Eldmund's return to the Duke's Household was marked by the comforting ambiance of familial chatter. As the Duke filled him in on the recent events, Eldmund couldn't help but appreciate the genuine affection that permeated through the air. The Duke, a true family man, recounted the occurrences with a casual ease that spoke volumes about the close-knit relationships within the household.
Taking a moment to soak in the warmth of the room, Eldmund couldn't shake the impending return to the Academy in the capital, looming just two weeks away. Home was a sanctuary he relished, and the thought of leaving panged his heart.
Amidst the exchange, Eldmund's stomach voiced its protest with a resounding growl, abruptly interrupting the conversation. Laughter echoed in response from the Duke, the Duchess, and his sister, a light-hearted acknowledgment of his apparent hunger.
The Duchess, quick to notice Eldmund's need, suggested an early lunch. Rising from her seat, she declared, "It seems you are hungry. Why don't we have lunch a few minutes earlier? The hour approaches, and I'm sure the cooks are done." The family readily agreed, preparing to rise and head for the dining hall.
However, in that seemingly ordinary moment, Eldmund's cosmic energy surged to life. A sense of urgency seized him as he perceived an anomaly hurtling down the corridor at an astonishing speed. Without hesitation, his Eclipsar blade materialized, radiating a brilliant glow as he instinctively positioned himself in front of his sister, Elena.
To his right, the Duke wielded Dawnbreaker, a legendary saber of the east, and the cosmic energy surrounding them erupted into a symphony of power. Eldmund could feel his mother's principality beginning to manifest.
In the midst of the cosmic turmoil, Eldmund's mind raced through possible scenarios. Who would dare to launch an attack on the eastern duchy in broad daylight? The assailant's strength puzzled him, considering the powerful guards stationed outside and the anti-stealth ward activated using Celestial tongue.
A sudden realization struck him, prompting him to shout, "Unless there's an issue within the duchy, and a servant is racing to tell us something... WAIT!! Father, Mother, stand down."
Just as the words left his lips, the door burst open, and Dawnbreaker descended with lethal intent. Eldmund hastily commanded the cosmic energy bound to his mother's principality, temporarily disabling its effects. The intruder, revealed to be a servant, narrowly escaped a fatal blow. Eldmund's father, the Duke, showcased his incredible strength, leaving a meter-deep chasm on the floor where the servant had stood. His blade had already halted its descent however, his intent had remained trained on the spot where the chasm existed.
Eldmund's gaze flickered between his family members, their expressions mirroring a mix of shock and worry. The servant, who had narrowly escaped Dawnbreaker's lethal descent, remained bowed, awaiting further instructions.
"Rise," Eldmund commanded, his voice carrying a composed authority. The servant obeyed, gratefulness etched across his face, and he stammered out a hurried report on Alaric's condition.
"Forgive me, my Lord, for skipping proper greetings, but Young Master Alaric has collapsed. His condition is deteriorating rapidly, and he has been moved to the Duchy infirmary," the servant informed, his voice bearing the weight of urgency.
Before anyone could react, the Duke vanished, leaving the room in stunned silence. As the Duke's figure disappeared with incredible speed, leaving behind a gust of wind that tousled the surroundings, Eldmund's mind raced to process the sudden turn of events. The air seemed charged with tension, and the once serene atmosphere of the room now carried the weight of uncertainty.
The remaining family members exchanged worried glances, their expressions mirroring the concern that had gripped them all. The news of Alaric's collapse sent ripples of distress through the Duke's household, transforming the joyful ambience into an air of urgency.
Eldmund, grasping the severity of the situation, took a deep breath and stepped forward. The servant, still recovering from the near miss with Dawnbreaker, cast an apologetic look toward Eldmund, who acknowledged the servant's gratitude with a nod.
"I appreciate your swift report. You did well to reach us in time," Eldmund said, his voice carrying a blend of authority and empathy. "Let us make our way to the infirmary immediately. Alaric may need our support."
