In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 18
Chapter 18
“So… to me, Master, you are my savior.”
As Hilde lifted her clear eyes to Benedict, a chilling, scraping sound pierced the air. She instinctively turned towards the window and—
Click, click, click. Dozens of gleaming eyes stared back at her. She froze, speechless with terror.
It was a giant spider. A monstrous beast she had never seen before. A cursed creature said to crawl from the depths of hell. All color drained from Hilde’s face. Her mind scrambled, her body stiffening.
“Get under the seat.” Benedict swiftly pulled her down to the carriage floor, her small frame fitting snugly in the space beneath the seat.
“Stay quiet and don’t make a sound.”
The moment he drew his sword, the window shattered, a flurry of sharp, pointed spider legs invading the carriage.
A screech echoed as the beast lunged for its prey.
“Spider beast!”
“Draw your weapons!” The knights’ shouts erupted from outside, a moment too late. There was more than one beast.
“Your Grace!” A ripping sound tore through the air, followed by a thud as something large fell to the carriage floor.
A gurgling sound accompanied the twitching of what Hilde quickly realized was a severed spider leg, oozing green fluid. She stifled a scream, clamping both hands over her mouth.
“Annoying.” A large sword plunged into the still-twitching limb. Then, a dark cloth fell over Hilde’s face, obscuring her vision.
“Stay there until I tell you to come out.” A brief gust of wind brushed her face, and the violent rocking of the carriage abruptly ceased. The beast’s furious roars, which had been directly overhead, now seemed further away.
Hilde finally exhaled, her heart pounding.
Soon, the monstrous cries faded. As the sounds of the knights clearing the area reached her, she cautiously lifted the cloth covering her face. It slipped from her grasp, revealing a red fabric with gold embroidery intricately decorating the edges.
Hilde realized it was the Duke’s shoulder cape and quickly picked it up from the floor. Torn at the corner from being ripped away, the fabric was surprisingly soft. Unbelievably so, considering it belonged to such a cold-blooded man. ‘It’s just a cape.’ She smiled faintly, thinking how foolish she was to imbue an object with meaning.
Then, the carriage door opened with a click, startling her. She dropped the cape. Her eyes met the man’s.
“There you are.” He looked remarkably composed for someone who had just finished battling monstrous spiders. There was no sign of fatigue or exertion, only the splattered green fluid on his smooth cheek as evidence of the recent fight.
“Didn’t feel like running away this time?” The mocking tone was unmistakable. Hilde simply nodded.
“You told me to stay under the seat… so I waited for you.”
Benedict’s eyes narrowed slightly at her obedient reply.
“Your Grace, please wait!” Someone shouted, and Benedict frowned.
It was Moritz, his aide, hurrying towards them. A rattling sound emanated from the box he carried.
“You must be treated before we depart.”
“Don’t fuss.”
Hilde stared at Benedict, surprised. Was he injured? He seemed fine…
“The wounds are quite deep. And the beast’s fluids require an antidote.”
“Leave it. I’ll do it myself.”
“Given the location, it will be difficult to do it yourself. I will assist you.” Moritz insisted, but Benedict turned to Hilde.
“If that’s the case, my slave can do it.”
