Trilverda - Winds of the fall

Chapter 5

Erton came inside with Timmer. Vivien blinked twice after she saw him, astonished. Her eyes deepened in his green eyes, likely with affection. Her lips tried to stretch, she held them.

"I assume it is my turn to know my post, lady ..." Timmer asked, squinting his eyes.

"Lady Vivian" she nodded her head gently and forced her sight on the book. "Come, sit"

Timmer sat, gently, no sound at all. He stretched his neck, trying to get a glace of his name and others that will accompany him at his duties as the King's protector. Vivian, still searching for another name of that same post, turned the pages continuously, rendering Timmer unable to read a single name.

"It is to my amusement that King Reynor chose you as his King's guard" Vivian said.

"Of course, Lady Vivian. We are rather close friends and we trust one another" Timmer answered.

"That's even more surprising Timmer Rudner because this is the first time I am seeing you. I have helped this family since my father perished and left me his position"

"Well, maybe our King likes some friends to be a secret, you know, to his enemies, just like a potion hidden in your pocket"

Vivian startled, drove her hand in her pocket. Gooseflesh ran through her skin. "How did you know?"

"I was a student of Alchemy, once. I have met a lot of priestesses during my time"

"Really? Where did you study? If you don't mind, of course"

Timmer let out a gasp, looked down swinging his head. "I assume there are others behind me. I really don't want to-"

"Oh no no, you are the last one mister Rudner"

"Well, I studied at Gyopel's Dome"

"Oh my! That was where I studied and became a priestess. What a surprise, really" she said, smiling. Timmer chuckled, uncomfortable, but presentable.

"So, how come you are a King's protector and not a priest?" giggles halted as she asked.

"We choose our own ways, don't we?" Timmer asked.

The door creaked and Kelvin came in, patting at a guard's back and blessing him. He walked inside, Erton helped him with the walking, and rested in bed, facing at Timmer. Smiling nervously, Timmer sat, gulping.

"So, is he Timmer Rudner?" Kelvin inquired.

"Yes yes, a fancy lad" Vivian said.

"You mean a pretty lad"

"Somewhat pretty. I'd say he is the prettiest human I have sighted in years, probably"

"I see ... and he is the King's protector?"

"Yes, my lord"

Kelvin asked Erton to pass him the pot of water which rested over a book. Erton placed it on the table besides Kelvin's bed. The old man dipped his dry hands, one by one, in the pot and cleaned them with his robes. "Come lad. Give me your hand"

Timmer stood, glancing at Vivian and back to Kelvin. He stepped towards Kelvin and kneeled, spreading his hands for Kelvin to hold them. Kelvin held his hand and creased all around. Water moistened his hands.

"I see, it is rough but not so much woody. You do not fight with swords, do ya?" Kelvin asked.

"I prefer the spear. I am an excellent archer, as I am told" Timmer said, pride tainted his words.

"Yet I have seen best of archers shoot their own men during battles"

"You have seen, my lord?" Timmer asked with doubt in his eyes.