The coach is here at the crack of dawn. It isn't Nora - they introduce themselves as Callan Hudson, as Nora is 'taking a break'. Though part of me wonders whether this is because of feeling of animosity towards my actions, I sternly remind myself that I am not the centre of the Chiefdom and that, seeing how much ferrying she has done, probably deserves a rest.
This chauffeur is less effortless, and seems rather nervous around me; perhaps he is new - I don't see any stubble on his face just yet. At any rate, the next two days pass mostly in silence, save for a period of hail and the blustery winds of the upcoming winter. I am quite glad now that I thought to return to Hilsbury; I had not thought to pack a fur the first time.
Something about this castle feels much more foreboding this time, I decide apprehensively, as I step off the carriage in front of the main gates for the third time.
Nothing seems to be awry yet, but the servants treat me, not with courtesy bordering on reverence like how most are received, but with a stiffness - still polite, but more uncertain. Whatever it is, it is creeping into the cold stone bricks, already dusted in frost, and through the small window despite the curtain I have made for it.
I am within the territory of a Chief Paladin well-renowned for his pride, having insulted his son just four days ago. Of course I feel as if in unsafe waters.
Theodore, surprisingly, does not have quite as animated a reaction as upon my last return.
"Ye kicked Chester Morgan out o' yer 'ome!?" is the first thing he whisper-yells at me as soon as he sees me outside my room, as I leave for a quick wander.
"Yes." I answer.
He stares, dumbfounded, then deflates a little, though still terrified. "Yer - yer walking on very dangerous territory, Adrian... Trying fer a royal position, ye shouldn't 'ave done that."
"It's not something I'm proud of." I sigh, closing my eyelids. "I-"
"Ye not worried about Solomon at all? 'E's 'ad people's heads for insolence before!"
That's when it strikes me; he's not angry at me. Even if he is, the overriding emotion seems to be-
-is fear. He's scared for my wellbeing and more importantly, life.
"That one Paladin questioning 'is decision to invite Ruby 'Ounslow to Aureus - who was it, 'Erbert Lowe? - called 'er Jan's aide and wanted her hunted down - 'e was guillotined fer the words." he continues in fright. "'E even 'ad status te protect 'im, so - ye good?"
"I'm alright." I say, recovering myself. "It hadn't occurred to me that this was the reason for Herbert's execution. I assumed it was for something much worse."
"Ye never 'eard?"
"I live on the outskirts of Hilsbury. Only the most major news filter through to me, and I don't seek to learn more."
"Staying out o' town gossip. Quite wise." Theodore chuckles nervously. "Well - see ye around."
He hurries down to the other end of the corridor. Understandably, he doesn't want to be seen with someone who may not be alive the next day. I retire to my room once again, taking a morsel out of my welcome meal every now and then, brooding silently.
Who's this coming up from the ground floor? Soft rustling of wings - Camael. Or Michael, perhaps. No, Michael's footsteps are softer and slower. These strides are more assertive, impassioned.
He nudges the door open deliberately and at length. I am correct.
"Longthorpe. Good to see you."
"And you too." I say evenly, thinking about cumulus clouds.
YOU ARE READING
Saviour of Neither
Random"There is another, master... But the soul of the Devil resides too within him and the resulting destruction will spell the end of us all." The magical people of Ceatha Tor believe that those that are amoral should be named and shamed: this is indica...
