Arcanum

Chapter 17: Lucas

Every step burned like hell. Yes, I was in pain. But not as much as I was before. The king truly will kill me this time though. I supposedly "left" the group, and has been missing.

Oh god what if he thinks I was communicating with the renegades?!

And what was up with that bastard that ambushed me with many people?

I growled slightly as I thought about punching that smug look off of that bastard's face.

"Lucas! Dear lord!" A familiar austrailian voice rung out, and I looked to see Scott rushing towards me on his horse.

He jumped off when it was in mid run, and he practically hugged me.

"What in the world happened to you last night!? I woke to find ya gone!" He exclaimed as he checked me over, and was shocked to see my injuries.

"Who gave you these?" He demanded, and I thought quickly.

"The renegades. I walked away to have a smoke last night and they caught me." I lied. I really don't smoke. I have no interest in it.

He seemed to believe it though.

He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when we heard hooves. Soon, Sam and Rebecca appeared.

I breathed in sharply at how exhausted everyone looked.

"We were looking for you all night." Sam explained, obviously noticing my shock.

"I apologize sincerely then." I bowed, and they all nodded.

"You can ride back with me. I don't know where your horse is. But your weapons are here." Scott explained, and handed me my sword and bow.

I nodded, and equipped them back to where they were before, before I climbed onto the horse with Scott.

I hung onto his shoulders as we raced back to the kingdom, and when we raced across the drawbridge, the king's right hand man stood there.

"General Lucas." He announced loudly, and I jumped off of the horse. Scott sent me a last look before he rode off to the stables.

"The king wishes to see you immediately." He told me, and I nodded and walked as best as I could to the throne room.

"Ah Lucas, how did the hunt go?" The king asked, and I bowed to him.

"It went well your highness." I said to him, keeping all worry and fear out of my voice.

"Did you bring back any heads?" I could hear the excitement in his voice, and I nodded.

"The rest of the group has them." I explained, and the king nodded.

"You have redeemed yourself, Lucas. You may go rest for the rest of the day." The king told me, and I thankfully nodded at him, and walked to my room.

I pealed off the dirty bandages, and put on new ones.
There was a knock on the door, and I looked up and considered just staying silent.
"Come in." I said reluctantly.
The door creaked open to reveal Trisha. She shyly walked in.
"Are you okay?" She asked, and I nodded as I began to bandage my leg. She rolled her eyes.
"You always were hopeless at medical." She grumbled as she grabbed the roll of bandage and began to do it herself.
I looked away until she finished and I nodded my thanks.
"I haven't heard of much wars coming up. Thank god. It means we can all rest." Trisha sighed in relief, and I could only agree with her.
"We've been overworked." I grumbled and she sat down beside me and it went silent.
"Did you find your parents?" She asked, and I flinched.
"Sorry!" She apologized quickly, but I shook my head.
"No. I didn't find them. I'm starting to lose hope in ever finding them." I forced out every word, and every syllable tasted like bile.
"I'm sorry.. I'm sure you're always on their mind." Trisha told me, and my heart ached.
"It's okay. They're happier out there. I'm sure." I told her, and smiled weakly.
"Well. You're father would want you to surpass him so keep training. You're not quite his level yet." She winked, and walked out.
I stared at the door for a while longer, before I glanced back at the closet and opened it.
It had two swords in it.
Mine, and my fathers.
Except my fathers holds too much power. It's been infused with rare minerals and crystals, now, it's too powerful for anyone to use.
Except for my father. Whenever I try to use it, I end up burning my hands, breaking out in hives, choke, ectera.
I shakily grabbed the hilt, and stared at it. It was bandaged up so it didn't end up blowing me up.
I turned away quickly and slammed the doors on the closet shut.
"No.. Not yet."