Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 13)

“…yeah I guess that is kind of the point of locks, universally.”

He chuckled. "Exactly. If some of us died with keys on our person we might be able to get through, though."

“Oh my gods.” That was so, so much worse. “Did he? Do you know if he did? Septimus said he has a sword — can he use that, too?”

"He died a Lord, so he definitely has keys to some places, but not all. And he definitely has and can use a sword." He patted his own. "No worries about that, though."

“Very much worries,” she argued, chest tight with fear. “Will he try to kill me if you’re not here? Can he?”

"I mean." He thought for another long moment. "He's not the sort to try and kill someone outright. He likes to play the long game. And I have no idea if he can kill you or not. Maybe he can kill your soul?" He shrugged. "But I don't think killing is on the agenda for him. He doesn't kill important people."

She let out a fearful squeak at the soul comment. What did that even mean? “I’m not important… I’m just an easy means of getting to his brothers.”

"Exactly. So you're important. Someone unimportant would be somebody unrelated to the family who, in the long run, would only upset them for a little while."

She let out a shaky breath. “… and he can touch me? Hurt me?” She clarified. “I don’t think I fully understand my role here.”

"He can touch you and hurt you." He nodded. "But he can't hurt your body. Make sense?"

“…no,” she admitted. “What?”

"If my theory is correct, he can harm your soul but not your body. You might be in physical pain from it but it wouldn't affect you otherwise.'

“…I see.” Vaguely. “… so it’s going to hurt, but I’m not actually in danger? Could he leave bruises? Or… marks? Like… if he did get to me, would it be obvious to everyone?”

"He couldn't leave any marks--again, this is speculation--but he'd be damaging your soul."

“…would it heal?” she asked hesitantly. “I don’t understand, I’m sorry.”