The Decoder - Chapter 12

Edith

“Father, who is he?”

“I will answer to your questions later. Now, we need to treat him. Hurry to Dastren Street and call your uncle!”

Sir Alcoft urged and young Edith automatically went to set up her bed, pulling the blankets away. Moments later, Sir Alcoft lay an injured boy on her bed. She was horrified by the sight before her as she gaped at the unconscious boy, the top half of his face was hastily bandaged.

Edith did as she was told. She ran to her uncle’s clinic as fast as she could, never stopping once.

When Uncle Vern arrived at their home, he quickly set to work without any questions, unwrapping the bloodied bandage and Edith gasped at the horrible gash that ran diagonally from the top of his right eyebrow down to the bridge of his nose, raw and angry. No doubt, someone had slashed him with a knife.

“Edith, dear. It’s best you wait outside of your room.” Sir Alcoft said softly as he guided her out of her room and closed the door behind them, leaving Uncle Vern to tend to the boy’s injury.

“Father, who is he? How did he get that horrible injury?”

“His name is Avery and from now onwards, we, the Alcofts, will look after him as if he is a part of our family.”

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Edith woke with a start, her eyelids fluttering and trying her best to place her surroundings. She rubbed her eyes and when her sight was clearer, she glanced around and realised she was in her own room. How did she ended up in her own room? Edith tried to recall her memories, from her meeting with Mr. Roan, her journey back to the Militia and being mugged by a bandit out of nowhere to…Avery rescuing her from the bandit. A gunshot and then…darkness shrouded her memories.

She squeezed her eyes shut and groaned. That traumatic episode of hers must have occurred. That was the only explanation how she ended up in her own bed this morning. Edith glanced at the window to her right, the drapes were pulled back and sunlight poured into her room, creating a pathway for the swirling speck of dusts.

Her wavy and unruly dark brown hair was in disarray and she was in need of a bath, so Edith occupied the next hour freshening herself up and pulled on a navy-blue dress that fell to her ankles, its long sleeves ended with banded cuffs. She tied a beige-coloured sash around her waist to accentuate her waist and giving a little shape to the dress. She proceeded to style her hair in a crown braid with the navy-blue satin ribbon Avery had gifted to her when they were younger. That ribbon had been her favourite and a keepsake she cherished the most besides the necklace her father had given to her. Though, the colour was a bit worn out now due to the frequent use.

Satisfied with her appearance, she stared at the mirror before her. There was a semblance of her father in her reflection. She had taken after his dark brown hair and hazel eyes. The flecks of gold and green infusing together and it reminded her of her father’s words “You have one of the loveliest eyes I have even seen. Thanks to my genes.” He had said teasingly. She smiled at the memory.

The memory of her father brought her to Mr. Roan’s words. They had spoken of how dedicated her father was in his duty, tolerant and kindhearted. Learning about her father through Mr. Roan’s perspective ignited a longing within her. Mr. Roan had enjoyed her father’s company whenever he visited Hathage palace and Mr. Roan had shared some of his stories as a righthand man to the late Lord Sykes. After the death of His Majesty, his eldest son, Lord Noel Sykes had taken after his father’s duty. He had a second son as well, but she wasn’t certain of his name.

As the conversation continued on, Mr. Roan mentioned a name Edith knew very well. She stilled as she recalled the name, Sera. Sera LeMay, Edith thought. Her very first friend during her childhood. She had met Sera at the age of seven, two years prior to meeting Avery. Mr. Roan had met Sera during his years working in the palace. He had taught her many things and saw lots of potential in her. Of course, he would. Sera was the sweetest and had a heart of gold.

His final words before they parted stirred a sour feeling in her stomach. Mr. Roan had mentioned about Lady Ada snooping around the apartment lately, which he found it odd. Edith found it odd, too. This new information heightened her suspicions on Lady Ada, and she wondered of ways to confront her at the correct time.

