Chapter 112 – Nurmengard (1)
When I woke up, most of my injuries were healed, and Quincy was holding my head while we sat before the fire within the cave. Looking at where Squeaky's body was before, I saw that it was no longer there, replaced by a mound of rocks. The wall next to it described who lay there in Quincy's handwriting... and... I didn't really want to talk about it back then, and she never pushed it, either. Instead, she helped me sit up and eat something as we reorganized ourselves.
"The weather has calmed down, but I never went out to look where we are... any idea?" She asked, finally breaking the silence.
"Not much." I shook my head, moving around a little but feeling weak and out of breath.
"You lost a lot of blood... I don't know how."
"I do..." With a sigh, I retold her everything I remembered, and Herpo told me. I could see it in her eyes; she was doubtful, not of my words, but of how trustworthy he could be.
"Do you trust him?"
"I don't know. Not yet... But things do line up with what he told me—especially considering the basilisk blood. Do you remember when I defeated Lucius? He flinched and paused a little for just enough for me to finish him off. He did look into my eyes, and if I believe Herpo, I can see why... What if one day I woke up, looked at you, and that alone kills you? I think I would go insane..."
"It won't happen!" She answered, hugging me hurriedly, making me nod and promise her that it would never come to that. I wasn't lying... because I won't fall that far. I will believe in Herpo's words and take control of the blood in me.
But, for that, we had to rest in the cave for days. And when I say we, it means me alone. I felt weak until my blood was replenished enough so we could begin our journey. Before we left the cave, I also added my own words to the grave of Squeaky, leaving behind a message that here lies the most fantastic house elf of all time.
Getting ready, I couldn't help but sigh that we were lucky to have our holding bags tied to our waists, as most of our supplies remained intact and within reach. Pulling out our brooms, we lifted into the air, flying high to get a good look at where we were.
"We... are still in the... um... mountains," Quincy murmured as the snow-covered tops looked exactly the same wherever I looked.