The Dreamer's Fall

Chapter 14 - Playing Detective

When he stepped into the training field, the clanking noise of steel strikes entered Arthur's ears. A few guards were lightly sparing nearby, but he didn't recognize them, so he continued across the field without paying them much mind.

As he made his way toward a small, unassuming building that stood next to the barracks, the sun's stifling rays bombarded Arthur with every step he took. Being outside in the Revan territory made him feel disgustingly sticky, so he picked up his pace and let himself inside when he arrived.

"Can I help you, lord?" A middle-aged man behind a shoddy desk asked as he entered.

Arthur didn't respond immediately, instead opting to look around the small office as he recovered from the sun's brutal assault. The office was rather spartan in its furnishings, which wasn't all that surprising considering that it was used by the family guard.

Next to the shoddy desk was something similar to a corkboard with schedules tacked on. Arthur scanned the names written on it for a moment before finally turning his gaze toward the middle-aged man.

"Hello, sir. I'm looking for Captain Onarr, please." Arthur stated with a smile.

"That's me, lord. May I ask why you're looking for me?" Captain Onarr asked.

"Oh, good!" Arthur cheered. "I'm looking for Foster Welt. He usually stands guard at the study, but I haven't been able to find him today."

"Foster?" Captian Onarr raised his brow. "I'm sorry, but he didn't come in for roll call this morning."

"He didn't come in?" Arthur was confused. "I thought the guards lived in the barracks? How could he not come in for roll call?"

"When the guards aren't on duty, they're free to do as they please. They occasionally go out to the city for drinks, Foster especially. It wouldn't be the first time he missed roll call because he drank too much and passed out in some alley."

Arthur thought for a moment. "Would you happen to know who he was with last night?"

"I don't, but his usual drinking buddy Harkon might know. He should be right outside sparring. Would you like me to take you to him, lord?" Captain Onarr asked as he began to rise out of his seat.

Arthur raised his hand and nodded his head. "No, thank you. I can figure it out. Thanks for your time, sir!"

As soon as Arthur turned away from Captain Onarr, his innocent expression distorted. He had far too much on his mind to be running around playing detective, and if he found Foster passed out in an alley, Arthur would likely wake him up with a fireball as thanks for the unneeded trouble.

Once he exited the office and entered the training field, Arthur walked to the nearest sparing guards. "Hello! Are either of you Harkon?"

However, before the guards could respond, a soft voice called out from a few dozen feet away. "I'm Harkon, Lord."

Arthur turned to see the voice's source and was surprised to see a guard even scrawnier than Foster walking toward him. He seemed meek and looked as if he hadn't stepped out of his teenage years just yet.

Arthur only needed one look to determine why Foster brought Harkon along when he drank. Foster was likely playing the fun senior and taking advantage of his junior's wallet.

"You're looking for me?" Harkon asked as he reached him.

Arthur shook his head and stopped himself from feeling sorry for the kid. "I am! I'm looking for Foster, and Captain Onarr said you might know where he is."

"Foster?" Harkon appeared confused. "I thought he was with you, lord."

"With me? Why would you think that?" Arthur asked curiously.