The Decoder - Chapter 8

Edith

The refreshing cool night air brushed at Edith’s cheeks, turning them pink and she sniffled. She shoved her cold hands into her overcoat pockets as she made her way down to Eder Street, wishing to pay a visit to the Kyron House. Maybe she could bump into Lady Ada as well. After dinner with Uncle Vern, Caden and Merille, she had excused herself for some fresh air. Caden and Merille had invited her to join them on their night stroll, but Edith refused. She wouldn’t wish to be a lamp post between the obvious couple though Merille had claimed Caden hadn’t confessed his feelings to her, yet. She smiled at the thought and hoped that Caden would gain the courage to confess soon. Caden was a confident man who had no problem expressing his opinions, but knowing him, he was hopeless when it came to romance and ladies.

Her thoughts soon drifted to Avery and this afternoon’s conversation. Observing his mood, he was definitely not in a good mood for reasons unknown. Knowing him, Avery was the type to bottle things on his own, never sharing them. She wondered if it was his habit. However, the unhappy Avery bothered her, and she didn’t like it when he kept his problems from everyone. Not that it was her business to pry her nose in his problems, but nevertheless, it still bothered her. If she couldn’t get him to confess his worries, at the very least she could lighten his mood. That was the reason she had asked him if he was available tomorrow. Bringing him to Falborg Forest seems like a good idea to cheer him up. Even when she was feeling down, she would go to Falborg Forest. The calmness and peacefulness of the forest gave her solace. Maybe it will give Avery comfort, too.

The dimness of the street and sombre atmosphere indicated that Edith had ventured into Eder Street territory. There were very few citizens milling about as she continued her steps down the street. Rows of apartments lined the entire cramp street on both sides. Every once in a while, she could hear soft cries and arguments coming from the apartments. The deeper she went, the colder it became. She was glad she wore her navy-blue scarf before leaving the clinic.

The Kyron House was located at the end of Eder Street, not far from Falborg Forest. Edith stood before the five-storey apartment before moving up the stone steps to knock on the door. Despite it being called “Kyron House”, it was not a house. Edith wasn’t sure how the name came about, but she suspected the owner wanted to have a house of his own, but couldn’t afford it, so he had named it as “Kyron House” to satisfy his dreams.

The door opened and there stood a young lady, no more than seventeen years old, in her nightgown. There were smudges of dirt on the white fabric, but the lady paid no heed to it.

“Good evening, Miss Bryn.” Edith gave a warm smile.

“Hello, Miss Edith. Please come in.” Miss Bryn held the door opened for Edith as she stepped into the dimly lit threshold, two candles lit the hallway.

“It’s been a while since you last visited.” Miss Bryn said and led her to the small parlour. It was decently furnished with the basic necessities. There were three men, one who was way younger than Miss Bryn and the other was much older than Edith herself, probably in his late thirties. They were playing a game of chess while the other who was the same age as Miss Bryn, was reading a book at the corner of the parlour when Edith entered with Miss Bryn.

“Hello.” Edith smiled. It was rare to see them relaxed. The usual times when she had visited previously, they were always on alert, anxious even.

“The children are already asleep in the basement. Miss Lia is with her husband upstairs.” Miss Bryn said as she planted herself onto a worn-out couch.

“I came only to pay a visit as it’s been a while.” Edith took a step to the couch when the man in his late thirties, whom she had known as Mr. Roan, stood and took her hand.

“I need to speak with you, privately.” Mr. Roan said, urgency in his gaze. Edith hadn’t personally known him, only briefly know him during introductions many weeks ago. She wondered what it was he needed to say that he sounded as if in a hurry.

“Alright.”

Mr. Roan released her hand and led her to the hallway and into a small kitchen. He paced about and constantly glanced at the entryway before standing before her.

“Please listen carefully. I know this is sudden, but I have been wanting to have a word with you, but…Well, you seldom visit.” Mr. Roan bit his lips and placed his hands at his hips.

“You’re Sir Dann Alcoft’s daughter, aren’t you?” Mr. Roan’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“Yes…” Edith’s eyes widened. Before she could ask how Mr. Roan was related to her father, he continued on.

