Chapter 174: Unexpected Wave
A misleadingly peaceful spring met the knights and apprentices. As moods improved with nice weather, there were a few moments of ’we have this under control’ that made them believe it was the truth.
The apprentices knew that spring meant splitting of their duties.
A few were going across the duchy with knights to make sure the entirety of the lands were safe. Others were participating in outdoor duties during the day. Irene and the usual two others she spent most of her time with were participating in night watch.
Despite the lack of sleep, Irene quite liked being relied on for her bow skills. It was something she only got to practice sometimes. It allowed her to insist she ought to practice and use it more often.
Gunnar was in the fields, ensuring that the opposite tree line in the east didn’t have anything hiding within it. Since the rest of the knights were on the other side of that in another stretch of plains, he felt it was alright to only direct his horse briefly into the tree line.
Somewhat adjusted to that nocturnal sleeping schedule, Irene faced away from the mountains as she leaned against the massive brick and stone-lined wall where she peered through one of the battlements since the squared-off crenellations were a bit too tall for her to see over.
There hadn’t been much action that night. Not even anything to hunt, and she had to admit she was getting a bit bored.
However, being at the highest vantage point was a major responsibility in her eyes, so even if she wasn’t entertained, she still took the job seriously.
There was shuffling beside her where Leif got to his feet.
The older apprentice looked towards the mountains. He squinted his eyes as he wondered if something was playing tricks on him.
"What is it?" Irene asked gently, not turning to her friend since her eyes were adjusting to the darkness, and wondering if she could see anything worthwhile.