Chapter 77: Change of Plans
Arthur was faced with the very end of the flooding season. He knew that he had been pushing it a little bit hard since his heart was spread across Chemois in pieces with his daughter on one side and his son and wife on another.
To get to the Duke’s Tower at the tail end of winter was a risk in itself, then returning home when the floods had only just left was an entirely new issue altogether. Each time his horse had to jump over a lower point full of water, he knew he ought to be diligent in the path forward. To break his horse’s ankle due to his need to see his wife was a death sentence for the animal.
As much as there was friction in his life with Rochelle since their daughter went off to be an apprentice, in her arms was still his home. The life he created with her would always be there. He felt almost giddy.
A man this size feeling giddy. The thought caused him to shake his head at how ridiculous he knew he was being.
He took the journey slow, leaving early in the morning and arriving late the following day. However, he knew it was the smart thing to do.
When he saw his large home in the distance, he forced his horse to move faster. He had the lands memorized and knew that there wouldn’t be any more problems with water or mud since they weren’t right next to the river.
There were only two knights left in the township as he approached and he acknowledged them quickly. He continued to his home where he left his horse to a stable hand and rushed through the front door.
Would there be dinner left over? When could he take in the lilac scent of his wife that only he was allowed to smell?
His hair was in disarray as he pulled off his helmet and bounded up the stairs. There he found his armor stand in the hallway where it always stood and he quickly took it off, wishing for a moment he had the help of an apprentice but deciding against it. Other good knights deserved an apprentice more than he.