-~|~-
Nec knocked on Thomas’ door. A moment later the door opened slowly to more than a crack.
“I’m going to see to your brother. Want to come along?”
Thomas blinked his eyes rapidly to the unexpected invite then nodded yes.
“Come along then.” Nec turned and was off down the hall.
Thomas
raced to the fireplace where his rags dried, quickly put them on before
he lost St. Nec. Out the door he was able to catch up. As he walked the
hall Thomas still could not imagine the wealth Nec must have. Rich
tapestry scenes of battle and love making covered every wall. Large
ornate light stands placed at least every 20 feet let the long hallway.
St. Nec’s dead servant warriors were stationed in the shadows of each
light.
They walked in silence until St. Nec stopped at heavily
carved double doors twice the height of a full grown man. St. Nec
touched one of the dark doors. “Thomas, you are to be quiet. I will let
you know when it is safe for you to speak.”
“Yes my lord.” Thomas bowed his head slightly.
They
entered into a dark room Thomas could see, he assumed, his brother
laying on an alter lit by candles at each of its corners. A carcass
laid on the floor next to his brother. St. Nec rose an arm to his side
signaling Thomas to stop where he was. St. Nec continued on to his
brother. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he could see dead
standing throughout the room.
Two of the dead moved forward,
lift the animal, and placed it on the boy. The fur dissolved at the
touch of the lord. Its flesh appeared to melt. His brother became
bigger. His hair grew full and lush as it once had been. He slowly sat
up.
“Do you know who you are?” St. Nec said.
“I do. I was known as Greg. Thomas is my brother,” he replied.
“Your
body is now as it would have been if you had reached the age of twenty
five. You will remain this way until you no longer wish to be among the
restless dead. They are your brothers now.
He turned his head a slight ten degrees.
“You hear them?”
Greg nodded yes.
“Good.
Rise.” Once he had stepped down St. Nec touched his shoulder. “To
discourage the living, your good looks will be blemished by the
appearance of decay affecting your body.” At his words his appearance
dried, skin cracked, patches of hair fell to the floor. “Should you
find interest in another your looks will return with their direct
touch. Decay will return once their touch is removed.”
Thomas looked at St. Nec in horror. Had he lost his brother after all? Was I too late bring him to St. Nec?
St.
Nec noticed Thomas’ look. “With time your brother will regain how you
remember him. Each person is different depending how far the soul
traveled before it was called back.”