Page 19 of Eternal Thorns

Agnes moved to the window, gazing out at the Eldergrove. “The full moon approaches, and with it, a chance for either healing or final breaking.”

The key grew cold against Silas's chest. “Thorne said I have until the full moon to learn the truth about my family's crimes.”

“The truth?” Agnes laughed without humor. “Oh, child. The truth is just the beginning. You have until the full moon to do far more than that. You must understand not only what was broken, but how to mend it. And you must convince a being who has nursed his grief for centuries to believe in trust again.”

“That's impossible,” Kai said.

“Perhaps.” Agnes turned back to them, and for a moment her eyes cleared, showing depths of power that made Silas's key resonate. “But consider this - of all the Ashworths who might have come to Thornhaven, you're the first one the manor itself chose to help. The first one the key responded to not with rejection, but with recognition.”

She reached into her basket and pulled out a bundle of dried herbs bound with silver thread. “Burn these in the library when you read that book. They'll help you see past the words to the truths beneath them. And Silas?” Her expression softened slightly. “When you feel lost, remember - some magics are older than vengeance. Some bonds run deeper than betrayal.”

“Right,” Kai cleared his throat. “How about some tea? I'm sure we've got enough working appliances in the kitchen to manage that much at least.”

Agnes's eyes sparkled. “An excellent suggestion. I brought a special blend - good for clearing minds and strengthening spirits.”

The kitchen proved warmer than the rest of the manor, sunlight streaming through windows partially covered by climbing ivy. As Kai busied himself with the kettle, Agnes unpacked her basket. Strange herbs filled the air with scents Silas had never encountered - sharp and sweet and ancient all at once.

“Your grandmother used to sit right where you are now,” Agnes said, measuring leaves into cups. “Back when the boundary between worlds was less rigid, when Ashworths still knew their true purpose.”

“Which was what, exactly?”

“Balance.” Agnes accepted the hot water from Kai. “Your family wasn't meant to rule the forest or fight it - you were meant to bridge the gap between human and fey realms. That key you wear? It's not just a magical artifact. It's a symbol of cooperation, forged by both human craft and forest magic.”

Steam rose from their cups in shapes that seemed too intentional to be random. Silas watched as they formed patterns similar to the ones carved into the manor's woodwork.

“What went wrong?”

“Ah.” Agnes sighed. “The great question. A betrayal, certainly. But the details were deliberately obscured, buried by those who feared the truth more than its consequences.” She stirred her tea three times clockwise, then once counter-clockwise. “Though the poison of it lingers in both realms.”

Movement caught Silas's eye. The plants in Agnes's basket were shifting, their stems and leaves bending toward him like flowers tracking the sun. The key grew warm in response.

“The forest remembers,” Agnes said, noting his observation with obvious satisfaction. “What blood and bone have forgotten, the old magic recalls. Your very presence here stirs ancient powers.”

“You mean Thorne.”

“Among others.” She set down her cup. “That journal you found? It's one of three. Its siblings lie hidden within the Eldergrove itself. Together, they tell the complete story of what happened between your ancestor and the forest guardian.”

“Let me guess,” Kai said. “We have to go get them.”

“You make it sound so simple.” Agnes reached into her basket again, withdrawing something that seemed to writhe in her hands. “Entering the forest means risking more than just Thorne's wrath. Darker forces are stirring, drawn by your return and the key's awakening.”

She held out what appeared to be a charm made of twisted roots and silver wire. “This will help you see through forest glamour. More importantly, it will help you distinguish friend from foe. Not all that dwells in the Eldergrove shares Thorne's grudge against your line.”

Silas took the charm, feeling it pulse in sync with his key. “You speak as if you know him personally.”

“I know enough to recognize what happened last night for what it was.” Agnes's clouded eyes fixed on him with uncomfortable intensity. “His challenge wasn't mere threat - it was recognition. You bear more than just your ancestor's key, young guardian. You carry their face as well.” She stood, gathering her basket. “Let us hope you don't share their fate.”

“Wait,” Silas called as she moved toward the door. “What fate? What exactly happened to my ancestor?”

“That's not my story to tell.” She paused in the doorway. “But when you face Thorne again, look past his anger. Ask yourself why betrayal by an Ashworth hurt him deeply enough to poison his magic for centuries.”

After she'd gone, Silas found himself staring at his reflection in the kitchen window. The same sharp features he'd seen in family portraits, the gray eyes that appeared in so many Ashworth faces. But now he wondered - who exactly had Thorneseen when he looked at him last night? Whose betrayal still burned fresh enough to fuel centuries of grief?

“So,” Kai said, breaking the heavy silence. “I suppose this means we're going forest exploring soon?”

“We don't have to. This isn't your fight.”

“Maybe not.” Kai refilled their cups with the strange tea. “But someone needs to make sure you don't get yourself killed trying to fix your family's ancient magical drama. Besides,” he grinned, “how many chances do you get to help break a centuries-old curse?”

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