55 Low and Steady

EARLIER in Brandenburg

Haelan's first day of Paladin training didn't go as expected. It was suddenly cut short having it known that Haelan made an excuse to skip sword training. Suggesting it was best for her, Haelan tried so hard not to show her powers.

Dry and clean as he wore his high collared black brocade with gold line trimmings, Stellan was on his way out when he caught a glimpse of Haelan alone and eating. Half-heartedly, he wanted to join the lonely Paladin. However, something at the back of his mind stops him. At a distance, Stellan just watched Haelan in silence until she received a piece of paper that seemed like brought a troubling news. He was then struck when he heard Alesso appear from behind.

"He's pretty delicate for a Paladin, isn't he? ", Alesso suddenly said as he hover around Stellan.

"Intriguing from the beginning", Stellan replied as he walk away.

"And, do you intend to find out?", Alesso asked as he walk with Stellan.

"I don't think I want to", Stellan said as he harden his jaw. Afraid to unravel his true feelings, the Paladin Knight highly prefered to keep it low and steady.

"The rain didn't bothered you today", Alesso said as he keep his pace with Stellan, who's walking relaxedly along the corridors of Brandenburg.

"It still does, like always", Stellan never liked the sound of the rain for it reminds him the most painful memories he have kept in his heart. "Frankly, Haelan made it bearable", he remembered how he carried Haelan who he initially thought passed out due to exhaustion. He, then, smiled after remembering Haelan's antics just to skip swordfighting.

"And he smiles! Ahh.. I can't wait until all four of us would make a rundown on the entire kingdom. Though I aint sure if pushing him to his limit in a very short time is a good idea", Alesso said with worry.

"He have to. And in that case, our little side trip to Caluso will have to wait", Stellan said.

"Agree", Alesso replied. "Oh, Hey, so if Haelan becomes the palace paladin, it would clearly mean that you and him would work most of the time together… I know you wouldn't want to work with him so.. It would be a great pleasure if we would switch territories, so I can save you some trouble", Alesso offered as he try to read Stellan's mind.

Stellan stopped and creased his brows as he gaze at Alesso. "Haelan would be working directly for the royals, more like he'll be with Rowan all the time", he said.

"And Galen", Alesso added as he nod. He noticed how Stellan clenched his fist hearing the prince's name. They both know that Galen is very outspoken of his fondness towards Haelan. "I heard the prince can't hardly wait for Haelan to come back to the palace". Alesso said as he shrug his shoulders. Clearly, Stellan wouldn't want to switch territories. And it seems to Alesso, Galen is not the only who have developed fondess towards the tiny Paladin.

"Rowan..", Alesso sucked air between his teeth as he squinted his eyes at a certain memory. "Last time, Haelan told me he doesn't trust the general. He gave an acceptable excuse, but I can tell, there's fear in his eyes when he said that", Alesso said.

"What do you mean?", Stellan asked out of curiosity.

"Last night after Galen was attacked by a mystic healer, I was following Haelan on his way out of the infirmary. He made a few stops before he reached the south hall. It seemed like, he saw something that scared the hell out of him. He slowly backed up until I decided to show myself. Then, he pulled me in the paint room, locked the door and waited until someone passed by", Alesso entailed every detail. "Guess who was it?", he asked with his brows lifted.

"I'm still lost at - he pulled you to the paint room and locked the door", Stellan mocked Alesso for not missing such part of his story.

"He actually did, hah!", Alesso smirked and held Stellan's shoulder. "But yea. It's Rowan", he said as his smile faded. In not just one of their many battles, General Rowan is always the first to escape as he leave the Paladins and other warriors in bloodbath.

"It could mean anything, Rowan is a bit odd and off a hundred percent of the time. Quite scary for some warriors too, especially during training", Stellan tried to justify what made Haelan frightened. "They already met once before the oath taking. Rowan almost drew a sword at him", Stellan remembered.

"My instincts tell me something", Alesso said. "I know we have reasons not to like Rowan, but Haelan? He might look feeble and small, but, we all know he's fearless. The chimera didn't even bothered him, much more Kelpie and Oizys", Alesso made a point as he recall how Haelan faced the baddest entities in Brandenburg.

"That's true", Stellan thought. If Haelan is anything physically different from all the other warriors, he's definitely not easily petrified with someone like Rowan.

Stellan started to understand Alesso's claims. Perhaps, they need to look into General Rowan further. The pair hurriedly went out to the shed, prepared their stallions and rode out in the light rain. "What's that you're keeping?", Stellan asked as he notice the pouch hanging on Alesso's belt.

"It's for Yereah, from Lord Harlan", Alesso answered as he secure his long silver hair under his hood.

"So, what is it?", Stellan curiously asked.

"Do you really think I'd open it?", Alesso pouted at the Paladin Knight's distinct accusation.

Stellan squinted his eyes at Alesso whom he knew would definitely take a peek in the parcel he's about to deliver to the high priestess. "Fine. It's black salt and a gold candle", Alesso gave in.

"Why would Lord Harlan send Yereah the things needed for making an apotropaic wall protection? Is the palace building a new tower?", Stellan wondered.

"Not that I know of, Stellan.", the Paladin archer replied as they gallop away to the palace.

The pair arrived at the castle with so many questions to clear and reasons to find. They agreed to look for answers separately as they enter the palace doors. Alesso will go on his way to the high priestess to give out the pouch Lord Harlan sent, while Stellan will have to proceed to the chapel where the highest royal is patiently waiting.

Stellan opened the chapel doors and saw the King kneeling down with both hands extended to his sides near the altar. Every corner was filled with lighted weeping white candles that kept the chapel too warm. His footsteps resounded in the small room as he draw near. He stood aside and gave more time for the King until he could face him. Not too long, King Silvius stood up after mumbling.