Forcing her mind back to the current, Edith shook her head and headed downstairs. As she descended the stairs, she heard light laughter coming from the dining room, a laughter she recognised very well. The laughter that turned her insides warm. She stood at the doorway of the dining room to find Avery and Uncle Vern having a conversation, seemingly unaware of her presence. Edith smiled at the scene. It was always warm to see her uncle having light and witty banters with Avery. Avery would not relent, and always have something to say in return.

“Good morning Uncle Vern, Avery.” Edith smiled. Two pair of eyes looked up at her and Avery immediately stood, crossing the dining room to stand before her. His brilliant emerald green eyes peering into hers with concern. Her heartbeat gave an erratic rhythm whenever he stood close and she bit the bottom of her lip to calm her nerves.

“How are you feeling, Edie?” he asked.

“I’m feeling good. What day is it today?” Edith asked.

“7th day of the week.” Avery responded.

“Gosh, I slept for two days?!” Edith’s eyes widened. The night she had met Mr. Roan was the 5th day of the week.

“You sure slept like a pig.” Avery teased; a boyish grin grazed his handsome face.

“Indeed, she does.” Uncle Vern agreed from the dining table and laughed.

“Do I snore like one, too?” Edith retorted. Both Avery and Uncle Vern burst into laughter, which made Edith grinned.

“Are you free tonight?” Avery asked in a low voice meant only for her. She glanced up into his gaze, suddenly remembering that she had been avoiding him for the past week. “Stop avoiding him, you oaf!” Edith scolded herself.

“Yes.”

“Great. I need to return to the Militia soon to settle my reports. See you at the cafeteria tonight?”

“Alright.” Edith nodded. Avery cast a smile and said a few words to Uncle Vern before leaving the dining room. Edith trailed after him as it was proper manners to see their guests out. She clasped her hand behind her as she watched him donned his overcoat and pulled on his gloves.

“Thank you for that night. I’m sure you have witnessed this traumatic episode of mine.” Edith said. Avery turned as if surprised to see her. Apparently, he did not realise she was behind him all this while.

“Oh…Yes, I did. I heard the story from your uncle.”

He reached out for her hand and squeezed her fingers.

“I only wish I was there by your side eight years ago…” he lowered his gaze and there was a moment of silence between them. Edith was surprised by his words. Was he blaming himself for her trauma?

“You are here now.” Edith smiled a reassuring smile. Avery smiled in return and released her hand.

“See you tonight, Edie.”

And he left the clinic.

* * * * *

Edith strolled the empty hallway of the Militia, making her way to the cafeteria to meet with Avery at the appointed time, feeling excited and curious at the same time. As long as she does not think of Avery’s betrothment to Miss Ira, Edith felt confident. “It’s not as if he is my lover.” Edith told herself. Along her way, she chanced upon Merille who was leaving the Administration Building. Her eyes lit with joy at the sight of Edith and so does Edith’s.

“How was your weekend?” Edith asked, her eyes glinted.

“It was good. I spent my time with Caden. And yours?” Merille smiled.

“I spent my time with Uncle Vern.” Edith lied. She decided to leave out the traumatic episode.

“Have you progress any further with Caden?” Edith asked, hopeful. She took Merille’s hands in hers and Merille winced, as if in pain.

“What’s the matter? Did I hurt you?” Edith said in alarm. She lowered her gaze to Merille’s hands. Edith’s eyes widened in horror at the sight of scratches on Merille’s hands and fingers. They were raw and fresh. Merille snatched her hands back and hid them behind her back. Her gaze drifted everywhere but Edith’s.

“Merille. Did the nurses do this to you?” Edith asked softly, concerned. She could not ignore this any longer. Does Caden even know about this?

“It’s really nothing, Edith. I was clumsy with—"

“Merille.” Edith said sternly. She wasn’t sure why Merille chose to hide behind those words that betrayed the evidence before Edith’s eyes. This was no accident. She was sure of it. This was done deliberately.

