Chapter 188
Chapter 188
Mattie
Instead of going through the intimidating front door I slowly strolled around the side of the mansion, along the path I knew toward the garden area. My mind and body swayed to the words of a viral reel’ “Don’t be suspicious, Don’t be suspicous”. I attempted to explain my reasoning to myself as if I had to justify my actions; I would take a quick look around then head home. Thirty minutes tops. I’d stay out of everyone way. It was just a quick peek at the different plants. I wouldn’t even take any samples. I almost convinced myself that the reason I was so driven to be here was the expansive garden area. It was more than that though.
The questions about Wolfie and his origins could be found here. There was a reason Wolfie came here every full moon and being here was the only way to find answers. This place was a piece to the puzzle that was the blood curse. If I just follow the breadcrumbs the wheel of fortune leaves me then I will find the answer to whether I can break this curse or not. I knew that was the bigger part of this adventure. I wouldn’t admit it even to myself though. I wanted to see all of the various plants. I’d only caught glimpses of the herbal garden leading me to guess at what I saw. There had been a few I thought I knew but also a lot of unknown ones.
When I turned the last corner my eyes widened with excitement to take it all in. The herb garden felt both practical and peaceful. It was full of sunlight and even the air was tinged with the scent of green-things growing. Wooden garden boxes, whose deep cherry stain has faded from sun and rain, are arranged in neat rows and staggered sizes. Each one’s dark soil was brimming with life. Every plant was labeled with hand-carved wooden marker that looked like a little fairy gifted it to the humans as a thank you. Bees buzzed from bloom to bloom; pollinating the various small flowers. I smiled at the thick bunches of basil with wide velvety leaves. Then I moved next to the fatherly dill plants and tight clusters of thyme creeping low along the edges of its box. Rosemary raised like tiny pine trees, but the aroma of mint’s sharp scent was unmistakable. Lavender, chive and yarrow added pops of color among the green. This truly was my happy place.
I crouched down next to a garden box full of herbs that I’d only seen in books. I studied the first plant, sweet cicely was an usual herb for this region. The finely divided, fern-like leaves felt soft under my fingertips and I loved the subtly sweet scent the silvery leaves left there. It was late in the season for them so long, ribbed black seeds were on the end of the stems instead of cute white flowers. My mind raced as I silently quizzed myself on it’s uses. Sweet cicely is especially good for digestive systems. When those black seeds are mixed into boiling water or added to soup it is the perfect relief for bloating or gas. It has a sweet taste which allows a chef to use less sugar so it is the perfect addition to cooked apples. It also reduces acidity of other ingredients. I tried to recall the historical stories about monks making liqueur out of this plant but I couldn’t remember the details. I made a mental note to research it later.
So many others caught my attention and I followed the same thought process. Silently quizzing my knowledge of each plant and its uses. My eyes swept over a plant that was unfamiliar to me. It was a coarse looking plant that reminded me of something I’d seen in the cemetery when we buried my mother. It grew out of it’s own box and climbed up a lattice triangle stuck in the middle of the box. Was it some sort of vine or shrub? Maybe it was a type of vegetation? I took some of the stem and leaves into my fingertips, feeling for any indicators of what this was.
“Bat-thorn.” A familiar feminine voice sounded behind me. My body froze for only a moment then relaxed when I realized it was the regal looking woman. I slowly turned my head toward her. She smiled gently but her pale eyes pierced my soul, “the plant you are looking at is Bat-thorn. It’s usually found in cemeteries. Great for repelling blood suckers.”
“Mosquito repellant? How interesting.” I mused. I leaned forward to see if it smelled similar to peppermint or lemongrass but it was more of a subtly sour minty smell.
“No, more of the Vrykolakas or Bruxa variety.” She snorted. It was an odd sound coming from a woman who exuded a regal aura.
I rolled over those names. I’ve heard them before…. Wait…
“You mean vampires?” I asked a little taken aback. My fingers pinched a Bat-thorn leaf between them, instantly excited at the possibility of a new plant.
“If that is what they are calling themselves now. I’m a little out of touch with the human world these days.” She responded through a sarcastic but light laugh. There was a quiet moment as we both examine the objects of our curiosity. When I’d had my fill of the Bat-thorn for now, I turned toward the woman. She leaned over and sniffed the air above the plant. With a scrunched nose she stated, “There is something in that minty smell that repels them. It burns their sinuses. It just smells like toothpaste to me.”