Chapter 66 - Six - I’m in the care of an enemy (2/2)

”Leo doesn't live in the compound,” he said, dully, even more guilt rising in his gut.

”You don't?” Maimai asked, addressing him.

Leon shook his head slightly. ”N-no, b-but it's fine,” Leon said, hoping to reassure her. ”M-m-my c-cauldron exploded and hit a tree, b-but only the b-birds witnessed it!”

Maimai laughed a little, perhaps even feeling better that she was not the only one to mess up sometimes. Since being here, she felt like she was definitely worse than other new students and although she practiced so hard so not to humiliate herself anymore, it seemed to always be in vain.

”What w-were you tr-trying to m-m-make?” Leon asked her.

”Just clear spiritual pills,” she murmured, ashamed.

”Hmmm,” Leon had failed in his first attempt at making those as well, so he could sympathise. ”D-did you know th-that you c-can m-make those on the d-d-dying em-bers of a fire?”

”What really?” Maimai asked. Leon nodded in agreement. ”You don't need to temper the fire?” He shook his head, but added;

”Only for c-c-clear spiritual p-pills though.” The perfume of mature herbs upon the wind tickled his nose and he sighed in relief knowing that they were not now far from his home. A few minutes later he felt Tor falter.

”Wow! So pretty!” Maimai exclaimed.

”Are you not worried someone might steal the herbs?” Tor asked him.

”Why?” Leon asked him curiously. Honestly, they were mostly common herbs, easily obtainable from the Herb Hall, unless you counted the ones he grew for flavouring. The rest of the garden was filled with vegetables and fruit bushes. Tor did not reply, but lead him to the door, startled to see the thick lock upon it. Leon bent down and nearly pressed it to his eye before being able to see the keyhole in order to unlock it, but he managed well. ”C-come in,” he invited, feeling that he should at least try and be hospitable.

Maimai did not hesitate and followed him to his narrow cot, asking him questions about the herbs in his garden, why he lived so far away, what was the metal contraption against the wall? He answered some of these, but not all, sensing Tor was not all that comfortable, but even that boy could not restrain his curiosity about the stove.

”Who are you people?” A voice suddenly demanded.

Of course, Leon recognised the voice immediately. ”Jin Li? Oh I should make tea!” He made to get off of the bed thinking where he had placed everything in his mind's eye.

”Where are your glasses?” Jin Li asked and Leon felt two hands on his shoulders forcing him to sit once more. Fingers then pinched his chin and lifted his face upward slightly and he could just make out Jin Li's face as it came nearer and then two piercing black eyes when he came close enough to share breath...

”There was an accident,” Tor advised.