Short Story of the Month: "The Basilisk's Manuka"

Echoing coughs of sickness resounded through Paliane’s small village. Being the only healer left, he made his rounds through each house, though little could be done. The plague led to more healers resting in the mud than the mice infesting the fields. Only his trek to collect fresh medicinal herbs gave brief peace from the wailing moans.

As Paliane travelled through the mountain path, a new sight struck his eye: a bush of Manuka flowers with a singular golden flower that stood out from the rest. The diminutive bloom teased him closer with its stunning looks. Suddenly, a breeze ripped Paliane’s view from the flower to a lean, handsome stranger. 

Revealing himself to be a god named Cassandrous, he questioned, “dear friend, what worries you?” 

Upon hearing his troubles with the plague, the God suggested a trade, the crest of a Basilisk in exchange for a cure. Cassandrous patiently explained how a Basilisk hid away in a nearby cave and deep inside held a sacred, fully golden Manuka bush, with which Cassandrous could make the cure.

With hope, Paliane equipped himself with a bow and sword and made his way up the mountain only to encounter another stranger. A squalid beggar who called himself Demeus sat at the edge of the village. 

“Would you happen to know where a cave would be?” questioned Paliane.

“Indeed…” mumbled the beggar, “I can guide you in exchange for food and company!” The lonely man rushed, hoping to fill the void in himself. After briefly resting to eat and Paliane recounting his mission, the two agreed to travel together with the promise of good company as they hastily rush toward the cave.

Reaching the entrance of the cavern, the basilisk’s formidable aura stretched across the walls. 

“Be wary," whispered Demeus, “on my journeys I have encountered such a beast. They have poisoned breath and eyes that change men’s bodies to stone.” 

Together, they snuck into the cave, only to immediately rouse the monstrous beast with the precious bush within grasp. Its serpent-like body twisting upwards, poised to strike, as its head slowly revealed itself. The two watched in horror as the amalgamation of a chicken head hovered, analyzing its newfound prey, its scaly body twitching with excitement. There sat under the Basilisk, weaved into the crack of a stone, the glistening golden bush. Quick as a hawk, Demeus lunged for the plant, ripping its roots from the cracked rock, and bolting back towards the village.

“W-why…?” sputtered Paliane as the Basilisk loomed behind him, shocked by Demeus’s treachery, “What warranted such a betrayal!” he shouted as shock quickly shifted to rage. 

But no word came from Demeus as he scampered out of the cave, running until only the golden color of the flowered bush draped across his shoulder could be seen.

The rumbling hiss of the Basilisk now captured Paliane’s attention as its toxic breath swirled from its poultry head down to its long, scaly body. Its body lunged forward, snapping out of its defensive coil, as its pale, yellow beak, dripping its venomous saliva, narrowly passed Paliane’s arm. The two dodged each other's attacks, enthralled by death’s dance. Just as the sun greeted the moon, the Basilisk broke off a stone. Whizzing past Paliane, it crashed into a shrub. A weasel popped his head out and scurried away. Suddenly, the Basilisk shirked away from the fuzzy creature, hissing. 

A realization hit Paliane. Swiftly, he shot an arrow through the weasel. Dashing over to the body, he quickly covered his blade in the blood. The beast had retreated to the mossy wall of the cave, unaware of its impending doom. Quick pecks thrusted towards Paliane, as the Basilisk’s panic increased, trying and failing to release its toxic fumes. SWISH. THUD.

The cavern quieted, the gushing sound of the liquid spilt being the only noise echoing in the darkness. The gaping head now rested at the feet of Paliane along with a bloodied sword. Silently scalping the creature for its crest, Paliane worked his way back down the mountain. The sullen man looked up from the trail upon hearing the subtle muffled cries of a familiar voice. Demeus, mortified, lay sprawled across the foliage, as vines pulled on his limbs. Without a word, just as Demeus did, Paliane silently broke open Demeus's grip, stealing away the wilted plant.

“I-I-I just wanted to be wealthy!" cried Demeus after finally shoving the vine that covered his mouth, “Please! I thought the people would accept me if I saved them!” Demeus desperately thrashed against the vines, “PLEASE! You can’t leave me!” Paliane remained mute, slowly walking away as the despaired cries echoed behind him.

Returning to the Manuka bush, his eyes met the god, Cassandrous. With an approving nod from Cassandrous, Paliane handed over the goods and watched. Briskly, the god ground the golden petals into a paste, and bit his thumb, drawing out his own golden liquid.

“Just smear this paste across the forehead of the infected and they shall be healed,” spoke Cassandrous, presenting the healing golden pulp. With a curt nod he disappeared back into the woods with his prized crest, with no explanation of why he wanted such a thing.

Thus, the town slowly recovered, but the villagers claimed Paliane’s attitude forever darkened toward any newcomers who visited.

By Leah Singley

-About me-

Leah is a high school Junior. She enjoys crocheting and reading in her free time, especially reading Greek mythology which inspired this story. She aspires to be an exotic veterinarian in the future.