Chapter 206 - 207
They arrived at the gap a short while after, the boys helping the girls to scramble over the loose pile of rubble as best they could. A few moments later and they were running down the long path that led to Caedmon’s estate. They didn’t get far, however, when Anice sensed her father’s aura closing in on them at a rapid pace from the direction of their home, accompanied by Stason and Mr. Albeck. Judging by their speed, they were on horseback.
They came into sight about three hundred paces away from the bend in the pathway where it wound around the large hill that obscured the estate from view, healthy oak trees lining the dirt road on either side. All were dressed in clean white clothes, their hair slick with styling grease and their holy ovals dangling from their necks as they hurried down the path with purpose.
Caedmon’s silver eyes flashed with relief as he caught sight of her, at which point he spurred his steed—Alistar’s white palfrey, Star—onward as fast as the beast could manage. He arrived in front of them a moment later, scrambling to the ground so frantically that he tripped on his own feet during the dismount. Not caring for his image, he pulled her into a tight embrace as soon as he found his footing.
"My girl..." he said with a weak voice. "My sweet girl. Thank Lucian you’re okay!"
"Papa," she cried, tears streaming down her face as soon as she smelled the familiar scent of parchment and ink that always seemed to follow her father around. "Alder...Alder was killed by the demon!"
Caedmon’s pupils contracted, as did those of the other men. Maintaining his hold on his daughter, he stared over her head at Corrie, who seemed the most in control of his mind, and said, "What’s going on in town? Someone seems to be fighting the intruder. Did the delegation arrive to subjugate him?"
"It’s Sword Master Tramon. He told us to go to your estate. He said you were helping the townsfolk flee."
Processing the information, Caedmon looked around with wide, worried eyes. "Where’s Alistar? Was...was he with you just now?"
"He went somewhere this morning. We don’t know where he is."