Laevon’s heart was much lighter as he approached the gates of the estate on his way to the castle. He felt as though he and Laeleth were again as close as they once were.
He noticed Schuyler standing at the gates with Gabriel. Laevon began to quicken his pace as he hoped that nothing important had transpired between them.
“Greetings, Laevon … Captain!” began Schuyler as he quickly saluted. “I just came to report on the unit before you arrived today.”
“Very well, Schuyler,” Laevon replied.
It was not unusual for the young lieutenant to come and walk with Laevon into the city as he enjoyed his new friend’s company and found any reason he could to appear “useful.” Schuyler nodded and stood waiting for their departure.
Laevon turned to Gabriel and spoke in a lower tone, “I met with Laeleth, as promised. I am quite relieved that I did.” He smiled faintly and remarked assuredly, “All is well again.”
Gabriel’s expression lightened at this, as up until now he had appeared rather grave. “I am glad to hear it, Laevon,” he said sincerely.
He then eyed Schuyler briefly and noted, “Your lieutenant Bryant has informed me that there have been some inquiries about our arrival. It appears that the people of Verzstani are quite curious to know who these ‘outsiders’ are.”
Laevon immediately felt annoyed with Schuyler. He was suspicious that the carefree boy had likely not kept his word. “Well, I am certain it is of no concern to them whatsoever," he replied firmly as he stared pointedly at a rather uncomfortable looking Schuyler.
“We will speak more of this later, Gabriel,” Laevon assured him with a farewell nod.
Stepping forward through the gate, Laevon called to Schuyler without glancing back, “Lieutenant!”
Schuyler hastened to meet up with his captain as he waved once quickly to Gabriel.
Laevon’s steps tread firmly upon the dusty path towards the main city. He was beginning to doubt his decision in asking Schuyler to stay. He had been nothing but a source of frustration it seemed. Even now the boy was ambling along beside him, humming quietly to himself as though nothing had happened. This annoyed Laevon greatly and he could no longer hold his tongue.
“Schuyler,” Laevon’s tone was stern. “What all did you speak of with Gabriel?”
Schuyler immediately straightened his posture and replied respectfully, “Only what he told you, Capt’n. The city has been whispering about their arrival the last few days. Some of the guardsmen were quite curious … and well, I didn’t really know what to say.” He shrugged his shoulders at this remark. He seemed all too casual about the incident.
Laevon stopped immediately and glared at the guard. “What do you mean exactly?” he asked in a colder tone. “Did you say anything to anyone, Schuyler?”
“Well … um … I …” the guilty young man stammered over his words as he began to realize what he had done.
“I warned you not to speak of this,” Laevon reprimanded him in a low, scathing tone. He clenched both fists tightly in an attempt to remain calm. “My private affairs are mine to handle, do you understand?”
“Oh no, Sir; I mean yes, Sir, I mean! Oh God, Laevon, for the love of … I am sorry.” Schuyler was now in a slight state of panic as he tried not to glance at Laevon’s wrathful expression.
It was all Laevon could do to restrain his ire. Now more than ever he questioned his faith in this ignorant youth. But choosing to withhold the torrent of angry words he wished to speak, he replied in a precise and punctuated tone, “Schuyler, listen to me very carefully. You must tell me exactly who you talked to and all of what you said.”
