Whispers sounded through the air, calling his heart into a robust performance. Eramus dared to glance at Arnan, who stood with his arms folded and his brows raised high. “You’re saying you’ve had thisgiftthe entire time you’ve lived here?”
Eramus clenched his jaw. Answering would put not only himself under speculation but also Inara. No one would believe such an odd thing remained unnoticed by the woman who had raised and cared for him over the last ten years.
He glanced at her again, hoping she would help him know what to do. Her brows drew together, but she gave him another firm nod, encouraging him to continue. “Yes, I’ve possessed this gift since I came to live among you. We thought it best to keep it a secret for fear of how everyone would react.”
Arnan turned to face the crowd. Eramus could no longer see the man’s face well enough to follow his gaze, but he was certain Arnan was staring at Inara. He wanted to protect her from any wrath she might receive from the people. It was the least he could do after everything she had done for him. He would protect her, even if it meant he had to use his power to do it.
“I must say, I am disappointed in this deceitfulness. I thought I knew you, Eramus. But we cannot linger on it now. What’s done is done. As the leader of this village, it is my duty to make sure everyone is kept from harm. I do not understand this power you possess, nor do you, it seems. For this reason, I must ask that you leave.”
Voices rose from the crowd, some in whispers and others in shouts. Arnan held up his hand, and all fell silent. Before the man could continue his speech, Inara stepped forward, her eyes wide and her body tense. “Please, Arnan! You cannot ask him to leave. Where will he go? We are the only people he knows. I am his only family.”
“Inara, I am sorry, but I cannot have a threat so blatant—”
Someone else forced their way through the crowd, shouting over Arnan with thunderous force. “I will not stand by while you banish the man responsible for saving my life!” Kieran rushed to join them at the front of the group, a fire burning in his eyes unlike Eramus had ever seen. He took to Eramus’s side, turning to address the village with what was sure to be a fervent speech. Kieran and Arnan often disagreed on how their small community should run, which typically resulted in heated discussions. The men were very similar, in both stubbornness and appearance, characteristics attributed to the fact that they were brothers.
“Eramus has saved my life and the life of my daughter. I owe him a great debt, and I will not stand idle while his character is so abused. I ask you, since when does an act of heroism demand for banishment from our midst? My brother would have you believe that Eramus’s power is a threat, but I have never seen him behave aggressively towards anyone in this village, either in word or deed. He is an honorable man, a fact none of you can deny. Do not punish him for hiding this secret from you. If today proved anything, it is that he was right to fear our reaction.” He glanced at Arnan, his eyes fierce. “We should, as Eramus has so wisely stated, think of his power as a gift.”
Arnan scowled, his fists balled tightly at his side. “A gift? You don’t know what you say, Kieran. How do we know we can trust him? How do we know he won’t use his magic against us?”
“He has lived with us for a decade! Why would he start now?” Kieran stepped closer to his brother, his words barely audible to Eramus, and certainly soft enough to escape the ears of the crowd. Kieran pushed his finger against Arnan’s broad chest. “It is not this village you think he threatens, it is you. Your pride and greed will be the ruin of us all if you don’t evaluate your motives, brother.”
Kieran turned to face the crowd again. “I propose a vote. Eramus should be allowed that much.” The muttering among the villagers sounded as though they agreed with Kieran.
“Fine!” Arnan shouted over the people. “Let us take a vote, then. All in favor of the banishment of this man and his unknown power, and the threats that could accompany such power, raise one hand.”
Eramus’s stomach rolled. He didn’t dare count the many hands that shot towards the sky, instead choosing to close his eyes and wait for the verdict. “Forty two in favor of banishment. Now, those in favor of allowing this man to remain in our midst, please show the same sign.”
The silence seemed to drag on. He couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes, not until he heard the vote count for those in favor of allowing him to stay. How many people lived in his village? Why had he never taken the time to consider such a thing? It certainly would be a pleasant fact to know right now. Were there even enough people left to outnumber those who had already cast their vote?
“The vote stands at sixty in favor of Eramus remaining,” Arnan said through what sounded like clenched teeth.
Eramus’s eyes flew open. He could stay? The majority had voted against his banishment? The surprise outcome formed a lump in his throat. Perhaps his village wouldn’t fear him as he thought they might, at least not all of them. He searched for Inara. The setting sun reflected off the trail of tears on her wrinkled cheeks. She smiled at him, but he was not naive enough to miss the fear that lingered in her eyes. She was right to have such fears. There were certainly many among them who believed Eramus should leave.
“This meeting is adjourned,” said Arnan before forcing his way through the crowd.
The people dispersed to their homes. Eramus caught Kieran on the shoulder before he could leave. “Kieran, I don’t…I’m not sure how I can ever thank you.”
Kieran studied him for several long moments. His eyes still held a fierce fire, one that sent chills through Eramus. The man’s voice was gruff and stern, filled with an unspoken warning. “Do not make me regret it.”
Eramus's blood ran cold. Kieran’s harsh words left him to wonder what the man truly thought of his powers. Perhaps there was more discontent among the villagers than he thought, despite the majority voting for him to stay.
Kieran guided Evree through the dense crowd. She stole one last glance at Eramus over her shoulder, her soft smile ever present.
Inara joined his side and took his hands in her own. “I’ve never been more scared,” she whispered. “The thought of losing you…”
Eramus shook his head and hugged the woman, whose head fit under his chin when he pulled her close. “You could never lose me. You’ve been a mother to me all these years. Even if they sent me away, you would still have a place in my heart.”
Inara pulled away and tapped her petite hand against his face. To his surprise, she smirked and repeated the pat against his skin. “You need to shave, Eramus. You’re rather prickly.”
His laughter made her smile stretch. “I shall see to that first thing in the morning,” he said. “I’m too overwhelmed at the moment to care.”
She nodded. “Come, dear. Let us go home and talk.” Eramus followed her gaze to where it settled on a few villagers, Arnan included, who had yet to leave the meadow. The man’s scowl deepened as he stared back at them. Perhaps Kieran was right. Arnan likely felt threatened by his abilities, and if that was true, the man would not just let this go.
“I think we’ve had enough public display for one day,” Inara said.
Eramus squeezed her hand. “I wholeheartedly agree.”
Although today had been difficult, he had a sinking feeling he was not out of the woods yet. Arnan would not make things easy for him, but to what extent the man's contempt would go was anyone’s guess.
