddy off balance. He stood there open mouthed and watched as Silva waddled to the alchemical table with the mortar.
- Are you deaf? Bed. Now. Silva commanded and Teddys body moved before he willed it. The glint in Silvas eyes caused a chill to run down Teddys spine. It was a mischievous glint that didn't bode well for him, he was sure. But like in most things that concerned women, Teddy was wrong again. In a sense.