A month had passed since his encounter with the healer in the forest and Fidelis was no closer to learning the person's identity. It was vexing. He also had his mind on his upcoming exams. He couldn't believe it was already May. Time seemed to be flying by. In the fall he'd be a senior and, unless something drastic happened, had to prepare for life in this human world. He wasn't afraid. He looked forward to the challenge. These days of peace were nice. He didn't want them to go away.
He saw the time, swore, and hurried toward his father's office. He arrived with thirty seconds to spare. His father's guards let him in. His father smiled at him and gestured to a chair.
Fidelis slid into it and grinned. Even in the human world his father's piles of papers were stacked high. Some things never changed.
"Son, welcome. How is school?"
"It's going well. I am in a position academically, and, unless something drastically happens I should graduate top of the class."
"Good, good. Is there anyone close to you in the rankings?"
"There are two at the moment. A girl named Amy Holland and a boy named Perry O'Neal."
"Hmm. Having challengers is good."
"We may be in a new home, but competition is the same. I will bring honor to our house."
His father smirked and Fidelis laughed. His father was a great king, and he was proud to be his son. He wanted everyone to know about his father. That was the reason he worked so hard in this human world. His father was one of the leading attorneys in town. He could have been a politician, but his father felt it would be harder to blend in with such a high profile. So, he chose criminal law.
His father had a high sense of justice, and the role suited him well.
"I know you will bring honor. You have never failed to achieve your goals. What are your plans for the summer?"
"I will be volunteering at the local animal shelter as well at the local hospital."
"Why those places?"
"I'm gifted with animal empathy and I'm hoping to find my mystery healer at the local hospital. A healer that powerful would not be able to resist helping in a place that needed their powers."
"Good thinking. I wish you luck and success on your hunt."
"Thank you, Father." Fidelis stood. "I'd better head to the training yard. Don't want my skills getting rusty." He bowed and grinned at his father's shooing motion.
He went to the training yard and waved at the sparring knights. He spotted Sodalitas and Blainel in the far corner trading blows. He moved in their direction, careful not to disrupt their concentration. Both moved with a lethal grace that fooled the unaware of the power and strength each man possessed.
It was why both were successful on the battlefield. Their enemies always underestimated them. The tempo of their fight picked up and soon the other guards approached and watched with admiration as the two continued their spar.
Fidelis waited until they were both locked and neither willing to give to call a halt. Both men stepped back, bowed to each other, and turned their attention to Fidelis.
"Good job, both of you."
"Thank you, Your Highness," they chorused and smiled at each other.
Fidelis was glad they were relaxed. Everyone had been on edge since the encounter at High Knob. The increased vigilance was good and bad. Good because everyone was more alert to danger; bad because that hyper-alertness was taxing on a knight's body.
"Everyone, take a break," he ordered. "You two, come with me." He led the pair of them to the commander's office.
The pair sat, their gazes expectant.
"I'm going to head into town tomorrow and I want you as escorts."
"As you will it, Your Highness," replied Blainel with a bow.
"Why the sudden trip?"
"I don't know. I feel restless. It's the same feeling I had when we encountered the Poten at High Knob. I have this instinct that what I'm searching for will be found in town."
Both knights' expressions changed at his words. Blainel broke the silence first.
"I will follow you until death and even then I'll find a way to be by your side afterward."
Fidelis laughed. Sometimes Blainel was too serious. He didn't dislike it though. He clapped the knight on the back.
"What about you, Sodalitas?
"You know I'm always up for a trip. Plus, I want to see what this healer looks like. Maybe it's some old woman with missing teeth."
Blainel and Fidelis both shuddered at the thought. "No," Fidelis said firmly, "My luck isn't that bad."
Sodalitas guffawed at his words and even Blainel chuckled.
"We'll leave around noon."
"Sounds good." Sodalitas stood. "Time to go train some more." He bowed and left the office.
"Speak your mind, Blainel."
"We need to make sure you are adequately protected this time. I'll make the preparations."
"Good. I trust your judgment. Remember, even if we encounter Poten, they are probably as reluctant as us to cause a scene in front of the humans."
"True." Blainel stood and bowed before leaving.
Fidelis grinned. He felt energized. He decided to go spar as well. Whistling, he left the office.