Clarysa studied the humble abode as she approached it on the crunchy gravel path. A combination of gray stone and wood, it appeared roomy and well-maintained. What a curious place. But where are we?
The first to reach the door, Patrulha pounded on it mercilessly. A few minutes later, an elderly man with a wiry frame opened it.
“Where is he, old man?” She pushed past him to get inside.
Clarysa accepted Hunter’s invitation to precede him, although she felt like an intruder. Still, the apothecary’s shop was a fascinating place. Hundreds of small, brightly colored bottles surrounded her. Each rested neatly on dark walnut shelves, interspersed with leather-bound books of all sizes. The wooden floor creaked noisily under her feet. Its polished surface reflected the golden light of oil-burning lamps. Medicinal odors and perfumed scents weaved together in the air.
The old man inclined his head as Clarysa and her companions grouped about him. “I’m doing quite well, my dear. Thanks for inquiring.” One corner of his thin mouth curved up. “What can I do for you, Patrulha?”
“Don’t waste my time. Where’s Stellan?”
“Why, I haven’t seen him in over a year.”
“We found the tracks outside, Hans. Don’t ever mistake me for a fool.”
The apothecary sighed, stroking his silver goatee. “Of course not. I’ve heard the tales of those unfortunates who have.” He gestured toward a red doorway in the back. “He’s here, but is not to be disturbed under any circumstances. You’ll never guess the fright he gave me, bursting through my door in that guise!”
He’s alive! Thank heaven! Clarysa pushed herself between them. “Is he all right? I need to see him!”
Hans regarded her curiously over the rim of his glasses. “And who might you be?”
“I’m his wife…I mean, I will be. We were to be married. His witch of a sister interfered. I was abducted, and she… Oh, where is he? Please take me to him. Stellan!” Clarysa called out. She stepped toward the red door, only to be halted by the apothecary’s iron-hard grip around her upper arm.
“You’ll do nothing of the sort,” he said firmly.
“But, sir, you don’t understand–”
“Sit!”
Hans maneuvered her into a chair. Clarysa landed with such force it nearly tipped over. The apothecary pulled up another one, and motioned for the others to gather ’round. “Your Stellan came to me a short time ago. His shape… Well, let’s just say he was in an extremely bad way. If he had delayed any longer, you might have never seen him again–at least not as you knew him.” Hans paused to wipe his glasses with a corner of his shirt. “Together we’re edging closer to an antidote. Been up forty hours straight. Very challenging when your partner can’t even speak.” He pointed a finger at Clarysa. “At any rate, he must not be disturbed. The potion has to be exact. The slightest movement in the room could affect the measurements. Trust me, that’s an outcome you don’t want.”
The echo of a snarl reverberated from the back room.
Clarysa put a hand to her temple, fearing the worst. “What will happen if you can’t get the potion right?”
Hans glanced behind him, then faced Clarysa again. “You must understand that time is against us. The curse corrupted not only his body, but also his mind. Every hour, every minute, his intellect wanes. His blood grows more feral with each passing moment.”
“What do you mean?” Clarysa whispered. “What’s happening to him?”
“If he does not ingest the correct antidote soon–and I mean within the next hour–there will be no reversing the spell. In mind and body, he will remain a beast forever.”
Patrulha reached down and grabbed a knot of the apothecary’s shirt in a fist. “Then you’d best be getting back to work!” she ordered, and half pushed him in the direction of his workroom. “I’ll ensure there are no further interruptions.” This last remark she directed with great obviousness toward Clarysa.
Hans retreated to the back room. Patrulha assumed a wide stance before it with arms crossed. Nothing short of a battering ram would get past her, that much was clear.
Clarysa wilted in her chair, feeling utterly useless. There was nothing she could do but wait.
Chapter 35
Clarysa sat pensively, her arms wrapped tightly about herself. The wooden floor creaked periodically whenever someone shifted or walked about the room. No one spoke.
Hunter raided the pantry. He passed around jars of pickled vegetables and a crusty loaf of rye bread. Clarysa shook her head as he approached. In her jittery state, she wouldn't be able to keep any food down. Hunter shrugged and moved on.
With food consumed and appetites tamed, the men reclined or sat on the floor to rest. The air grew still and quiet.
A soft thump broke the silence. Alarmed, Clarysa looked at the door. The sound had come from outside. Patrulha gestured for continued silence and then motioned for one of the men to investigate. She and the others took up strategic positions inside.
Hunter escorted Clarysa to a hiding place behind a high counter. After he left to join the others, she immediately peeked around the corner, giving her a wide view of the expansive room.
Sounds of violence filtered through the walls. Metal grated against metal. Muffled shouts and curses burst forth. Patrulha sent out a second man. Wasting no time, she drew her sword.
A large boulder smashed through the north side window. In quick succession, another penetrated the adjacent wall. When a third hurtled straight toward her head, Patrulha dove into a forward roll and sprang to her feet. More shouts filled the air. Clarysa looked up to see dark figures streaking back and forth past the remaining windows. Who are they? Had someone followed them here? Once again, Clarysa was bereft of any weapons. She crept out onto the floor to grab a large shard of glass. This will have to do. She returned to her hiding place.
The door burst open. Clarysa