“I know your father fifteen years ago when he was working as a decoder and often visited His Majesty, Lord Sykes. I was His Majesty’s right-hand man, his assistant.”

At Mr. Roan’s revelation, Edith couldn’t believe her ears. She had known His Majesty was Hathage’s King. There were rumours that his own son had killed him for the throne. Edith couldn’t bring herself to remember the current King who ruled Hathage.

“How did you end up here in Rayard?” Edith asked.

“I escaped from Hathage’s dungeon a few months ago and hid here in Rayard.”

“You were imprisoned?” Edith couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Yes…I was imprisoned for eleven years, on the day before His Majesty’s death. I was knocked unconscious and the next time I woke, I was in the dungeon. Each time I try to find a way out, the guards would get the better of me before I had a chance.”

Edith couldn’t piece the puzzle. It was all too sudden, and her mind was spinning at the sudden barrage of information.

“I’m sorry…I don’t understand. How is this related to my father?”

“Your father was good friends with His Majesty and the High Commander of Rayard, but—"

Mr. Roan’s words were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Ada at the front. Her happy voice echoed all the way to the kitchen.

“We need to end this conversation here.” Mr. Roan stepped away hastily to the entrance and back to the parlour without a word to Lady Ada. Edith was left dumbfounded as she tried to piece the information together, but the vital information from Roan remained to be known. Mr. Roan was His Majesty’s right-hand man, but he was imprisoned on the day before His Majesty’s death, for eleven years. Eleven years, year 749 of the Sola year…That was the year her father had brought the unconscious and heavily injured Avery.

Edith shuddered to think her father was involved in His Majesty’s death. She shook her head. Her father was not a murderer, never a murderer. Who had imprisoned Mr. Roan and why?

“Hello, Edith. It’s unusual to see you here.” Lady Ada stepped into the kitchen. Her voice broke Edith’s thoughts and she turned to face Lady Ada who was in the midst of taking off her hat.

“Hello, Lady Ada. I decided to pay a visit tonight.” Edith forced a smile.

“It’s about time you pay a visit. I haven’t seen you at Cyel Street either for the past week.” Lady Ada leaned against the kitchen counter.

“I’m now working with the Militia. As a nurse at the Health Department.” Edith moved to take a seat before the dining table.

“That’s an interesting news to me. I thought the Militia is the last place you wish to work. Why the sudden change of mind?” Lady Ada cocked an eyebrow.

“I figured out paying the taxes for my uncle’s clinic takes precedence.” Edith simplified and sighed.

“Totally understandable.” Lady Ada nodded though Edith doubted if she truly understood.

* * * * *

“I will be heading out, Uncle Vern!” Edith hollered at the doorway after donning her overcoat. Only when she heard the reply from the consultation room, she headed out into the cold weather, bracing herself against the winter breeze. The first person she spotted was Avery, dressed in his black double-breasted coat over his casual uniform. His dark hair was slicked back to reveal his forehead, and looking every bit handsome and charming, despite the angry-looking scar. She had to remind herself that Avery was no longer the boy she had known eleven years ago, at least in physique.

“Good morning, Edie.” He flashed his boyish smile, which she secretly adored.

“Good morning, Avery.” Edith moved to stand by his side and glanced around. The street was bustling with people, the usual. The weather was perfect as well as there was not a single dark cloud to be seen.

“I’m curious to know where you will lead me.” Avery said.

“You will find out soon. Shall we?” Edith held out her hand to him. Avery only stared at her hand and frowned.

“It is the gentleman who should hold out his hand to the lady.” Avery held out his gloved hand to her instead of taking her hand, his tone held a hint of playfulness.

“Propriety and etiquettes.” Edith rolled her eyes and took his hand, to which he grasped gently, providing warmth to her cold hand.

Edith began to lead Avery down the street, passing several shops and stopping at one to treat themselves to a small treat of steaming corn buns. They continued their way down the street, past Eder Street and to the arched entrance that led to Falborg Forest. Along the way, some citizens had glanced at Avery and they kept their distance, stepping an inch or two away from him, as if they were afraid of him. She didn’t understand, but she recalled how she had avoided the Elites as well. Edith wasn’t certain how would Avery feel passing Eder Street, but it was the only route to get to Falborg Forest.

