Chapter 76: The Mad Man
‘All he does is read about sorcery,’ said Gregoire while they waited at the door. ‘Keeps asking Pierre’s father to translate books on train reactors.’
The door opened and Neville was face to face with a big, black, white-beared, bald man.
‘Menior,’ said Gregoire. ‘This is Neville of Baynard. He needs your help.’
‘No,’ said the Messenger. ‘No.’ He walked past Neville and Gregoire.
‘He’s going to see Pierre’s father again,’ said Gregoire.
They followed the black Messenger and found him standing in the middle of the way, looking up to the black tree. Neville didn’t know how the tree moved, or how fast, or how it kept hold of the Grey One even in the distance. Magic, he thought, had many shades.
The tree shook its leaves here and there like a cow scaring away flies. Menior followed the black branches until he saw the Grey One trying to undo the knot that kept him in the surface of darkness.
Neville tried to talk to the mad Messenger. Menior didn’t hear. He kept staring at the Grey One and the tree.
‘I found both in the darkness,’ said Neville. ‘The tree saved my life and I pulled that man back with me, but he doesn’t want to come back.’
‘What keeps him here then?’ asked Menior. ‘If he doesn’t want to be here, why doesn’t he go away.’
‘I won’t let him,’ said Neville.
For the first time, Menior looked at Neville. He asked:
‘Do you know who he is?’
Neville shook his head. ‘I heard you lost your family. I would like to recover what is left of mine. I need to go to Tuen as soon as possible.’
‘And him?’ Menior pointed at the Grey One.
‘Is coming with me.’
Menior walked away and stood under the tree. The Grey One saw him.
‘Is that you, Menior? Can you set me free?’
‘If I let you go, what will you do?’
‘Disappear. What else can I do?’
‘And you,’ Menior turned to Neville, ‘won’t let him.’
‘No,’ said Neville.
‘I’ll prepare my horse. Get provisions for a week, warm clothing, waterproof boots.’
‘Wait,’ said Gregoire. ‘You’re going to guide Neville?’
Menior repeated provisions, warm, waterproof. Gregoire took Neville back to the house that wasn’t his anymore, showed where the food was, then went out to look for boots. He came back with three pairs. When Neville asked why, Gregoire was puzzled. He didn’t intend to buy three pairs.
‘Is it for you?’ asked Neville. ‘Are you coming with us?’
‘I suppose,’ said Gregoire. After all, his home wasn’t his anymore.