A Not Creaking Door. Part 3

Artham lay on his bed in Castle Rysen, his arm and head was bandaged. He was almost crushed by the tree limb, but he got lucky.

Arundelle had left a few hours ago, when it started to get dark, and was replcaed by Esben, who kept saying he was sorry. But Artham kept telling him he had nothing to be sorry for.

To be perfactly honest, Artham was proud of his injuries. He had akted the Throne Warden and saved Esben. He just wished it didn't have to be from a tree.

**************************

Artham woke in the middle of the night to his bed sinking on one end. He opened his eyes and saw Esben sitting next to him.

"What are you doing?" Artham asked.

Esben didn't say anything.

Artham tryed to sid up, but stopped. "Is there something wrong Es?"

"No." He sighed. "Thank you for saving me Arth. You almosty dyed."

"Yeah. It wouldn't have been very cool would it. Being killed be a tree." Artham hoped Esben would laugh at his joke, but he flinched.

"Es, it's okay. I am your Throne Warden, it is my job to protect you."

Esben fingered a string from Arthams bandage. "But you got hurt."

Artham sighed. "It doesn't matter if I get hurt or not."

"Yes it does." Esben said angriy. "Your my brother. I love you, and I don't want you to die."

Artham faught back tears. "I love you to. And that is why I must protect you. Protect protect protect. That is all that matters to me."

Esben sniffed. "But I don't want you to die. Your life matters to."

"Well, neather do I. I want to live, but it is not in my hands."

The Candle next to Arthams bed lit up. Both boys jumped.

"Hello my boys, why up so late?" Bonifer said, smiling at them. The old mans eyes twinkled.

A shiver wend donw Arthams spine. He hadn't heard Bonifer in the hall, or his room door squeak as he came in.

"Hi Mr. Bonifer." Esben said. "I was checking on Arth. Is that okay, or illiy illegil?"

Bonifer laughed. "Illegal. And no, it is perfactly fine. I was coming to do the same."

Artham looked at Bonifer. He was still wondering how he got it whenBonifer asked him a question. "What?" He asked. "What did you say?"

Bonifer frowned. "I asked if you are feeling okay?"

Artham nodded. "I have a head ache, and my arm hurts, but I am okay."

"You controdicted yourself lad." Bonifer teased. "You can't say both hurt and okay in the same sentance."

Artham laughed, which hurt. He cringe.

Bonifer looked at Esben. "I think it's time for you to go back to bed young man."

Esben looked at Artham, a question in his eyes.

Artham nodded. "Go on Es. You need your sleep for the Zibzy game tomorrow."

"I don't feel like playing Zibzy," Esben mumbled as he left the room. Artham and Bonifer watched as the door shut. Bonifer looked back at Artham.

"I have a presant for you." He pulled a thin green leather book from a pocket in his coat. He handed it to Artham.

"This is a book that I found in the library in the Green Hollows. It has tails from everywhere is Aerwiar (Did I spell that right?) Including some about the Sea Dragons."

Arthams eyes widened. "The Sea Dragons?"

"Yes. I have read it many times. I though you would like it."

Artham didn't know what to say. Books from teh Green Hollows vast library were rare. At least to him.

"How did you get this?"

"I have a friend in the Green Hollows who sells me books. I got it from him several years go."

"Are you sure you want to part with it?" Artham asked.

Bonifer softly chuckled. "It is just a book. Easy to part with, but easy to get back. I am serious, take it. And use it well." He patted Arthams knee that was under the blanket. "Get some sleep now. You have some healing to do, and rest is isential to healing." He turned and started to walk out the door.

"Mr. Bonifer?" Artham asked.

He turned back. "Yes lad?"

"How did you get in without me hearing you?"

Bonifer grinned. "I have my secrets, now go to sleep." He left the room.

Artham lay there in the dark. Wondering and thinking.

"Maybe there is more to Bonifer then meets the eye." He whispered to himself. The went to sleep.

Please tell me if this was any good😁