Killian's legs staggered, and Dante came up behind him, however, he did no longer try to support Killian, but followed behind him as both Cratos and Killian walked off for the tent of the Commander.
Several yells and commands were being uttered by the knights of the Valen procession.
Besides Cratos and Dante, many knights from the North had followed, and Jasper who was recognized as the voice of the Archduke himself was taking control of the barracks.
Cratos, Dante, and Killian entered the tent, noticing a field bed at the corner where the unconscious Commander was laying.
"He tried to kill you in the forest, didn't he?"
Cratos was not waiting for an answer but seemed to know very well what had really happened, especially after finding out the heathgraves had hired mercenaries to make sure Killian was sent to the frontlines to die.
Killian read the mood and did not answer.
He only watched as Dante walked over to the bedside and grabbed the unconscious man pulling him off the bed and onto the ground.
The ground had been covered with rugs to keep the dirt underneath to a minimum, but it still felt good watching the man lay like trash in a corner of the tent.
The blanket on the bed was thrown off the side as well and Dante moved the bed close to the desk in space.
He then took off his travel cape which had a soft fabric and gestured for Killian to come to sit down.
When Killian didn't budge, Dante shifted his gaze to the Archduke who replied with a simple nod.
"Killian, there is no one watching anymore, you can rest now."
Cratos had moved his eyes to the map on the table, but his words were subtle and caring.
Killian hesitated, his grandfather had already seen through his thoughts.
The constant humiliation he had received in this place, somehow made him reluctant to rely on more help not to end up looking even weaker.
However his thoughts were ignored as Dante had moved over in a flash, his fast movements more refined than before and the strong hands lifting Killian's body with ease.
"Forgive me Young Master, but I agree with the Duke."
Killian's cheeks felt hot as his whole body had been picked up, held in Dante's arms in front of his grandfather.
'I must seem so useless and weak to them.'
He was annoyed but his body relaxed in the hold, recognizing the scent and arms keeping him safe.
He clenched his teeth and looked away to hide the embarrassment, but welcomed the bed which relieved the pain in his legs.
The traveling cloak was soft against his skin, and he gave Dante an apologetic look, as his dirty appearance was already being transferred onto the fancy fabric.
"Is this the area, where the creatures were seen?"
Cratos held up the map as if he had not noticed the now awkward atmosphere.
Killian cleared his throat and replied.
"Yes, sir, the arachnids were in that area, about half a mile into the forest from the barracks."
His throat was dry but soon observed how Dante got water from an exquisite-looking decanter that had probably been used for wine initially.
A crystal-like glass was handed to him, and his dirty fingers grabbed it tightly, leaving smudges and dirt on the smooth clear surface.
Killian drank greedily, quenching his thirst he had not had time to acknowledge, and nodded at Dante as thanks.
"They are alarmingly close to the base here, yet no one here has noticed their presence. How come?"
The words and questions was mostly to himself, as Killian noticed Cratos was sitting in deep thought with furrowed eyebrows.
Then Jasper stepped in through the entrance and bowed at them with an elegant posture.
"No need to bow, when it is just us Jasper, it is useless nonsense."
Jasper's body relaxed and continued forward to the desk.
Killian had already noticed that Jasper was like an assistant. The type who would simply do what was needed and what his Master wanted without the need to be told.
'He is very capable, he probably runs most of the North.' Killian thought.
"The patrol has been extended to the treeline, and the two teams will leave for their missions within the hour."
Jasper looked at Killian who was still laying down, but it was only a proud expression that went his way.
"I have had a tent set up next to this one, with a hot bath and other necessities ready for the Young Duke."
Killian swallowed hard, even with the threat luring in the forest nearby, his mind could now only think of soaking his tired body in hot water.
He quickly nodded thanks to Jasper, for being the capable person he had expected.
'I already have someone similar to Jasper,' Killian thought, knowing that he had gotten the same vibe from Stella.
Curious eyes followed Killian as he left the Commander's tent.
The sight of a short filthy human, who could barely walk without a stumble was followed by a taller knight, whose build body could put all the knights present to shame.
The flaming red hair stood out against the purple and gold colored uniform, and they hurriedly moved their gaze when piercing green eyes stripped them to their bones with a cold stare.
Dante was on guard against any human who had not arrived together with the Valen procession.
He stared at the back of his Master, the shirt he was wearing was tattered and dirty, and in several places, scratched skin was showing.
'They dared to hurt him to this extend.'
He gritted his teeth, wishing he had arrived sooner, or at least been granted permission to wipe out the useless fools that could not even treat another human with decency.
Dante leaned forward brushing against Killian, who stood still while letting his knight move the fabric to the entrance of the tent.
The small gesture was received by a "whoa." from somewhere behind them, but they both stepped into the tent without looking back.