Slime Knight Part 3

Sir Matthew was roused from his slumber by the rapid clatter of raindrops, falling irregularly on the roof tiles. When he pulled his drowsy, stocky body from his sheets Sir Matthew had noticed that Glesni was not in her bed. Well not so much a bed, more a large wooden tub, but it tends to keep Glesni’s azure body from slipping like oil through the cracks. Instead he found a trail of glossy fluid trailing from the tub to the hallway.

In his half dazed state unbecoming of a knight, Sir Matthew followed the glistening trail to Glesni, who was squishing along happily across the wet fields in a strange dance, twisting her body in spiral motions before swaying in random directions at a moment’s notice. Sometimes she picks up enough of herself to make a half skip of sorts and sometimes she is content to slide across the water-logged grass like a snake, weaving to and fro in exaggerated motions.

While Sir Matthew was drenched from head to toe with his clothes dark and dull, Glesni’s body gradually changed color from a deep azure to a bright shade of indigo in striking contrast to the gray fog, which enveloped her like a royal veil. Her core, previously a drab shade of red, shone brilliantly from her bosom like a ruby bathed in ethereal light. Normally Glesni in dry days is so slow both in mind and body that she could’ve been mistaken for a statue. But here, in this brief moment, she simply enjoyed the freedom of movement without a care in the world.

Then she did start to care, starting with her noticing that Sir Matthew was staring this entire time.

“O- Oh! Sir Matthew! I didn’t see you.”

“I take it you enjoy the rainy days?”

“They were the only days I could go further from the cavern.”

“I find it soothing. Many find it cold and insufferable but it for me I find a clarity unfound with anything else."

"Clarity? What's that?"

"It's something that grants me the ability to perceive things without muddy thoughts; I can truly see things as what they truly are without a shadow of doubt. Without it I wouldn't be here. It comes in many forms and I hope, with time, you'll come to know this quality and appreciate it as much as I. But enough of my lectures, I’ll let you be. Just remember to ‘dry’ yourself before coming in."

“I will.”

The days afterwards were uneventful, routine practice punctuated with the occasional jaunt to the local markets. Unsurprisingly many didn’t pay much heed to Glesni’s features as much as the slight nuisances that she creates. Often times when she felt rushed the store owners had to ask her to wipe off parts of herself from the counters. Or other moments where a dust cloud blows over and around her, coating her skin like flour on dough. Those times she doesn’t even notice as she leaves a trail of muddy clumps in her wake, much to the chagrin to nearby patrons. For some it was a bizarre sight to see a small gelatinous girl of a deep blue demeanor, filled with countless flakes of dust swirling, around inside her for all to see.

In one particular evening Glesni was roaming around the town’s alleyways when suddenly she found a particularly gruesome sight. A little girl, around her age headless and laying on the floor, her black, frilled dress, crumpled and dirty and limbs splayed like a toad.

“Oh dear, oh my!” cried Glesni in a panic. “Someone help!” she shouted as she started to turn to the crowds. But before she could start moving she felt a hand grip her ‘foot’. In a state of shock she could only silently turn to see the headless body, crawling towards her. As it slowly rose Glesni could see the part of the torso where the neck should be, in its place was a void darker than a starless night. Fear gripped Glesni, unable to make even a shudder. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see her end, but it never came.

“Help. Can someone help me?” moaned a voice.

Glesni in hearing this voice was able to break her sense of fear. Pushing the headless body aside with all her might she rushed towards the voice.

“Have no fear! I shall grant you aid.”

“I’m behind this crate.”

“I see you…. Oh my stars.”

Glesni saw a head, a talking head. Straight, white hair with black eyes and amber irises, staring nonchalantly back at Glesni.

“It’s okay; you act as if you have never seen a Dullahan before.”

“Well I have never seen a Dullahan before.”

“Fair enough, say could you pick me up and place me on my body, it should be around here.”

“Yes, I, can.” Said Glesni as she awkwardly picked up and held the Dullahan’s head.

“Eugh you are quite cold. My body is over there. Oh dear it’s so filthy, like someone manhandled it. Now just put my head on like this. Oh that’s much better. Thank you.”

“It is a knight’s duty to help the people.”

“Oh, a fellow aspirant. My name is Edith, what is yours?”

“Glesni, student of Sir Matthew.”

“A student of Sir Matthew, what an honor.”

“No the pleasure is all mine. Umm, why were you in an alleyway in the first place?”

“My mother told me to hone my tracking skills, so she attached a note to a stray cat and asked me to retrieve the note. When I found the feline in this alleyway it had the audacity to knock my head off. I’ve been stuck in here ever since. Now that I’m whole again I must continue my search.”

“But, it’s late. Shouldn’t you head home? I’m sure your mother would understand.”

“No, she wouldn’t. It’s a task from her and I cannot fail. As a Dullahan I must always capture my target.”

“Did she say you must do it alone?”

“No, she didn’t.”

“In that case, would you allow me to assist you?”

“Don’t you need to go home?”

“Sir Matthew would understand.”

“In that case, the cat went this way.”

The duo walked in many alleyways and many streets before finally finding the feline, grooming itself in a corner.

