Chapter 17: Unexpected
"There's something to that child..." Gunnar muttered as he gazed towards the stables where Iro was undoubtedly working that day.
He had just finished meeting with Duke Arlin about the next couple of seasons in Tenetium. Things were as usual for the knights. They did the same thing each year.
"Iro has been here a day," the Duke responded. "Already thinking of making Sir Arthur's son your apprentice?"
Gunnar smirked and shook his head.
Even though he was a knight without a formal apprentice because his had passed away a few years before, he wasn't entirely set on appointing a new one. There were still wounds to be healed.
"Sir Arthur is quite protective of him," Gunnar explained. "I don't know if any of our current standing knights would measure up enough for a Litharion."
"Ah..." the Duke waved his hands, wanting to be done with the conversation. "I'm feeling a bit sick again. I ought to retire for now."
The old knight gave his Commander a once-over. His health had been declining for quite some time. It was a good thing Sir Arthur was still active in the knighthood. Would they soon need him to step up more?
"When will Her Grace return from the capital?" Gunnar wondered. "She was the one who said she would find a cure for whatever this is."
"Should be in the next few days," the Duke responded before standing up.
For a man who wielded swords his entire life, it was a shame to see him declining quickly because of something entirely out of his control. What would happen to the knighthood and the duchy if their heirless leader were to succumb to his illness?