“Good evening, ladies.” a deep voice greeted them.

“Good evening, Captain Kainz.” Merille replied hastily, trying to avoid the onslaught of questions that Edith was about to direct at her. Edith bit her lips and lowered her gaze to the ground momentarily before turning her attention to Avery.

“Heading back to the dorm for the evening?” Merille asked.

“I’m here to meetup with Edie.” The corners of his lips stretching into a smile.

“Ah, I see. Enjoy the evening. I shall take my leave. See you tomorrow.” Merille excused herself as fast as she could before Edith could pull her back and question her. She watched as Merille descended the stairs to the cafeteria and disappeared under the awning.

“Is something the matter, Edie?” Avery asked.

Edith whipped her attention back to her childhood best friend and shook her head. She decided she would question Merille tomorrow. If she did not put a stop to it, the harassment could get worse. Caden would be worried as well.

“What are you up to?” Edith asked, her expression bright with excitement as she mentally shook off her worries for Merille.

Avery smiled impishly and took her hand in his. “It’s a surprise.” He began to lead her across the field, past the Entertainment Building, rounded the corners to the back of the Main Building. They walked a well-maintained cobblestoned pathway, bare trees lining on either side. They walked the path for a moment longer before arriving at a large hargar. Edith was amazed by its vastness and the number of planes that littered the open ground, parked neatly along the runway. She had yet to visit the Militia’s hangar and was beginning to wonder its location, but Avery had taken the liberty to show her around the hangar.

“This is the Militia’s hangar. I gather you have not visited the hangar?” Avery said beside her.

“No. This is magnificent.” Edith continued to take in the sight of the entire hangar and its runway.

“But I don’t intend to show you only the hangar.”

“What do you mean?” Edith looked up at him, her eyebrow raised in confusion.

“Come along.” Avery winked and guided her to the hangar, passing the magnificent fighter planes before he told her to wait at the corner of the hangar while he disappeared into a room Edith wasn’t entirely sure. She had assumed it must be the technical room of sorts. After a moment, Avery emerged from the room. He had changed into a leather flight bomber jacket and flight boots, a flight helmet over his head. In his gloved hand, held another flight helmet and two goggles. At the sight, Edith realised they were going to fly. A thought that made her stomach churned with excitement. She had never flown before and it was part of her bucket list.

“From the look on your face, I could tell you have never flown before.” Avery grinned as he fitted the flight helmet on her head and buckling the strap under her chin. The gesture made Edith blush and she hoped Avery did not realised the pink colouring on her cheeks.

“No, and I’m excited. I never knew you could fly a plane?”

“It’s part of the training for all soldiers in the Militia.” He handed her the spare goggle. The adrenaline in Edith was increasing as he guided her to the small group of biplanes parked at the wide runway.

“This is going to be so exciting.” She couldn’t contain the smile and ecstasy when Avery helped her into the rear of a two-seater biplane, which was meant for training and leisure purposes.

“Are you ready for an adventure?” Avery asked after giving the biplane’s propeller a good yank and climbing into the front seat of the biplane, his deep tone imitating that of a captain’s command.

“Yes, Captain!” Edith said enthusiastically, which earned a chuckle from Avery. He started the biplane’s engine and the biplane roared to life.

“Here we go!” Avery said aloud. Before Edith knew it, Avery drove the biplane down the runway and took off. The feel of it was exhilarating and Edith felt the freezing wind smacking against her face. She shivered and pulled her overcoat tighter.

“This is amazing!” Edith raised her voice when Avery leveled the biplane when they were at 10,000 feet in the air. Now, this was adventure and Edith would be sure to record this in her journal. As she leaned over to look down, Rayard City seemed so small when they were in the air. Avery guided the biplane over the city and the countryside, and soon, they were above the sea. Edith wasn’t sure where he was bringing her, but she would leave it as a surprise.

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