Chapter 678 - Ruse (1/2)
In the small village by the name of Bitterweed, the night is pitch black under the empty gaze of the new moon. The clouds have yet to condense, but slowly they gather and hint at the possibility of fog. In the distance, the village lights can dimly be seen, the village inhabitants slowly go to bed one by one until eventually all lights are finally doused throughout the muggle village.
At the edge of the small village sits a rather large, elegant, thatched cottage it is dark except for the light of a small lantern set on the ground. Despite the autumn chill and the hour, an apprentice is hard at work on the grounds surrounding the thatched cottage. The sleeves of Wilfredius's coat are rolled up to his elbows as his strawberry hair flocks over his freckled sweaty face. The pale young wizard lets out a deep breath and sets his hoe down. Glancing at the ground one last time, he lets out a satisfied expression at seeing the ground appear to be smooth. With a tired grunt, he bends down to retrieve his lantern, before walking up the path leading back to the cottage.
The door opens before he arrives as the sharp and impatient voice of his master snaps at him. ”Wilfriedius, douse that lantern immediately!”
”Yes, sir!” Wilfriedius obediently answered and muttered the incantation as the lantern went out plunging them into darkness. It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust before he sees just the faintest of candlelight flickering from within the cottage. It was almost nonexistent against the darkness, but still, the light bravely endeavored to shine amidst the growing darkness.
Wilfredius's master steps aside to allow the sweaty figure of his apprentice inside the cottage. Wilfredius thankfully enters the cottage and sets the hoe inside the closet nearest to the door. Removing an embroidered handkerchief made by his mother, Wilfredius turns to face Master Belby. ”Will that be all, sir?” He asked as he dried the sweat from his face and wiped his face clean as best as he could.
”For the moment,” answered the cool voice of the Damocles Belby. The normally sharply dressed potion master in chartreuse-colored robes is dressed rather simply that evening in dark robes that seem to blend seamlessly into the night shadows. However, after a moment, he adds, ”Thank you, Wilfredius.”
Wilfredius's freckled face brightens up as he squeezes the slightly damp handkerchief in his hand. ”It is my pleasure, sir!” He genuinely beamed at his master, before putting his hankie away.
The third figure in the cottage shakes his head as he steps out from the shadows beside the hearth that of Auror Percius Clements. The once round-faced wizard is rather slim with sorrow-filled eyes that never truly went away after the death of his partner, Sara Vinovich. However, tonight there is a rather steady, resolute determination that glints in the depths of his eyes.
”It is time, Belby,” Percius said, earning a nod from the dower potions master.
”It is time, Wilfredius, you know what to do,” Damocles decisively ordered.
”Yes, Master!” Wilfredius stammered as his face paled causing his freckles to stand out even more. He hesitantly steps forward and paused at the door.
”Sir, are you certain that all shall be well? I can stay and help,” Wilfredius genuinely offered with hopeful eyes.
”You have your task to perform and I have mine,” Damocles firmly retorted leaving no room for protests.
”Obey your master, Wilfredius,” Percius interjected with the faintest hint of fondness heard in the depths of his voice.