The following month became increasingly busy.
The new noble sons who would be training to become squires arrived. Not only that but with the expansion plan in full swing, most of the knights had extra duties on top of their usual ones.
One of Gabel's extra responsibilities was leading the first couple weeks of training for the new lads.
It was high noon and he was just about finished with their training when Riftan came riding up to them on his steed Talon.
"Training is done for today, go rest in the annex."
All the lads quickly gathered their gear and left the training grounds.
Riftan then turned to Gabel, "Lachzion get your steed, there is something I wish to show you."
Gabel nodded and went to the stable for his horse.
He mounted and rode over to Riftan who was waiting for him out in the garden.
Quickly they left the castle grounds and headed towards the village.
The town was bustling with people.
Anatol had become one of the biggest trade centers in all of the seven kingdoms.
The villagers parted in the streets, making way for their legendary lord of the land and his knight.
Several miles outside of the village a row of new homes came into view.
Riftan motioned with his head, "The one on the end is for the woman and your child."
Gabel widened his eyes in shock.
The home was much larger than the typical Anatolian village house.
Riftan jumped off his steed and headed to the door, "Come look Lachzion."
After staring at the outside of the house for a minute Gabel jumped off his steed and followed.
The Inside of the home was rather extravagant. Everything new, fresh and fully furnished.
Gabel walked over to a large window in the main bedroom. There was a clear view of Anatol's port.
It was a beautiful sight, one he imagined his Elara loving.
He , glanced in each one of the rooms.
An intense feeling of joy overtook him while envisioning his small son crawling about the floors, playing.
"Commander this house is much nicer than every other village home I have ever seen before."
Riftan crossed his arms over his chest and nodded, "Yes, I intended this one to be."
Then clearing his throat he continued, "You are not a Anatol Villager Lachzion. You are one of my knights so I felt it was right for your family to reside as such."
Gabel smiled.
His commander was not one to share his feelings or affection with anyone other than his wife Lady Calypse. Gabel could see this was Riftan's way of taking care of his own.
"Commander I was going to wait to ask but since we are on a similar topic, I wish to ask permission to take Elara as my wife."
Riftan put his hand up, "One thing at a time Lachzion. Let's get them here and settled first before we talk about this further."
Gabel once again nodded and followed Riftan as he turned to head back out of the door.
Both men mounted their steeds and slowly trotted back up the village.
"The village expansion has gone much quicker than I intended. I will be sending word to the Earl of Loverne today to set up a time in next coming week to reconvene."
Gabel's heart began to beat heavy in his chest.
This meant he could bring Elara and his son back to Anatol much sooner than he was originally told.
A huge smile spread across his face.
Riftan glanced over, "Let us stop by the port, I wish to see the progress there."
Gabel followed him as they veered off to the right heading directly for the port.
Like the village expansion, the port expansion was way ahead of schedule. Riftan had been working day and night in hopes to have it finished in time for the spring festival that was vastly approaching.
After inspecting the recent work they left the port and headed back up to Calypse Castle.
Several days later Riftan called for a meeting in the council room.
"Good, I will make this quick. The expansion project of Anatol's port and Village is well underway and will be completed before this years Spring festival. I also wanted to announce that I am planning a small raid for the junior knights to gain more experience. Nirtha and Ricaydo you both will be going in my stead."
Upon hearing this Hebaron shoved his large elbow into Ursuline side.
"Together again aye Ricaydo," the giant knight smirked.
Ursuline scowled, "I am enthused."
Riftan then put his hand on the table and continued, "Tomorrow I will be leaving to convene with the Earl of Loverne once more. When I return I will start preparations for the junior knight's raid. Lachzion and Charon will be in charge of the squires training during such raid. You both will also be rejoining me to Loverne tomorrow. That is all now go, your dismissed."
Gabel stood from the table.
He was about to leave when Riftan called out,
"Lachzion I am just giving a brief summary of the progress on the expansion project to the Earl tomorrow evening. We will leave at dawn the following morning. Have the woman and child ready to depart by then."
Gabel excitedly nodded his head.
"Yes Commander!"
"Good now go, Tomorrow we shall leave an hour before dawn."
Gabel hurriedly left the council room. He could barely contain his excitement to see Elara again.
Not only that but tomorrow he would get to hold his son for the first time.
That evening, he of course found no rest. The excitement overtook him.
He laid awake in bed till it was time to rise the next morning.
An hour before down, Elliot, Gabel and Riftan mounted their steeds.
Unfortunately It began to rain the minute they started their journey, and continued to downpour for the entire ride to Loverne.
At the Earls caste Gates, Riftan and Elliot dismounted.
"Tell the Earl Riftan Calypse has returned, and show us too our rooms immediately. We need to clean up."
Gabel who was still mounted behind shouted, "Commander I am going to go get Elara and my son now!"
Riftan turned around and furrowed his brows.
"At least dry off first Lachzion."
Gabel shook his head, "Sorry commander, I do not wish to lose anymore time."
Riftan stuck his hand up,"Very well, go."
Turning his steed around, Gabel rode off to the serene farm.
To Elara, who he had left surrounded in the sunset.
