Arlena, stunned by their reactions to the letter, quickly rose from her seat and moved to Lady Maria's side. The woman's composure had crumbled, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she covered her face with her trembling hands.
"Maria," Arlena said softly but firmly, placing her hands on the her shoulders. "You need to get a hold of yourself." Her voice carried both sympathy and urgency as her eyes darted to Lucius, who remained frozen in place, gripping the letter tightly.
Lady Maria nodded weakly, and with ragged breaths she wiped the tears from her face with a delicate silk handkerchief. She inhaled deeply, trying to regain some semblance of control, though the anguish in her expression was unmistakable.
Arlena's heart raced, a sense of dread creeping up her spine. Though she could already piece together what the letter likely contained, she needed to see it for herself.
Her gaze shifted to Lucius, whose hands were trembling as he clutched the parchment. Without a word, she approached him, gently prying the letter from his hands.
"Lucius," she murmured with a steady voice despite the unease building within her. "Let me read it."
He didn't resist, and simply stared blankly ahead as she took the letter from his grasp. Arlena's eyes scanned the words on the parchment and her lips pressed into a thin line, her usual confident demeanor faltered. Her hands tightened around the letter, and her expression darkened with a mixture of disbelief and sorrow.
"Damn it…" she whispered under her breath, her eyes lingering on the words that confirmed her fears.
Arlena's eyes scanned the letter as her heart sank further with each line. The situation on the southeastern frontier, which had previously been stable and promising, had taken a devastating turn.
According to the report, a massive wave of demons had launched a surprise attack overnight, plunging the stronghold into chaos. The mages and magic swordsmen stationed there were fighting valiantly to hold the line, but the sheer ferocity and number of the demons had led to severe injuries and devastating casualties.
Her gaze lingered on one particular line, and her stomach twisted:
"Among the wounded is Lord Matthias. He suffered grave injuries during the battle and is currently in a coma. The healers are doing everything in their power to stabilize him. While his condition remains critical, there is hope for his survival."
The letter ended with a note of sympathy, written in a neat, deliberate handwriting:
"I know how much Lord Matthias values writing to you and keeping you informed. In his stead, I felt it was my duty to deliver this update. My deepest condolences for the pain this news must bring to the Earldred Manor, but please hold onto hope, for he is a strong man and not easily defeated."
Arlena's grip tightened on the parchment, and her knuckles turned white. She closed her eyes briefly, inhaling a deep breath to steady herself before lowering the letter. Her gaze shifted to Lady Maria, who sat in stunned silence, her face still pale and streaked with tears.
"Maria…" she began, but her voice failed her as she looked at Lucius, who was now staring at her with wide, glistening eyes. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to maintain her composure. "The letter says your father is in a coma. He's hurt... but they're doing everything they can for him. There's still hope."
Lucius remained silent, his lower lip trembling as his childish optimism warred with the fear and helplessness threatening to overwhelm him.
Maria finally spoke, her voice trembling but resolute. "He's strong. Matthias has always been strong." She clutched her handkerchief tightly, her gaze distant as though willing her husband to return to her safely. "He'll pull through. He has to."
Arlena placed a reassuring hand on Maria's shoulder once more, her own expression a blend of determination and concern. "We have to trust that he will," she said firmly. "For now, we need to stay strong for him."
Lucius nodded silently, though his fists clenched tightly at his sides, his young mind grappling with emotions too large to process fully.
****
A few days later.
The atmosphere in the Earldred manor had become heavy, weighed down by worry and uncertainty. Lady Maria, usually so composed and radiant, was now a shadow of her former self.
She moved through the halls as if in a daze, her once-bright now eyes dimmed with sorrow. She spent long hours seated by the window in the drawing room, staring out at the vast gardens with a distant expression, clutching a handkerchief as if it were her lifeline.
Lucius, unable to bear seeing his mother in such a state, had tried several times to speak with her, but she would only offer him a faint smile and gently wave him away. It was clear her mind was consumed by worry for her husband.
He too, was deeply affected. He had always admired his father, viewing him as an unshakable pillar of strength and skill. The thought of Lord Matthias, a man he had seen wield a sword with unmatched precision and channel magic with effortless grace, lying unconscious and helpless, was almost impossible for him to comprehend.
Sitting on his bed late one evening, Lucius rested his chin on his knees, his brow furrowed in thought. "What kind of monsters could have done this to him?" he wondered. "I've seen him train... I've seen how strong he is. What could be out there that's even stronger?" The thought sent a chill down his spine.
****
The next morning, as the family sat down for a quiet breakfast, Arlena made her decision known.
"I'm going to the southeastern frontier," she announced, setting her goblet of wine down with deliberate finality.
Maria looked up, startled. "You're leaving?"
Arlena nodded firmly. "I can't stay here while Matthias is in that state. I need to see what's going on for myself. I'll help him—and the others—if I can."
Lucius blinked in surprise. "You're really going to fight demons?"
Arlena turned to him with a smirk, though there was a softness in her eyes. "What, you think I'm going to sit around and let your father hog all the glory? Not a chance."
Maria's hand trembled slightly as she reached for Arlena's arm. "Please... just be careful. I can't bear to lose you too."
Arlena covered Maria's hand with her own, her voice steady. "I'll be fine, Maria. You know me—I always come back in one piece."
Later that day, Arlena found Lucius in the training yard, where he was going through the motions of a basic swordsmanship drill. She waited until he finished the set before calling out, "Lucius."
He turned, with a curious expression on his face.
Arlena walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, kid. I'm leaving, but that doesn't mean your training stops."
Lucius frowned. "But how am I supposed to train my magic without you?"
"You'll figure it out," she said with a shrug. "I've taught you the basics. Practice them. Build your strength. Work on your mana control. You're smarter and tougher than you think."
Lucius looked down, unsure. "But what if I mess up?"
"Then mess up," Arlena said bluntly. "Failing is part of learning. But you don't slack off. You hear me?"
He nodded slowly.
"Good," she said. Then, her tone softened. "I know this is a lot for you, Lucius. But you'll get through it. And when I bring your father back, I want to see how much you've improved. Don't disappoint me."
He straightened up, determination flickering in his eyes. "I won't."
Arlena smiled, ruffling his hair. "That's the spirit."
When it came time for her departure, the household gathered to see her off. Dressed in a sturdy travel cloak and with her staff strapped securely across her back, Arlena mounted her horse with practiced ease. Small, faintly glowing runes etched into the wood of the staff seemed to pulse gently, a subtle reminder of the immense power she wielded.
Lucius stood beside his mother, watching her with admirarion, with a slight hint of sadness.
"Take care of yourselves while I'm gone," Arlena called out, giving them a confident grin. "And Lucius—don't forget what I said. Train hard, kid."
"I will!" he shouted back, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat.
With one last wave, Arlena tugged the reins, and her horse trotted down the cobbled path, carrying her away from the manor.
Maria clutched Lucius's hand tightly as they watched her disappear into the horizon. Neither of them said a word, but the unspoken hope between them was clear: that Arlena would bring Matthias back, safe and sound.