Chapter 48: The Grand Children 2
"Master, I am sorry," Jethru’s voice trembled as he knelt beside the frail old man’s bed. His broad shoulders shook, and his fingers dug into the flesh of his palms. "I didn’t know. If I had, I would have come back... even if it cost me my life."
Tears streamed down his weathered face, releasing pent-up emotions that was bottled up for so long.
Outside the room, Lara, who had just finished settling Sandoz, heard the raw emotion in his voice. She paused, brows furrowing, then, with quiet steps, moved closer to the door, pressing her ear against the wood.
Beneath her, Sandoz mimicked her movements, curiosity shining in his wide eyes.
From the kitchen, Reya, holding a knife mid-chop, noticed their odd behavior. Her gaze flitted from the half-cut vegetables to the two figures at the door, their heads tilted in unison. With a bemused expression, she wiped her hands on her dress and joined them, pressing an ear to the wood.
Inside, Samuel’s voice, though weak, carried an unmistakable sternness.
"You brat!" he scolded. "It’s a good thing you didn’t come back. The day you escaped, the soldiers—led by the Cardils—stormed into my home, accusing me of aiding your disappearance. But of course, they found no proof no matter what they did." He exhaled, his thin chest rising and falling slowly. "Even if I had wanted to help you then, my hands were tied."
Jethru clenched his fists. His nails dug into his palms, but he barely felt the sting. "My escape was a fluke, Master. I was simply at the right place at the right time." His voice wavered as he recounted the tale of how fate had spared him.
Samuel listened in silence, his old eyes studying the man kneeling before him, before he finally asked, "But why did you not return after so long? You could have disguised yourself."