Before they stepped into the forest’s territory, Edith peeked at Avery. His expression was one of surprise and probably longing?

“When was the last time you step into Falborg Forest?” Edith asked.

“Five years ago. After that, I got busy and…” Avery faltered at the end of his sentence and lowered his gaze.

“And?” Edith asked.

“I couldn’t bring myself to come to the forest knowing that…You’re not around.” Avery said softly. Edith’s eyebrows raised. She imagined herself in his shoes, if she thought her childhood friend had died or gone missing, she couldn’t bring herself to visit the place that they often spend their time together, too. Edith thought of her father and the Alcoft cottage located east of the forest. She had often step foot into the forest, but she never once stepped into the cottage ever since her father’s death eight years ago. She wasn’t sure how to reply, so she squeezed his hand.

“Let’s go explore.” Edith said cheerfully and led the way into the wide forest. The tall trees surrounding them had shed all of its glorious leaves onto the cold ground, rolling on the ground at the gust of cold wind, but it still provided a certain beauty to the eyes. Birds chirped and there were several rustlings coming from the bushes. As they strolled through the wide pathway of the forest, Edith took in the beautiful serene scenery before her. It made her feel ease, forgetting about Mr. Roan words from last night. Though part of her wanted to return to Kyron House to gather more information from Mr. Roan, but she had decided today would be the day of peace and she wouldn’t allow any worrisome thoughts to crept into her mind. Besides, she had invited Avery for a day out. She wasn’t going to spoil it.

“The forest is as I remember many years ago.” Avery said next to her. She looked up and smiled at him as he took in the scenery before them. She could see he was as relaxed as her as well and it made her feel content. Bringing him to the forest had been the right decision.

Edith remembered she had yet to show her discovery to Avery. About three weeks ago, she was exploring the forest alone and had come across a burrow. There was a family or bunnies in it, and she had been feeding them once a week. For the whole of this week, she hadn’t the chance, so before leaving the house, she had packed some leafy vegetables she looted when her uncle wasn’t looking. She patted the small packet in her overcoat pocket to ensure the leafy vegetables was still there.

They continued their stroll further into the forest, following along the pathway. A strong gust of wind suddenly blew, and Edith had to grasp her hair from flying all over her face. She hadn’t thought to braid her long unruly hair today as she usually did, but instead she had French braided the top half of her hair.

“That’s one nasty wind.” Edith muttered and Avery chuckled. Just then, she caught sight of the bunny burrow she had found.

“I’ve a discovery to show you.” Edith led Avery to the right, off the pathway. She knelt a metre away from the burrow, not bothering if the dirt on the ground stained her skirts and whistled. A moment later a small white bunny appeared at the mouth of the burrow, sniffing.

“There you are.” Edith pulled out the small packet from her overcoat pocket and busied herself untying the packet. She pulled out a small stalk of the leafy vegetables and held it to the rabbit. The rabbit sniffed for another moment before stepping out into the cold air from its burrow to take the leafy vegetable from her fingers.

“You found a burrow of bunnies?” Avery crouched next to her.

“Yes, there’s a family in there.” Edith fished out another stalk of the leafy vegetable and handed it to him.

“Don’t be afraid.” She laughed when she sensed his hesitation.

“I’m not afraid. Have you forgotten that I have touched several insects? And I remember how you’d screamed and frantically ran away when I brought those insects to you.” The corners of Avery’s mouth lifted up into a playful grin.

“Yes, I remember. That was very mean of you.” Edith swatted his arm playfully and giggled. Just then, a baby rabbit appeared at the mouth of the burrow. It sniffed the air a few moments before it, too, stepped out into the cold air, followed by another baby rabbit.

“These are their leverets.” Edith set down the small packet and reached out to pick one of the baby rabbits and cradled it in her arms, bringing her face down to place a kiss on the tips of the baby rabbit’s nose. The baby rabbit hadn’t protested and seemed to enjoy being in her arms.

