160 Ask Later

AUTHOR'S POV

Stellan hung his wet gambeson over his shoulders as he held Helena close to his bare chest under Conrad's robe, fighting the cold in every step. Helena groaned and mumbled Stellan's name several times. "We're almost there", he said as he tightened his embrace on Helena.

With the never ending fine drops of rain, it was not too long until they reach the cobblestoned path to Wicce. Conrad was silent all throughtout the short walk. He could feel the tension of the paladin knight who's glassy eyes were centered on his wounded friend in his arms. Despite all the multiple questions that he was meaning to ask, he chose to remain completely quiet until they arrived in their village.

Stellan saw the village of the witches the same exact way he remembered it well. It's colder in this part of the kingdom, so the haze and the gloom have always been there. The trees seemed almost dead as they start to shed leaves. They always does. He never saw them thick and verdant, not once, not ever.

By the time that they reached the village, Stellan stopped at the entryway like he usually does. Protected by a barrier, Wicce is not for anyone to go in easily. It was an affirmation for Conrad that Stellan is clueless of their situation. The paladin knight was surprised when Conrad pushed him in. As he set foot, he freely went in Wicce without any magic forcing him out.

"You can ask later, Stellan. Let's treat your friend first", Conrad noticed the questions written all over the paladin's face. Stellan just nodded and followed the warlock ahead.

The village was nothing different compared to the other settlements in the kingdom, Stellan believed. He was expecting cauldrons everywhere, melted candles on their porches, scattered pins and headless dolls, and old dutch homes giving off an oppressively solemn mood. Someone even told him that Wicce have their houses hanging from trees so they can easily set off with their brooms. Seeing the village personally for the rarest chance he never thought he'd have, the village of the witches definitely went beyond his imagination.

Stellan was astonished to find easeful houses that were particularly small, and of generally the same make and size. Their front porches had colored pots of different herbs and various flowery plants. They walked past witches and warlocks immersed in packing and loading their stuff in their carriages in quite a hurry. It appears to be, they are preparing for a very long journey. He squinted his eyes on a familiar face that he didn't expected to see in Wicce.

Stellan couldn't help but notice the Wiccans' cold stares with contempt, and murmurs as they pass by. They stared at him like an enemy intruding their territory. Wiccans aren't particularly warm and friendly, but they are honorable and straightforward people. Conrad, on the other hand, is the most open and friendly amongst them. They've known each other for a long time given that Conrad often join his parents deliver vegatables in Hesam ever since they were young.

"I meant no harm", he uttered as he meet their eyes with sincerity.

"Don't mind them, Stellan. No one will hurt you here", Condrad assured as he led the paladin knight farther.

Reaching an old hut with shell chimes by the window, an old lady with short grey hair seated by its porch sprung on her feet. Conrad approached the lady first and whispered to her ear that made the old lady nod. Then, she faced Stellan with such great authority with her chin up and calm shoulders. "We actually do not accept guests at this time…", she started. Conrad stood by her side tight lipped with his hands clasped together.

"I heard there were exemptions", Stellan said without batting an eye as he stood under the rain.

"Your companion is your ticket in, that's the exemption", the leader of the coven said. "We shall extend our hospitality to the wounded, after that, you are both free to go", she said firmly.

"Thank you, Iaso", Stellan expressed his gratitude without removing his gaze at Helena. Realizing that the Agalea is actually Wiccan, his suspiscions started to marvel in his mind. For now, his utmost priority is for Helena's wounds to be tended, their stomachs to be filled and have a change of dry and warm clothes to wear.

"Take his friend.", Iaso ordered Conrad. Stellan glared at Conrad refusing to hand over Helena. Conrad drew back and gaped at Iaso confused on what to do. "If you need our help, you have to let us", Iaso said until Stellan gave in. He handed Helena to Conrad as he wrap her delicate skin. He watched the warlock take Helena away until they were inside the cottage. Then, he turned to Iaso who's like reading his mind.

"Conrad will tend to your needs in his home. I will have you called once were done", Iaso said blandly as he turn her back from Stellan.

Against Stellan's will, he was forced to agree to have Helena taken from him. As per Iaso's order, Helena will be treated alone by Wicce's best shaman using herbs and spells to the best of their knowledge. In the meantime, Conrad, along with his twelve sons and three wives, gladly welcomed Stellan to his hut.

It was a small and shabby home, certainly uncomfortable for such a large family. Three wooden cribs were positioned in the receiving room. The kitchen is functional, and clean. There's a long table for twelve people and three doors right across the short hall. There was one room with three triple-decked beds, and another with a queen-sized bed. One privy chamber is in between the rooms, and another privy outside. Stuffy and noisy, the children were asked to be taken outside to give space for the family's special guest. Stellan was offered a warm bath, a nice cup of tea and was even lent Conrad's old clothes. The paladin knight's built is more muscular that Conrad's, making the clothes look skintight on him.

Stellan was well taken care of. Despite Conrad's home is small and cramped, it was warming and pleasant. The children are well dressed, the wives were all friends, and the food is fresh. A simple life he intend to live for himself - except the polygamous relationship.

Once settled, Stellan sat by the window where he could see Iaso's hut. He have already done so much and yet, there's still no news about Helena.

"I know you've been meaning to ask," Conrad sat infront of Stellan who hardly touched his bread and tea. Stellan have been staring out of the window, with his eyes focused on the front door. "I'd like to kill your curiosity and allow me to explain", he said that finally caught Stellan's attention.

"So what happened?", Stellan wanted to cut the chase and instantly find out why the barriers were removed, and how did they recognized Helena.

"I fell in love with Reena.", Conrad confessed as he lowered his gaze. Stellan squinted his eyes in ultimate confusion. "She gave me the most beautiful sons who'd bear my legacy. But then I met, Lerena.. she's amazing in bed. I can't get enough of her. We still don't have any child at the moment, but we're still hoping. Later, I found Tessa…", Conrad happily voiced his excitement.