The Dreamer's Fall

Chapter 26 - Thanks to Minaan

After his conversation with Kyren, Arthur glanced around the thrifty bedroom he had called his own for the past thirteen years. There was little to pack outside of his clothes and weapons. The lack of belongings reminded him of just how little he had interacted with the world of Nithe so far.

He wasn't really the type to get sentimental over such things, but a sense of loss always accompanied significant changes, and Arthur wasn't immune to such effects.

Senna was the first to arrive. She rushed to his side and began looking over his bloodied arm the moment she entered the bedroom. "It needs to be bandaged right away. Have you cleaned it yet?"

Arthur shook his head as he glanced toward the wound. "Not yet. I haven't had time and don't want to stay here any longer than we need to."

"It's not something you can put off. It'll get infected, and you'll get sick. I'll go and fetch some fresh water and bandages." Senna chided.

The wound had stopped bleeding shortly after leaving Edward's office, so he hadn't paid it much mind, but Senna was right. He really needed to take care of it soon lest he found himself hauled off to an Ikkoryn clinic against his will due to infection.

Arthur grabbed her hand as she turned to leave. "Wait. I'll send a maid soon. I'm sure you've heard by now, but I've killed Merin, and Elyria would like nothing more than to find a way to get back at me. So I don't want you wandering the manor alone."

"I heard..." Senna paused and looked deeply into his eyes. "I assume you had a good reason to kill her?"

Arthur wanted to tell her the truth about his mother's death but held his tongue. Given the chaotic day, it wasn't a good time for such revelations.

"I did." He replied.

Senna nodded. "Then that's all I need to hear. I know you best, after all, so I know you wouldn't kill someone without a good reason."

Arthur felt a bit guilty and opted to change the subject, but another visitor arrived at his door as he opened his mouth to speak.

Fenric bowed after Senna let him inside. "Lord Arthur."

"Good timing." Arthur smiled. "I intend to leave the manor today and stay with the rest of the soldiers until we depart. I wonder if your camp has room for fourteen more?"

Arthur felt it best to leave out the details regarding his banishment. He worried learning about it might give Fenric cause for concern when the reality of the situation was much less severe than it sounded.

"There is room, but..." Fenric subtly glanced at Senna as if asking whether or not it was safe to speak in front of her.

"She knows everything you do." Arthur assured him.

"I broke my word to you and told your father about today's events. He appeared to already be aware of your abilities and—"

Arthur raised his good hand, stopping Fenric. "—Don't worry about that. It was my fault for suddenly changing the story. Had we stuck to the original story, he would've been none the wiser, and you wouldn't have been put in such a position. I'm sorry, I can't imagine it was enjoyable having my father interrogate you."

Fenric scratched his head awkwardly. "Still, I don't like breaking my word."

"I assure you it's fine. I should be arriving at your camp within a few hours. If you still feel like you wronged me somehow, could you have some space cleared by then?"

"That's not a problem. I can make some room as long as you don't mind being next to a bunch of rowdy commoners."

"I actually prefer it." Arthur laughed. "Good, since that's sorted I should arrive just before sundown. So I'll see you then."