“Aren’t you a lovely little animal?” Edith chuckled, momentarily forgetting that Avery was there. Edith had always loved animals, especially furry ones. Sometimes, she would come to the forest just to watch the animals, even play with them when they aren’t afraid to approach her.

“They seem to be at ease with you. But I wouldn’t be surprised since you have always loved animals.” Avery spoke softly next to her, his deep voice gentle and caring.

Edith looked up and smiled. She knew he loved animals as well.

“Here.” Edith placed the baby rabbit into Avery’s hands.

“No—"

“Be gentle and she will be calm.” Edith assured him, placing her hands atop his. He looked at her then, their eyes meeting for the length of a heartbeat. Those pair of emerald green that reminded her very much of the forest and nature were mesmerising and filled with emotions. Emotions of longing, passion and joy? She couldn’t be certain. It was then she noticed the thick, dark and long lashes framing his eyes. How was it possible that she did not realised his lashes were long during their childhood days? The longer she stared at those pair of emerald green, feeling its intense gaze, she felt a blush creeping to her cheeks. So, she flashed him a smile of hers and gave a light pat on his hand.

Edith looked away before her blush became apparent, focusing her attention on the other two rabbits. She picked up the packet and began to fish some stalks of the leafy vegetable. She tried to slow her heartbeat and calm herself. She had never felt this way around Avery before, not even during their childhood days. Avery hadn’t said a word and she dared a peek at him. He was gently patting the baby rabbit now, cradled in his arms. Seeing him now, she couldn’t imagine him being the brutal Elite. There was no way he would torture people, could he?

After what seemed like an hour, they decided to leave the bunnies, allowing the bunnies to some rest. They hadn’t strolled the rest of the forest, at least not to the lake, yet. Avery took her hand in his again, like as if it was an automatic reflex gesture and started walking. Edith looked eastward of the forest, to where the Alcoft cottage was located.

“Should we visit the cottage? I haven’t visit in a while either.” Avery asked, as if sensing her thoughts.

“No. Let’s visit the lake.” Edith shook her head and began to lead the way. She couldn’t bring herself to visit the Alcoft cottage, not now. Not when it only brought the bitter memories back again. Her father urging her to run without him into the forest in the late of the night. A gunshot rang out. Her sobbing was uncontrollable, she was frightened from head to toe as she hid behind a bush, hoping and praying the Elite soldiers will not find her.

A gentle squeeze to her hand brought her back to the present.

“Let’s visit the lake.” Avery said as he focused his gaze at her. His expression etched with concern and worry.

“Let’s go.” Edith forced a smile and urged him to continue their stroll. He allowed her to lead the way without a word other than tightening his grip on her hand, tight and secure, as if to tell her that all will be well, and she appreciated it.

“Thank you, Avery.” Edith whispered.

“You don’t have to force yourself…Give yourself time to recover.” Avery said softly. He understood her reluctance to visit the Alcoft cottage though she knew she couldn’t avoid that place forever, her birth home.

They walked in silence, listening to the birds’ chirps and animal calls, the rustling of leaves and the feel of the cold breeze on their faces. The leaves crunching under their feet. They stepped off the main path and headed west of the forest, pushing through several overhanging skeletal branches and eventually arriving at the lake. The lake was located at the centre of the forest and trees, while in their skeletal state now, surrounded the lake. It was a sanctuary for both Edith and Avery. It was the place they often spend their free time, from making wreaths to stone skipping. While it brought memories of their time together, Edith recalled the memories spent with her very first childhood friend here as well.

“It has frozen all over,” Edith breathed out, enjoying the sight.

“But it’s still not safe to skate over it,” Avery chuckled.

“Indeed.” Edith smiled, recalling the memories of the two of them skating across the lake. It was dangerous yet thrilling. The open space was even colder when another gust of cold wind blew, and Edith brought up her free hand to blow warm air into it.

“You’re cold.” Avery said as a matter of fact. Before Edith could form a reply, he turned to face her and took her other free hand into his.

“Why didn’t you wear gloves?” he asked as he gently rubbed her hands with his thumb, warming them.

