I couldn't sleep. Rosa kept waking, screaming, drenched in cold sweat. I called for the physician more than once, but the remedies barely calmed her. When she finally drifted off, the sun was high up the sky.
My eyes flicked to the small linen pouch on the table, the one that held the flower. I reached for it and unwrapped the bundle carefully.
The flower looked dried and shrunken. It's petals once the colour of frozen flame,were curling inwards like withered fingers. Still I felt how alive it was, how it pulsed with memory.
I walked out of the room, locking the door gently behind me. The tavern owner was setting bread on the counter. The scent of yeast and ash lingered in the air.
"Is there an alchemist in Sayshore?" I asked.
She looked up brow furrowed, "Aye, old Merrin. Lives just outside of town, near the Fisherman's grove. Bit touched in the head but sharp as blade when it comes to potions and charms."
That was all I needed.
I spotted one of William colleague near the entrance. Young, square jawed, standing like a statue with a sword strapped to his back. I approached him quickly.
"I need to go to fisherman grove,"I said. "There's an alchemist there. His name is Merrin.i need to see him, today."
He blinked, "my lady I can't allow that."
"Why not?"
"The duke gave strict orders. You're to remain in the inn.No detours. No excursions," he looked apologetic but firm. "His words not mine."
So that's why William had to leave me behind? Where was he while his knights wandered around the isle investigating? Who did he think he was?
I stared at him, "So am basically locked in again?"
He didn't respond.
Heat crawled up my neck. First the count's manor, then the prince's castle and then a tavern? I was being caged under the guise of protection and I was getting tired of it.
I folded my arms, "Fine."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my sudden compliance.
Then I leaned in slightly, "would you atleast go to merrin and bring him here. Tell him it's urgent."
He hesitated, weighing it in.
"Rosa couldn't sleep at all, I'm worried. And I need help with the flower,"
His stance softened.
"I'll see what I can do," he said leaving.
"Thank you."
Later in the day, the tavern door creaked open, letting in a gust of sea air. The knight returned , behind him and old man hunched under a cloak of leather.
"Are you the cursed girl?" He rasped, eyes sharp.
"Am not, but I'll take you to her," I said leading him to the room.
"Blood magic," he said after sniffing the air. " Luckily an amateur did the ritual, she can be saved."
Rosa who was now awake, released a sigh of relief and so did I.
I handed the pouch to him.
"It's the memory flower. She touched it. I need the memories it holds," I said.
He stepped towards the table,"Sit down then, let me see what the flower has to say."
He removed some black candles and herbs from his pouch. He literally the black candles and poured salt in a circle. He instructed me to place the flower in the circle.
Then, with a low chant, the ritual began. The flower pulsed once. Faintly and then again.
His eyes went white.
"Hold her hand," he barked. "Now!"
I grabbed her hand just as the flower bloomed, briefly, unnaturally and I saw images, flash across my mind: cages of bones, girls chained beneath an altar, chanting voices, antlers, and Rosa screaming as a hooded figure reached for her with a silver blade.
I jolt back, gasping.
Merrin coughed violently, his eyes turning back to normal. "Who are those amateurs? Do they think rituals are done that way?"
"Amateurs?"
He looks at me and nods, "They are only putting curses on themselves and the ladies. Varathiel can't possess a body without the memory flower."
"Can you make something from it?" I asked voice low. "A potion. To draw the rest of the memories whatever it still holds."
He raised a bushy brow, " A memory draught, brewed from cursed flora. Dangerous work." He picked up the shriveled flower. " I can try but it'll cost you."
I blinked, "How much?"
"Ten silvers and supper Accompanied by a pint of ale."
I had currency with me. I had lost all the jewellery I looted from the castle when I drowned.
Merrin tapped his foot, "Well?"
"What about her curse?" I asked.
"It will wear off. She just has to avoid things that are cursed or the people that brought that curse."
I closed my eyes for a beat, then opened the door and stepped out.
Two of the knights William had assigned to us, stood outside the room. They straightened when they saw me.
"I need a favour," I started. "I need silver for the alchemist, he's crafting me a potion that'll decursify Rosa."
The two exchanged a glance.
"How much?" The one I had sent earlier asked.
"Ten silver. And ask for supper and ale to be prepared. He'll be tired and famished after he's done."
Silence.
His eyes shifted before pulling a pouch from beneath his cloak.
"Thank you," I said.
I walked back in the room and handed the pouch to Merrin, who went to making the potion.
The potion shimmered darkly in the vial, a swirling liquid the color of bruised plum and old blood.
Merrin held it up, "Give it to her, when she's stronger."
I hesitated.
"You said she should avoid cursed things. I'll drink it."
Merrin blinked, "Are you sure?"
He stared at me expression unreadable, "Then lie down on the bed." I hurriedly did as I was told. I was desperate for answers.
He then poured the vial in my mouth. It was bitter, then cold and then burning.