Chapter 11 The Bond between Father and Son (2/2)

Rassa looked to his dad. Phillip knew from that look that Rassa knew the answer, but was terrified of it.

”Just tell me Rassa, remember, new is scary, but what do you need to do to face it?” asked Phillip.

Rassa looked at his father for a long time, he was so still that Phillip had to question whether his son had heard him, then Rassa spoke in a quiet voice.

”Okay...I'll have courage,” Rassa replied, then he turned away and stared at the curtain, the light fading behind it. He said nothing more, and Phillip knew that it was unlikely that he'd coax another answer from his son.

Phillip turned to the side and spotted one of the books on the shelves. It was a medical book, but any book at this stage would do. Phillip stood and reached for it, then walked back and handed it to his son.

”Come and read to me, I want to hear how you've improved from last time,” Phillip said. Rassa seemed surprised, but after a moment he opened the book and began to read.

”The Anthology of Medicinal Plants in the Western Region,” Rassa read the title, ”Their properties and uses”.

Phillip listened as his son listed the plants and their uses, effectively distracting the both of them. Just like the sponge he'd always known, Phillip watched as his son eagerly soaked in the knowledge. When the Doctor came to check on him not long after Anna returned, Rassa even began to ask questions.

”Do you use all of these plants, Doctor? They cure so many things”.

”Some of them are hard to come by, but I do the best I can. If you are really interested in medicinal plants, you should endeavour to meet an elf one day, using the forest wisely is their core culture”.

”Can the elves cure anything then?”

”Some think so, but the elves are a myterious bunch, they only let you in on what they want you to know,” the Doctor smiled. It was rare he came across such an inquisitive child. They talked for some time, Anna and Phillip watching on in amusement. For those few hour as the sun surrendered the sky to the moon and stars, they looked to all the world like a family without worries.

Eventually though, the doctor left, the book was put down, and they all turned to sleep.

Yet again, Rassa waited until he knew his parents were asleep before he stood and put on his boots and jacket. He struggled at times, his limbs aching worse than the day before. When Rassa finally managed to leave the Doctor's house, he looked towards the forest in fear.

He took a deep breath, then shook his head before looking up with determination.

”New is scary, but we must have the courage to learn”.

Rassa stepped forward, and didn't look back.

From the shadows of the house, Phillip watched his son march towards the woods, a feeling of foreboding coming over him. Just what had happened to his only child?