Memory (2)
Theorad's breath quickened. His hands shook before the laughing thing that had worn Beynon's face. Now its features twisted into a shape no living person should have had.
His first instinct was to run. Instead he closed his eyes and prayed.
May the God of Light watch over me and keep evil from harming me.
He had read enough to know that an oblivion monster had little physical power. Its gift was changing shape, frightening people, and eating away their memories while it held them in conversation. If he yielded control of the exchange, fear might lead him into talking until he had lost himself.
I don't have to be afraid.
He slowed his breathing and opened his eyes. The demon's face had become still more grotesque, but his terror was retreating. Anger took its place.
“A petty, low-ranking demon,” Theorad said coldly. “How dare you enter my home?”
The monster faltered. It had expected begging, not contempt.
“If you have come looking for death…”
He took a step forward. Three mouths gaped in the creature's face; eight eyes blinked together, none willing to meet his stare.
“…then I will tear you apart myself.”
The monster backed away. Perhaps this human was stronger than he appeared.
“K-kee…!”
It turned and fled. Loose skin spread from its back like malformed wings as it half ran, half flapped toward the stairs. It tumbled across the landing, crashed down the steps and vanished below.
Theorad finally breathed out and clutched the brooch at his neck.
Thank goodness it believed me.
He had only acted fearless. If the monster had called his bluff and attacked, he did not know what he could have done. Now that it was gone, his hands began shaking again.
But…
What did it take from me?
He had spoken with the false Beynon before realizing what it was. Even a brief exchange might have cost him memories. He searched his thoughts, but could find no missing place. Of course he could not: how could someone simply call back a memory that had been taken away?
“Please… let it have been nothing important.”
He had to warn the household. Theorad made himself move.
The following morning, sunlight touched the elf's cheeks. She opened her red eyes, regarded the bedspread, and tried to go back to sleep. Voices and footsteps outside her attic room made that impossible.
Why is everyone making such a noise?
She sat up, yawning, then crossed to the small desk where she kept her folded clothes. There was no wardrobe. She slipped out of her nightclothes, pulled on clean undergarments and took up a pair of white stockings.
She seated herself and worked each stocking over her feet and legs, tugging the fabric into place. Once it would have felt strange to dress this way; now her hands performed the familiar movements without thinking.
Have I grown too accustomed to being a maid?
She adjusted her remaining clothes, put on the uniform and apron, then settled the headband in her hair. Last came the red ribbon, fastened carefully beside it.
“Hm…”
She checked her reflection and moved the ribbon a little. She wanted Theorad to think she looked pretty.
Footsteps hurried toward her door. Havid opened it with an anxious expression.
“Ah…” He sighed when he saw her already dressed. “One thing. Do you remember me?”
“Chief Chamberlain? What are you talking about?”
“You do. Thank goodness. I was worried you might have been hurt.”
His relief was so obvious that she forgot her irritation.
“Has something happened to the mansion?”
Havid hesitated, then nodded.
“An oblivion monster got inside. We've called priests from the nearby parish to erect a barrier and people are searching for it, but catching such a thing won't be easy.”
“An oblivion monster… here?”
The thought of a demon moving through the house while she slept made her stomach tighten.
“Is Master all right?”
“He looks unharmed. In fact, he was the first to find the creature and drive it off. But that doesn't mean his memories escaped damage. We need an astrologer to examine his mind properly.”
Theorad had survived. The elf clung to that relief even while worrying what a memory-eater might have taken. She wanted to see him at once.
Havid seemed to understand. “Come. I'll take you to him.”
She followed the chamberlain down toward the courtyard. In the corridor they met Beynon, who blocked their path with a wary expression. Havid stopped too, already looking exasperated.
“Whatever you're thinking, we're not oblivion monsters. Let us through.”
Beynon would not take their word for it. One hand near his sword, he produced a cross and touched it to Havid's shoulder, then the elf's. Neither changed appearance. He cleared his throat.
“Ahem. Just checking. I knew it was you, naturally.”
She did not look convinced.
“Where is Master?”
“In the front yard. He's gathered everyone and is asking questions to see whether anyone lost memories. I thought he'd summoned you as well. Didn't you hear?”
“No. Havid came for me.”
The elf fell quiet. Why would Theorad have gathered everyone but her? And why had Havid said nothing about being sent to fetch her? It was the chamberlain's own decision to come to the attic.
Something was wrong, but she could not yet tell what.
“Thank you,” she said to Beynon, and followed Havid onward.
Outside, the residents of the mansion were gathered before the steps. Theorad moved among them, speaking briefly to each and checking their answers.
“Theorad…”
He looked perfectly well. He laughed with some of the servants, perhaps more freely than usual. Relief warmed her chest.
Thank goodness. He's safe.
She descended the steps, eager to let him know that she too was unharmed. Surely he had been worried about her.
“Master…!”
Theorad turned. For a moment he looked at her without recognition, then gave a warm smile and approached. He took her hand lightly. She returned his smile and felt yesterday's painful thoughts begin to lift. Perhaps living beside him would be enough, after all.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I've been so busy I didn't notice you standing there. But…”
He tilted his head.
“Did you start work here today? I don't believe I've seen you before.”
Every voice in the front yard fell silent. The elf stood frozen with his hand still around hers.