Audio Read-along:
Recap: Eloise saved a noblewoman using her herbal knowledge, but her use of the controversial herb rue led to accusations of murder.
(Click here to read from the beginning.)
Segment 4: The Pledge
Jerard stared out the tavern window, watching the long shadows stretch across the village square. The crowd that had initially gathered when Elsbeth’s body was discovered had mostly dispersed. The few who lingered met up in the tavern, raising their drinks in silent tribute to their fallen neighbor. Gradually, they stoked the fire and shared bread and soup, settling into the evening’s quiet routine. Jerard watched from the corner with a faint smile. The people of Hawthorne Hollow were resilient—toughened by the harsh realities of life here, where survival often demanded moving on, and dwelling on grief was a luxury few could afford.
A gust of humid wind swept in as the nobleman charged into the tavern, dragging Eloise behind him. His grip was tight, unnecessarily so, and Jerard felt a hot swoop of anger in his stomach at the sight. He clenched his teeth, watching as the man shoved Eloise to the center of the room.
The clusters of townsfolk grew quiet. The miller, the baker, even old Bartilda, who ran the inn—all wore expressions of deep concern that mirrored the tension forming in Jerard’s chest. Eloise, always a contentious figure in the village, was now the center of attention.
“What is the meaning of this?” Bartilda’s voice cut through the low hum of conversation. Her plump face was stern. “Sir Bellamy, must you be so rough?”
“This woman,” he spat, addressing the now silent room, “has finally crossed a line.”
Eloise’s eyes scanned the room, wide and fearful. Jerard felt an unexpected pang of protectiveness. He remembered her as a child, running through the fields, her laughter ringing through the air. Her parents had been good to him, and loyalty, he supposed, did not fade with time
Caius stepped forward, his voice steady though his brow was furrowed with doubt. “Accusations require evidence. We cannot condemn without proof.”
Bellamy’s face reddened with anger. “What more do you need? She emerges from the forest with a body, concocts some poison for my wife, and then,” he sneered, “poses as a hero. Did you think they’d welcome you back? That you could charm your way back into their graces with a dramatic rescue?”
“That’s not true—” Eloise started, but he spoke over her. “You’re the only one here that uses that poison.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Rue was known to be potent and magic, and Eloise’s frequent use of the herb was controversial.
“You’re every bit as conniving as your father.”
She flushed red and stared up at him defiantly. When she turned to Jerard, however, her eyes brimmed with tears.
Jerard’s mind raced. The situation was spiraling, and Eloise’s frightened look spurred him into action. He spoke, his voice calm. “Enough, Bellamy. If Eloise treated your wife, it would have been to help her, not harm her. Let’s not rush to judgment.”
Sir Bellamy bristled. “She should be jailed until we have proof of her innocence,” he insisted, grabbing Eloise’s arm again. Something in Jerard hardened. “I’ll take her into my care,” he declared unexpectedly, standing. “She’ll stay with me until this matter is resolved.”
Bellamy scoffed. “You? She belongs in a cell, not your mud hut.”
Jerard met his gaze. “My standing in this community may be unconventional, but it’s not without influence. I’ll ensure she’s available for any questioning.”
The words hung heavy in the air. It had been years since Jerard had pulled rank. Caius looked between them, his expression unreadable.
Jerard continued to stare Bellamy down until he relented. He released Eloise, who stumbled towards Jerard, rubbing her arm. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Jerard nodded, acutely aware of the many eyes on them. He drained his tankard in one long draft, offered Eloise his arm, and they walked out into the misty night. He would protect her—for her parents’ sake, and perhaps, he admitted reluctantly, for his own.
It's such aninteresting story! I read all four parts and I'm looking forward to finding out what Eloise and the old wizard will do next!🌟
Oooooo Jerard's unconventional standing sounds interesting, indeed!! Can't wait to discover more about him!