Chapter 17: Who Helped the Prince?

Sodalitas stood staring down at the dead Poten guard. This was not how he had expected their patrol to go. When His Highness had said he wanted to patrol, Sodalitas had objected. Fidelis had been on high alert ever since their arrival to this new place. It was wearing on his liege, and he didn't like that. He wanted his liege, and friend, to rest.

He heard a rustling to his left and turned, sword raised. He lowered it when Blainel Fallo, stepped out.

"How many?"

Sodalitas took a second to answer the man. "I killed six in total."

"I got six, too."

"I wonder how the rest of the guards did. What about His Highness?"

"I don't know. We all got split up," growled Blainel.

"Not good. Let's go find our liege and round up everyone else."

The pair took off to the north after using detection magic. They found the four guards each with dead Poten all around.

"It seems that we ran into a recon party," murmured Blainel.

Sodalitas didn't care about the numbers. He did another sweep and then faintly to the northwest, he felt Fidelis's energy.

"Let's go!" He set off at a fast jog, the others following behind him.

Once they arrived, it took about five minutes to find the prince.

They hacked away at the brush until they could reach him. Everyone froze and stared at him in surprise.

"Do you feel that?" whispered one of the guards.

Sodalitas frowned. The energy of a Poten healer still emanated from the unconscious Fidelis. He glanced around and spotted the two dead Poten guards a little way to the side. Did the Poten bring a healer on recon? That made no sense. Healers were valuable assets and would not be someone you would bring on a recon mission.

He didn't like puzzles. However, they didn't have time to solve it.

"Grab His Highness and let's get back to the mansion," ordered Blainel.

"Yes, Captain Fallo."

The guards quickly picked up Fidelis and called up a transport circle to the mansion.

Mykel sat in the throne room with his trusted generals. It was already past time for his son and guards to be back. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened to his oldest.

"Your Majesty, I'm sure he is fine."

He glanced at Laysi. She was usually the first to calm him down. He wasn't worked up yet, but he appreciated her words.

"Yes, my son is sturdy."

"Yes, just like his father," added Mayfon.

Mykel smirked. He stiffened when he felt a transport circle opening in the outer hall. He was out of his seat and moving for the doors before his generals could even react.

The doors burst open and in came Fidelis's guards. He hurried to them when he saw his son unconscious in their arms.

"What happened?"

"Your Majesty," Blainel stepped forward and kneeled. "We were ambushed by a Poten recon team."

Mykel ignored the surprised murmurs of his generals. They knew the Poten were somewhere in Wise County. They just didn't know they were this close. This was not good. He didn't want to move his people yet again.

"How many?"

"Each guard killed six and His Highness killed two."

"Why is my son unconscious then? I don't see a mark on him?"

Mykel frowned when he saw his son's guards shuffling uncomfortably.

"Captain?" He knew his tone was icy, but he wanted answers.

"Your Majesty, a Poten healer helped him."

The silence in the room was deafening. Mykel's mind whirled with possibilities. Was this another trick of the enemy? Had they done something to his son?

"Your Majesty, we didn't detect any curses of foreign magic in His Highness's body. Only Poten healing magic."

"So, he was injured. You just don't know how."

"Yes, your Majesty. The only one who knows is the prince."

"Take him to his room. Have one of our healers look him over. Keep a watch on him to see if his behavior changes."

"As you will it, your Majesty." Blainel rose and bowed. He took the lead and led the knights from the throne room.

Mykel glanced back at his generals. He saw the doubt in their eyes. They had to be thinking the same thing he was. What Poten healer would actually help one of them? The answer was none. This had to be some sort of attack from King Bayrel.

"Your Majesty," Laysi began but paused.

"Do not worry. I don't think there is anything wrong with my son, but I wish to be cautious nonetheless."

"I agree, your Majesty." Mayfon nodded his agreement. One by one the other generals agreed. We will revisit this conversation in a few days after my son regains consciousness.

"As you order, your Majesty."

"Leave me. Go rest."

Mykel watched them leave before heading for his own room. He offered a small prayer of gratitude to Autem for his son's safe return. He would not worry. He needed his rest. Fidelis was strong enough to handle most injuries. This time would be no exception.