Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 39: Shelter

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The ringing of bells echoed as Aiden rose into the sound of panic.

"The walls have been breached!" shouted the men at the gates.

Aiden rushed to get his armor on its stand. He was surprised to see the Sword of Light leaning against his armor.

"White Knight!"

After turning to face the person calling out to him, Aiden found himself sitting upright in his slumber yet again. The attack on Rathorn Hill had been a dream. Aiden sat on the side of his bed and looked out the window. The sky showed a faint line of light peaking through the mountains. There was at least an hour left till sunrise, but Aiden didn't want to go back to sleep. He immediately placed his armor on and climbed the stairs leading to the walkway on the castle's curtain wall.

Henry joined him there shortly. "You look tense. Bad dream?"

"A terrible one actually."

"Well, what was—"

The Lord of Rathorn turned to face Henry. "Can we go back to the infirmary earlier today?"

The Knight Protector sighed. "Certainly, my lord."

Walking back to the castle, Aiden passed by Gytha in the courtyard. She had her laid flat against her forehead; she was watching the sunrise. "Good morning, Lord Aiden."

"Mornin," he replied. "Were you well-rested in your quarters?"

"Most certainly, my lord." She glanced at the mountains again before looking back at Aiden. "Sorry, I was just admiring the sunrise. When are we going back to the infirmary? I would hate to be away for too long."

"It's beautiful, isn't it. Three years and I don't get tired of seeing it each morning. We're actually heading out soon. Do you have all you need?"

The healer lifted her satchel. "All here."

"Alright, I take my leave, milady."

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As the convoy reached the infirmary, Finnian was outside waiting for them. "Henry," he said bowing to the Kight Protector. "Good Sir," he said while bowing to Aiden.

Gytha promptly made her way to the infirmary.

"Any deaths last night?" the Lord of Rathorn asked Finnian.

"None, my—good sir."

Aiden looked to the side. "You've been on guard here for three days now. Are you sure you don't want to trade places with Henry for tonight?"

"I actually have relatives who live close by. I drop by there every end of my watch. So, I don't mind being the knight on guard here."

Raising a brow, Aiden replied, "I didn't know that. I hope they're well."

"All of them remain healthy so far."

Aiden patted Finnian on the shoulder and both men nodded at each other.

The first person Aiden saw was Ingrid leaning against a post, covering her face. "Are you alright there miss?"

Ingrid pushed her ash-brown hair back pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm fine." She straightened her back.

Lifting his visor, Aiden smiled at her.

"Oh, it's you." The healer smirked. "Is Gytha here?"

The Lord of Rathorn pointed upward. "Already brewing and mixing, I presume."

She glanced up and curved her lips.

"Have you had any rest head healer?"

Ingrid shook her head. "Fine, I'll come rest up in the castle tonight."

"How about the third one? The one from the South."

"She tells me that she's been trained to get by with little sleep. Part of her training as a Southern mage."

Aiden crooked a brow. "That sounds very militarized."

"She's lived a harsh life that one."

"You've read her mind too?" Aiden asked.

Ingrid glanced sharply at Aiden. "I didn't mean to. I usually wear gloves now to prevent that, but yes I've seen her past and it's not for me to tell."

"She could come rest up tomorrow."

"Good luck convincing her to. She's even more stubborn than me when it comes to thinking of herself."

The Lord of Rathorn glanced at the sick. "Have you learned anything else about the illness?"

"Well one thing stands out—"

"Wait tell me tonight with Henry," Aiden said in almost a whisper. "Little birds could be lurking about."

Just then Henry patted Aiden on the back. "Your turn on the front door, rooky."

Lowering his visor, Aiden replied, "Right away, sir."