“You accursed cat, today you shall fall and I will claim my quarry. Prepare yourself.”

“Why are you talking to the cat?”

Ignoring Glesni’s question Edith pounced onto the cat, only to find the cat leaping away in fear.

“Glesni, it’s coming towards you!”

In an instant Glesni stretched herself to catch the cat, with the cat’s hind legs stuck on her shoulder. The cat attempted to claw at its capturer with its claws, only to have the rest of its legs stuck in Glesni. Completely immobilized, all it could do was screech in terror.

“I’m sorry cat, but you have something of ours” said Glesni as she tried to comfort the cat.

“I’ll be taking that note” said Edith, wiping off bits of Glesni’s, essence from the note.

“Congratulations, I’ll be there shortly.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that I’m here” replied a deep, harsh voice.

Standing in front of the two stood a Dullahan of tall stature, almost identical to Edith in features, carrying a box shaped lantern.

“I see you’ve done what I asked. Well done Edith.”

“Thank you mother.”

“And who might this person be?”


“A friend, she is Glesni, a student of Sir Matthew.”

“Sir Matthew has a kid now, how interesting. Glesni, thank you for lending aid to my daughter.”

“You are most welcome”, Glesni replied while making a formal curtsy of sorts.

“Forgive me for asking this but I need you to do two things for me.”

“What is it?”

“The first is to remove the cat from your body. I don’t know if Sir Matthew is okay with having a pet embedded into your body but I certainly don’t.”

“Oh, sorry” said Glesni, who quickly removed the startled feline from her upper half.

“And second, would you please stay the night with us? It is quite late and I’m positive Sir Matthew wouldn’t mind having you stay with us for now.”

“I guess he wouldn’t mind, madam.” Spoke Glesni apprehensively.

“Then it is settled. Come this way.”

In a strange fashion to Glesni, what only seemed like a short walk led her to an ominous looking mansion. The Iron Gate at the entrance seemed to part at the presence of the three. As they made way into the long, ornate halls Edith’s mother wanted to do something courteous.

“Miss Glesni, are you hungry?”

“Why yes madam.”

“In that case have a seat here.”

In an instant a nearby dining table was covered in food of all kinds.

Glesni jiggled in excitement as she sensed the enticing aromas, but her training allowed her some restrain.

“Thank you madam.”

“Please, call me Chayse.”

“I must remember my training; I cannot afford to bring down Sir Matthew’s name in front of her.” Glesni thought to herself.

“What is the matter? Why have such a serious expression?” Inquired Chayse.

“Oh it is not much, just remembering something important” jested Glesni as she began to eat.

“Okay, be careful, don’t spill a drop, and take small pieces at a time.” Glesni recited in her head as she ate, being mindful to cover her mouth as she ate to keep her hosts from seeing her consume the morsels.

“I see Sir Matthew taught you table manners. You don’t have to worry too much on impressing me; I won’t chastise you or think ill of Sir Matthew.”

“How did you know?”

“You are young; I can read your emotions like a novel.”

“Even so, I must consider this as if I’m among nobles.”

“Such dedication, you’ll make a fine lady miss Glesni.”

“Why thank you Madam Chayse.”

After dinner was over Madam Chayse led Glesni to a guest room, a rather large space with an equally large bed.

“I’m sorry Madam Chayse, but my, er physique prevents me from enjoying a mattress.”

“No worries, would this be more to your liking?” Madam Chayse presented Glesni with a silver vase, tall and etched with complex designs depicting heroes of old.

“Yes, it would be to my liking.”

“Sweet dreams, Miss Glesni.”

The next morning Sir Matthew made way to the mansion, equal parts worried and relieved.

Glesni walked out from the main doors to greet Sir Matthew, along with Madam Chayse.

“Please forgive her, Sir Matthew, she was helping my daughter with an errand and it was quite late.”

“Of course it would be late with your ‘errands’.”

“How rude, I give your daughter a splendid dinner and considered her needs, and this is the thanks I receive?”

“The fact I came without weapons should be thanks enough.”

“True enough, but we know each other enough not to act so rashly.”

“I’ve had enough of you. Come Glesni, we must head home.”

“Thank you for letting me stay.”

“The pleasure is all mine Miss Glesni, if you need anything of me, simply ask.”

Sir Matthew was angry at Glesni for causing him duress, but upon hearing her story he could only sigh as she uses his own words against him.

“Isn’t it a knight’s job to lend aid when it is needed?”

“Yes but there is a time and place for everything. You cannot always help and must know when. I do not suggest to forgo others, but to know when you should consider yourself over strangers.”

“But Edith isn’t a stranger, she’s my friend.”

“Even so you must consider your well being, what if you got hurt?”

“But I haven’t Sir Matthew.”

“But you could’ve. But it matters not, here is a deal. I’ll admit that you did the right thing and you must come home before dark. Can you do that for me Glesni?”

“Yes Sir Matthew. I, Glesni was wrong in staying out at a late hour.”

“And I admit that you have done the right thing in helping someone in need.”

“Thank you Sir Matthew.”

“You are welcome.”