Chapter 43: Becoming Nocturnal
The days were warm but the nights in Chemois were cold and Irene realized that from the moment she participated in her first night patrol.
When she was going to her father buried in the mines, it was the warmest point in the season and, despite the rain, she hardly realized the temperature. As she lifted her hood over her head and looked forward confidently, she told herself to simply adjust. Evolving was a requirement to be a knight.
Initially, Gunnar and Phillip split the apprentices in half and patrolled along the forest's edge, occasionally allowing their horses to go into the tree line. The moon was out but because of the thick leaves and denseness of trees, visibility was low.
They were practicing even more caution than usual because of what transpired before. If they lost control of the monsters, they would lose the people's trust, after all.
The group reconvened in the plains south of the Duke's Tower and once the knights were together again, Gunnar spoke up.
"Fortunately for us, it seems that the goblins that escaped last night have hidden themselves deeper in the forests," the older knight explained. "Not even a sign of activity. Was it the same for your group?"
He turned to Sir Phillip who nodded immediately.
"No signs," Phillip confirmed. "Not even a bone or scrap in sight."
The knights glanced over the group of apprentices.
"That could only mean we have to put in a more concentrated effort in clearing out the caves before winter," Gunnar continued musing. "Something to discuss with the Commander when he is in better health."
They said that each time, but the more he saw the Duke growing frail, he wondered if it would ever happen. Duke Arlin was the oldest knight and no longer practiced with a sword. It was obvious he was declining.