"I'd rather love you, then serve you" (Katemau)

Chapter 4 "news of war"

Katelyn's POV 

I was outside the dock, sitting on the beach as I watched the beautifully black sky turn pink while the sun rose. The crispy air filled my lungs while I closed my eyes, nothing but the sound of the ocean waves filled my ears. I sat there, feeling at peace with nature; meditating while I breathed. Just as soon as I relaxed,  I felt a sudden sound; disturbing my peace. I looked to my right, where the hill to enter the village was; there stood Aphmau in her uniform, sleepy. 

“Morning Katelyn.” Aphmau said, yawning in the process. 

“Good morning, Lord Aphmau.” I responded, facing my ship once more and closed my eyes. 

“What are you doing here so early? It's chilly..” Aphmau asked, rubbing her arms as she approached me. 

“I tend to come outside every once in a while. No one is out here so I can enjoy the silence without any soldiers asking questions.” I explained, opening my eyes to stand up and stretch. 

“I do the same. It's overwhelming.” Aphmau giggled. 

I nod at her comment. “Now I can ask you the same.. Why are you outside right now.” 

I watched her red cheeks get slightly brighter. “I wanted to talk to you about something.” 

I raise an eyebrow, waiting. 

“Listen.. something happened with Garroth. He suddenly.. changed.” She started, looking down. 

“Lets go to my office.” I interrupt her, waving for her to follow. 

She stares at me for a moment before she nods. She seemed hesitant to follow me, I don't blame her. She did just meet me a few weeks ago, but only spoke to me a few times. 

We boarded my ship and entered my office, it was very spacious and had my sleeping quarters connected with a hallway. My desk was right in the middle of the room with one window behind and another beside it. I had a few armor sets of mine on a stand in case I needed them and a few pictures to decorate the empty walls. I had two chairs in front of my desk and my comfortable chair where I sat. She sat in front of my desk, and I headed to my usual spot. 

“Okay so.. when you left, the rest of us stayed for a few more minutes.. but he seemed more distant now. Beforehand he was more interactive but when you left, he kinda just stopped talking. When I asked him what was wrong, he just dismissed me and left..” she began playing with her hands. 

I leaned back, listening attentively. 

“Before I came to see you, I went to the guard tower. He wasn't there, and when I went to the olds guards station, he wasn't in his room either. He kinda just disappeared.” She explained, seeming worried. 

“well. Did you do anything to upset him?”  I asked, wanting to help. 

“I don't think so.. this was just, random.” She responded. 

“So he just disappeared?” 

Aphmau nodded, seeming just as confused as me. 

“Well.. listen, the best you can do is look for him, maybe he's at the walls?” I moved to lean on my desk. 

“I'll check there then.. oh! I do want to update you on something.” Aphmau said, seeming a little more cheerful. 

“ We have some new residences. One is called Lillian, and another is called Nicole. The two wouldn't tell me their origins but I do have evidence that Lillian is up to no good. Can you help me keep an eye out?” She asked me.