All Things New: Chapter Ten

I have matching chapter numbers this time 🤣

CHAPTER TEN: INVESTIGATION

Artham walked, with his little brother by his side, to the Keeper’s the following day. Arundelle had been nervous when Artham said he would be going, but she hadn’t opposed, knowing she wouldn’t be alone. 

“So, what should we say to the Keeper about all of this?” Esben asked, breaking the ominous silence his brother had been keeping.

“You lead, I’ll follow,” Artham replied.

“Right. Just, kick me if I say something stupid.”

“Deal.”

“Don’t sound so excited about kicking me!”

They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they did arrive at the Keep, many other leaders were waiting, men and (some!) women with beards.

Esben had a hard time looking at the women. 

Artham said a silent prayer to the Maker as he and his brother took their seats at the council table. The Keeper was at the head, his elbows on the table, his hands covering part of his face. Artham could see he was deep in thought.

When everyone finally took their seats, the Keeper was the first to speak.

“What happened last night, was a disgrace.” He suddenly stood up, his voice not much louder than a thundercloud.

“How, leader of the Durgans, could a filthy Dooner get past our boundaries, and harm an innocent young girl, and our Throne Warden, my own kin?!”

The man, the leader of the Durgans, looked down, his face a mixture of shame and fear. “I do not know, my lord.”

“I’ve half a mind to-bah!” 

The Keeper sat back down again. There was a silence no one dared break. Finally, the Keeper let out a heavy sigh.

“High King, Throne Warden, you have no idea how sorry I am for this. And not to embarrass anyone, but I think I know why they went after Arundelle.”

He stood again, and began pacing the room, as was his custom when angry or concerned.

“Artham, it’s no secret you have some amount of affection for that girl.”

Artham could feel his cheeks burn. Did the Keeper really need to mention that in front of all of them?

“That’s a low blow. They’re trying to take you out. I don’t think Ari is half as much in danger as you are.”

“If anyone tries to touch my brother, I’ll show him!” Esben exclaimed, standing up and pounding his fist into his hand.

Artham sighed. He stood as well, putting his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“That might be true, Keeper, but I don’t care that much about any issue regarding me. I am much more concerned about Ari, Es and Emerald. I will gladly lay down my life for any of them.”

Esben paled, and then slowly sat down. Artham followed suit.

Horus smiled. “I know that, son. But still, may I suggest something to your highnesses?”

“Of course,” Artham said.

“Do not leave till you originally planned to. Otherwise, the Dooners will claim it as a victory. I leave the decision to you, but if you wish to not…raise an alarm, then I would highly suggest this.”

Artham looked down. Esben looked towards Artham for guidance.

“This is your call, Esben,” Artham said.

He nodded. “Alright. we’ll do that.”

The Keeper nodded his head. “We will have the Durgans around the Helmer residence as long as you stay there.”

The rest of the council flew by, with the other leaders heartily agreeing and promising to dispel some of the Dooners in very specific ways.

As the two brothers were leaving, Artham muttered to Esben, “You deserve this.”

He then promptly kicked Esben’s shin, cause Esben to yelp.

“What was that for?”

“For saying something stupid.”

“What?”

“You protecting me! It’s not your job.”

“Well, why can’t I?”

“Because. there can’t be two Throne Wardens.”

“I guess. but what if they are out for you?”

“The Maker will protect me.”

“And if not?”

Artham didn’t say anything for a moment. “Then it’s His will for me to…sacrifice.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“Ay, I’m still here! Now come on, I’ll race you back!” Artham shouted, as he took off at a jog. That snapped Esben out of it, and soon, both brothers were racing back to Chimney Hill.

So, just some basic procedures here on the situation. Not much really happening...

Let me know if anything seems wonky! Hope you enjoyed!