Arkin let out a long, weary sigh.
I hate spring.
He had just concluded a meeting with the platoon leaders, who seemed more interested in boasting about their love lives and discussing their plans with their betrothed or wives now that the weather was warming up. While they found joy in their romantic pursuits, Arkin's only satisfaction came from the fact that the platoons were finally complete in number.
As the other platoon leaders dispersed, Arkin's gaze lingered on the empty spot next to him. It was the very spot that his young cousin, in a foolish display of bravado, dueled another knight and won, securing it as his own for eternity.
Bastian von Conradie was conspicuously absent from their gathering yet again.
"Damn it," Arkin cursed under his breath as his gaze fixed upon the distant manor. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of chaos was unfolding inside. Whatever was happening, Arkin had no desire to be anywhere near it.