A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 11: My Way Forward. (Part 4)

"Like you could handle it if they did!"

"Bert and I were the ones who taught Rain how to cook so he should stay with us today."

"I was the one who taught him his common sense!" They were beginning to argue and their state of intoxication wasn't helping. "I'm the town Mayor, I'm pulling rank!"

"Hold it," I split them apart. "I'll stay with Mattias tonight and I'll come by for breakfast, how's that?"

"I can live with that," Nill huffed at Mattias and departed.

Together with Ardent and Taylor we were led to a large house close to the town centre. It doubled at the Mayor's office and home. Most my childhood I had lived here but every week or so I'd stay at another of my parent's homes.

"Please make yourself comfortable. I'm sure Rain can guide you," Mattias yawned. "I'll be retiring early." His eye caught onto Ardent's, "We'll have our chat later."

Ardent nodded, "I'm sure we will."

We were left alone in the living room. With only the three of us it felt so much calmer. I sunk into the couch and relaxed, Taylor and Ardent joined me.

"You have a wonderful family Rain," Ardent commented. "Especially that Margaret. She taught you apothecary correct? Her mind is very active and unique, I found myself talking to her most the time."

"Careful Ardent she looks young but she's nearing fifty now," I was serious.

Ardent chuckled, "I don't think age matters much but don't worry I have no intention to overstep my bounds." His smile faded and he became serious, "I received a reply from Ronalt."

"Go ahead," I edged closer to him.

"Like you said they found evidence of the demon's tunnelling. A battle broke out but Greytree's forces had the upper hand and the demons were quickly pushed back to the forest. Everyone is doing well."

I heaved a relieved breath. Knowing that things had gone well without me was a godsend.

"But if Rain was right about the attack then," Taylor looked at us both suggestively.

"Yes that is the problem," Ardent nodded. "The likelihood Axel will be attacked has increased exponentially. Ronalt has promised to send some trusted knights to move to Axel in the coming week or so. They are to not only protect the town but also to watch the border. As for the rest of our party, it may take some time. Though the battle was won, there is still much to resolve. However till then we should be making our own moves."

"I planned to do so regardless," I frowned in thought. The attack on Axel would happen within four days at the latest. We couldn't rely on Lara and the others to arrive before then. "Tomorrow we'll go investigate the surrounding area, hopefully we can find something."

"I truly hope we can stop your vision from happening Rain."

"As do I," I agreed wholeheartedly.

"Now I must rest. Your family were very keen to feed me and I may have over indulged," Ardent patted his belly. "May I know where my bed is?"

"Upstairs first door on your right. There's a bathroom just down the corridor. You should have everything you need."

"Thank you," he bowed and left the lounge.