The family hurriedly followed Eldmund as they traversed the corridors of the grand estate, their steps echoing the urgency that now bound them together. Eldmund's thoughts continued to whirl, contemplating the possible reasons behind Alaric's sudden deterioration. The information provided by the servant had stirred a sense of foreboding within him.
Upon reaching the Duchy infirmary, they found the Duke already present, his eyes locked onto the figure of Alaric lying on a bed. The infirmary staff moved with practised efficiency, attending to Alaric's needs as the Duke stood with a grave expression, his cosmic energy radiating a palpable aura of concern.
Eldmund approached the Duke, conveying his support through a reassuring gaze. "What could have caused this, father?" he inquired, seeking understanding amid the unsettling circumstances.
The Duke, his eyes never leaving Alaric, responded with a sombre tone. "I do not know, Eldmund. From what I've heard It happened suddenly. The cosmic energy within him fluctuated erratically, and then he collapsed. We must find the cause and remedy it swiftly. Contact the capital immediately we need doctors and healers." Attendants rushed at the duke's orders and movement didn't halt within the duchy.
Eldmund nodded, his mind already contemplating the potential sources of such instability. As the family gathered around Alaric's bedside, the infirmary hummed with the energy of those determined to aid the fallen heir.
The Duke turned to Eldmund, a silent exchange of acknowledgement passing between them. Eldmund, sensing the weight of responsibility, took it upon himself to gather information. He approached the infirmary staff, engaging them in a conversation aimed at uncovering the mysterious circumstances surrounding Alaric's collapse.
The servants spoke in hushed tones, sharing that Alaric had been in his study when an unforeseen disturbance in his cosmic energy occurred. The rapid deterioration that followed prompted the immediate transfer to the infirmary.
Eldmund's brow furrowed in deep thought as he absorbed the details. Something within him whispered that this incident held broader implications.
The rush of medical professionals continued as they arrived through a teleportation gate, courtesy of the royal family. The family members instinctively gave space, creating a pathway for the experts to reach Alaric, who lay in a critical condition. Minutes blurred into hours, and hours stretched into days, each passing moment adding weight to the worry etched on the faces of the family.
In response to the escalating situation, the Duke initiated a lockdown protocol within the duchy, sealing it off from the prying eyes of the press and the public. Within the secure confines of the estate walls, Alaric's room became a hub of familial concern. Eldmund, having put a halt to all his activities, joined forces with the Duke in tightly controlling the information flow outside the duchy. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders, but he found solace in aiding his father during these trying times. He couldn't help but notice the Duke's tireless vigil by Alaric's bedside, a show of his unwavering love and commitment.
Throughout the ordeal, Eldmund's sisters visited regularly, their worry mirrored in their expressions. However, due to Adelaide's young age, Elena often had to keep her away from the somber environment of Alaric's ward. Eldmund's mother, too, stood by their side, her presence a source of comfort.
On the sixth day, a heavy sense of foreboding hung in the air. Eldmund observed Alaric's condition deteriorating, his once radiant features now pale, and his dark hair losing its luster. In the evening, news arrived like an unexpected blow. The physician from the capital delivered a devastating verdict – Alaric was declared dead. The Duke, grappling with the weight of the news, requested everyone but the family to leave the room.
Eldmund, overcome with sorrow and a pang of regret, lingered by the window. The moon, alone in the night sky, cast a melancholic glow into the room. His mother wept silently, his sisters offered reassurance to one another, and the Duke, head bowed, fought back tears. Eldmund, closing his eyes, wrestled with the thought that perhaps he could have been a better brother, even if unintentionally distant.
Yet, just as the room seemed engulfed in the darkness of grief, a rustle of bed sheets disrupted the mournful silence. A weak cough reverberated through the room, and to the astonishment of everyone present, Alaric sat upright. His grey eyes, bleary but unmistakably alive, met the gaze of his father. With a small smile, Alaric spoke, "Hello, Father. It seems I was having some trouble waking up."
Relief surged through the room as the Duke, overwhelmed with emotion, fiercely embraced his son. The shadows of grief that had loomed over the family were replaced by the warm light of a miraculous reunion.