Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 49: A New Council

Stood in the courtyard were Aiden, Henry, and Ingrid. The gates lifted. Hesev walked in, leaving his horse with his men.

"So, why have you summoned me here Knight Protector?"

"Have you visited the infirmary lately?"

"Yes, there have been fewer patients lately."

Henry crooked his lips. "There have actually been no new patients since the duel. This gives us an opportunity."

"For a celebration."

Aiden raised his brows.

"We've only recently made peace," Hesev put in.

"We are allies are we not? Let us show that to the people." Henry glanced towards Aiden and widened his eyes.

Stepping forward, Aiden paused for a while. "I think our alliance would be fortified with our men working together to keep the peace during the celebration. Not all the Elite look down on you. If anything our very existence was to protect the likes of man. What say the Ursa Ignis?"

"As I said before, young lord. You're different from all the rulers that came before you."

"When you've seen war like we have, you'll know how important it is to unite against the darkness."

The prime hunter smirked. "Alright, so when is this planned celebration."

Ingrid raised her chin. "In 3 days. It will take at least 3 days for the last patients to recover."

"I'll be sure my men are ready by then, my lady." Hesev bowed to Ingrid. He brought his attention to Aiden. "I will see to it that my men understand the importance of this celebration, my lord," he said bowing. Looking to Henry he greeted him, "Sir, fare thee well."

All 3 of them watched Hesev and his men leave the castle grounds.

"A celebration," Ingrid said to Henry. "When did you plan on letting us know about it?"

"It was a council meeting of sorts wasn't it."

Ingrid shook her head. "Still, I would have liked to have known beforehand."

"Well you two were exhausted yesterday, I thought it would be something nice for the people."

"And I agree with you, Henry," Ingrid said calmly.

Henry nodded. "I applaud what you said to Hesev, Aiden. Father used to say that all the time when we were younger. "The Elite are the protectors," he'd boast. Remember, Ingrid."

With half a smile she looked at him.

"I always thought the Elite weren't meant to lead," Aiden said while staring at the ground.

Ingrid sighed. "The main purpose you're here wasn't to lead, Aiden. It was to be protected."

"I can do both." Aiden looked Ingrid full in the face.

Henry took a step back. "I should secure the main square. It's the only place wide enough to accommodate the people."

"And I have to check on the infirmary."

"Ingrid―"

She paced beside Henry.

"Me and Gytha can handle this," Henry said, looking down at his sister over his shoulder.

"Henry, this is my responsibility."

"And I saw the infirmary yesterday, I'm telling you, the local healers got this."

Ingrid creased her forehead. "I'm not doubting their skill."

"I'm not saying you are. Look, let me take care of things for once, dear sister."

Smiling, Ingrid roughed up Henry's hair. "The young wolf has finally grown up."

Henry chuckled and dodged Ingrid's left hand, then he looked at her seriously.

Both their smiles slowly faded.

"I'll see you two for dinner," Henry said to Aiden and Ingrid.