Chapter 31 The Sincerest Apology (1/2)
The answer the villagers had come up with was to take Rassa to the Battalion Camp until further notice. He was placed on the edge of the camp closest the forest. Not because they had any sympathy for him, drinking his father's blood had pretty much set that ship sail. No, they put him on the edge of camp because they were terrified of him.
It became abundantly clear in the next few days however, that now they had caught the monster, they had no idea what to do with it. The Doctor, after seeing that Rassa was at least somewhat cooperative, want him for research. The Baron wanted to sell him to the highest bidder, if anything just to get rid of him. The Jameson wanted to take him to his superiors in Varkevia. That was what they were arguing about now.
They were in the centre square, a good kilometre away from where Rassa was being watched by torchlight. Rassa could hear them though. Usually he tuned out the sounds that travelled from far away, but now, when he couldn't roam anywhere, his senses were on high alert. The fact that he had sat so still for so long was starting to freak out those that watched him. Ever since his interaction with his father, Rassa hadn't moved at all. They hadn't offered him anything, much less a rag and water to wash himself, and Rassa didn't seem the least bit upset about it.
He was upset, but there was nothing he could do about it that would make him appear less of a monster to them. Now, much to Rassa's annoyance, even sitting still and minding his own business had become scary to them.
The Elves had come to, curious now that the Monster had been captured. Of course, everyone else was unaware of that fact, as the Elves were simply using their magic to observe him. He'd let them. He would not run now. It would do him no good. Besides the fact that his parents could face retribution should he leave, Rassa was only twelve years old. He had no way of making a living for himself, and even if he offered to be a farmer in another community far from this one, the result would be the same. If this was what they wanted him to be, then perhaps he should learn. Perhaps he should teach himself their fears and expectations so that when it came down to it, he could overcome them.
That was what he told himself at least. But he had no idea what they would do to him in the long run.
”He's a boy!”
Anna's shrill shout echoed through the square, silencing everyone.
”You talk of him as if he is property, or as if he is a beast, but he is merely a boy!” Anna stated, ”Yes, my son went through a terrible accident of fate that left him with a different body, but that does not mean his soul is changed. He is still my son, and you shall have to kill me before I allow you to sell him like some lamb for slaughter”.
”Good, you can be his next meal!” the Baron snapped, ”Quiet you stupid woman, or you will be escorted away”.
Phillip stepped forward, wrapping an arm around his wife, and the Baron's expression became more hesitant, he knew exactly who Phillip had been before he came here. Had hosted the boy in his previous life.
”You are out of line, Baron,” Phillip warned. Then he held up his arm, which was clear of any mark or scar, ”My son has control over his appetite, and the other day was the first time he'd ever fed on a human. I only offered my blood to him to show you that he can in fact stop. That he only takes what he needs. And after starving himself I guarantee he didn't even take that today”.
Rassa sighed. Talking like that wasn't going to help. They were too far past reason to listen. Though Rassa appreciated the effort his father was going to. Despite all that was happening, or perhaps because this had happened, it was nice to know that there was at least someone who stood behind him. That there was someone who believed in him.
Rassa listened for a little longer, but realised that all he would get by listening is knowing that they were continuing to insult his parents. He already knew that Jameson had put his parents under watch to ensure they didn't break Rassa out.
As if he couldn't do it himself if he wanted to, but they didn't need to know that.
As Rassa went to try and get some sleep despite it being night, the time he enjoyed the most, he sensed someone which he didn't expect.
The guards were several metres away from the cage, further away than the forest line, and it was from the forest line his visitor was approaching. Though cautiously. He was a mere two metres away, just behind the closest tree, when Rassa spoke aloud.
”If you come any closer they'll spot you”.
Diggory froze behind the tree, ”You can hear me?”
Rassa breathed out, relieved that Diggory wasn't running away terrified.
”Technically, I smelled you before I heard you”.
”You...are you saying I stink?”