“I’m not comfortable with them,” she wiggled her fingers a little.

“You could have end up with a frostbite,” he responded with a sigh as he looked her in the eyes, their gazes locking once more, and Edith remembered the moment she had placed the baby rabbit in his hands. She had felt a certain emotion stirring in her. Edith looked away once more, breaking eye contact when she felt another blush creeping through. She gave him a lopsided smile and looked at the frozen lake. I need to stop blushing. What is wrong with you, Edith? He is your childhood best friend, you ninny! Edith mentally berated herself.

“Edie?” Edith glanced up at Avery at the mention of her pet name. He gave a small smile as he continued rubbing her hands gently, seeming to enjoy it.

“I have yet the opportunity to ask you about your knowledge on cryptography.”

Of course, how could Edith forget that Avery would love to learn how she came to know cryptography. Since two days ago, she could imagine his curiosity burgeoning.

“Ahh…I knew you won’t let that pass.” Edith said, her voice lighthearted. There was no way she could change the topic either. Besides, what harm would it do if she told Avery. He quirked an eyebrow, waiting for her answer.

“Before you came along, my father taught me cryptography as he worked as a decoder for the Militia, for the High Commander. I knew the basic codes and numerology, but not the complex ones. It took me some time to learn them as it was a struggle. Luckily, I have my father’s notebook to help me. From time to time, I will read them to refresh what I have learned. That’s how I was able to help Merille on that night.” Edith explained and chewed on her bottom lip.

“You never told me you knew about cryptography or your father being a decoder for the Militia.” Avery glanced around their surroundings before his gaze fell back on hers.

“I don’t often stick my nose in codes. If anything, I would prefer the pianoforte. And, my father does not reveal to me much of his job.”

“You should consider the decoder vacancy. You could work alongside with Merille. I heard she’s all alone in that department.” Avery grinned.

“I don’t know…” Edith considered his recommendation. If she were to request for a transfer to the Decode and Encode Department, would Dr. Maia be disappointed? Afterall, she was still a newbie.

“Do give it a thought.”

“And you never told me how you ended up in the Militia,” Edith said, sniffling her nose from the cold. Their surrounding was peaceful, as if this place belonged to them. Avery shifted a little and looked skyward, his eyes squinting against the sunlight as if contemplating his words.

“Well…After I return from settling some personal business in Hathage, and after my search for you and your father had proved fruitless, with nowhere else to go, I accepted the High Commander’s offer to join the Militia.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what does the “personal business” entails?” Edith had never known much about Avery’s background. She had asked her father several times, but her father preferred not to speak much about it. She only knew her father had found Avery during his business at Hathage and that he had no family members. Edith and her father had treated Avery as part of the Alcoft family, welcomed him with warm hands. After Edith’s mother passed away while giving birth to Edith, she had grown up under her father’s care and love.

She had questioned Avery, as well, but he was more secretive than her father, which eventually led her to believe that he never truly trusted her. Now, eight years later, she wasn’t sure if he trusted her enough to share his secrets and background.

Avery was silent for a long moment before answering.

“It’s nothing important.”

So, he doesn’t trust me enough even now, Edith thought, and it caused an uncomfortable feeling stirring in her. She felt…hurt? Weren’t they childhood best friends?

“I see…” Edith sighed, brushing off those thoughts, though the feeling of hurt lingered.

“Just out of curiosity, where were you last night, Edie?” Avery effectively changed the topic. The sudden change of topic brought Edith back to last night’s events, recalling Mr. Roan’s words once more. She couldn’t reveal to him that she was at Kyron House that housed Hathagian refugees. Avery, of all people, must not know the location of Kyron House despite him being her childhood friend. He was afterall, an Elite who worked for the Militia.

“I was taking a stroll at the park.” Edith replied. Strange, for him to ask such a question.

“I see. I came by Uncle Vern’s clinic, but you weren’t around.” Avery said nonchalantly.

“Did you? Uncle did not mention anything.” Edith raised an eyebrow.

“It was late when I came to visit. I’m guessing he must have been asleep.”

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