Chapter 136: When the Snow Stops
The following day, Irene woke up to more snow piled on the roof, but the sun shining down on them was far different than the days before.
Before going to sleep, Sir Gunnar told her that if the snowstorm was behind them, they would leave that day.
The thought of having to leave caused her to sit down for a moment. Despite how motivated she was to return to the Duke’s Tower, there was a bit of sadness that her father wouldn’t be coming back with her, nor would he be there when spring rolled around and the floodplains filled.
She collected herself enough to know that these thoughts weren’t going to motivate her and there wasn’t time to wallow in self-pity when there were so many duties ahead.
No longer was she merely an apprentice training to prove herself as a knight, she was the highest-ranked active knight’s apprentice which meant that she needed to stick to Sir Gunnar and do whatever he asked of her.
Her duties would likely change to things that supported him. She would have to prioritize much differently.
That was enough to push her forward.
There was no hesitation left within her as she took a quick bath and cleaned herself up. After that, she got back into the traveling clothing that Ella had washed for her in the time she was there. Luckily, it felt completely dry so she wouldn’t have to worry about freezing in the cold winter temperatures outside.
When she finally left her room and bounded down the stairs with her saddlebags over her shoulders, Sir Gunnar was sitting in a chair in the front sitting room and was surprised to see Irene up and ready.
"You must have seen outside already," he realized.
"Yes," she responded. "I am ready to leave after we eat something."