Return of the Knight

Outside of the brawl with Edgar's group, nothing major happened that day. The following days, James also spent some time with the two knights who helped him. It was clear that James had benefits from coming here. Starting on his own, he now had three other people he could trust.

Going on patrol for a few more times, James did not encounter anything notable. There was a small skirmish the previous day, but it was done by a raiding group of around 15 demonic beasts. James did partake in that small skirmish and was even able to slay one of the demonic beasts. With the slow recovery of his shoulder, James started to regain his previous strength once more.

However, today was a special day. It was the day that Sir Edward was allowed to get back to the army. Outside the knights in the inner circle of Prince Gerald, only James and Francis knew about this event. As Sir Edward did not like grand things, everything happened in an instant.

As James was walking through the courtyard he heard two knights talk with each other. "Look at that guy over there. Isn't that Sir Edward?" one of knights said.

"What is he doing here? I thought that he was exiled and on his way back to The King's City"

"Don't be stupid. How can he leave in this weather? You idiot!"

Clearly the conversation was about the return of Sir Edward. They were not the only knights that were talking about this subject. Many other conversations had Sir Edward as their main topic. The view on it was also mixed. Some of the knights and soldiers liked that he had returned, whereas others didn't. The ones that were against his return were mainly the soldiers and knights that lost people they knew in the attack that Sir Edward commanded.

Ignoring most of the conversations, James and Francis made their way towards Sir Edward. There were indeed soldiers looking towards them. Especially now, since Sir Edward was the center point of all the attention.

"Welcome back Sir!" James said, making a bow. Soon after Francis did the same and also welcomed Sir Edward back.

"You guys don't have to show such honorifics. You accompanied me during my time away, which was already major." Sir Edward said with a smile.

James could feel gazes from behind. Clearly some soldiers were a bit jealous about the relation that the two of them had. This was actually beneficial for James. Maybe if Edgar was one of the persons in the group, this might make him think twice before approaching him.

Looking back at the two knights in front of him, Sir Edward said, "Don't you guys have to train or something? What if another attack happens? I am sure that the two of you still have a lot to learn."

James understood the cue. As James and Francis bowed once more, James said. "Then we will be off training Sir. It is nice to see you back in the field again." With that the two knights turned around and walked away towards the training yard.

Following them with his eyes, Sir Edward could not help but keep smiling as he thought, "Yes, it is indeed nice to be finally back."

…