After informing the doctor of Aushen’s condition, Valleus had quickly and quietly made his way to his quarters. He kept his eyes low as he moved through the halls. He noticed people clear the way as he walked. That was normal- after all, his position in the castle as second-in-command of the Northern Knights did afford quite a bit of respect. However, no one called out to him like they normally would. Whether due to fear or awkwardness, it seemed that no one knew what to say to him. 

Attempting to ignore the sting in his heart, Valleus pressed on to his room. He was pretty sure he still had a book in there somewhere. That would provide him with something to do while he waited for the duke to come to a decision. 

Valleus chewed at his lip in thought. The ideal result, of course, would be that he could continue in his position as knight while he awaited a decision from the king. But the worst-case scenario could lead to him being confined, or even experimented on. He shuddered at the thought. 

‘No, no. The king wouldn’t let that happen. Because of my father–’ His thought was cut short as he rounded the corner to his room. Standing in front of the door was Coriund, looking rather grave. 

“Valleus! I was wondering where you’d gone…” He seemed eager to speak with him, but pulled back at the end of his sentence. This detail was not lost on Valleus. 

He heaved a sigh. “Coriund. His Highness the Crown Prince requested my presence; I was with him until now.” He sidestepped his friend, opening the door to his quarters. Pausing, he looked back. “Would you like to come in?” 

A flicker of nerves–perhaps even fear–flashed across Coriund’s gaze as he stared at Valleus’ hand. “I mean, if you need rest–” he began, then faltered. “Yes, I’ll come in. Thank you.” 

The two entered the modest room, and Coriund closed the door behind him. Besides the bed, there wasn’t much in the room. Valleus rarely used it, as he was out training whenever possible. There was a small table and chair along the wall, and next to it, a door leading to a smaller room with a basin for washing. Valleus pulled the chair up to face the bed and sat across it, motioning for Coriund to sit.

Coriund paused, then sat in the offered chair. The two sat in uncomfortable silence. Valleus was an only child, so Coriund was the closest thing he had to a brother. Even before he’d come to the Northern Realm, he’d been friends with Coriund. 

“So,” Coriund attempted, running his hand through his strawberry-blond curls clumsily. Valleus raised his eyes, meeting Coriund’s gaze without feeling. 

“Yes?” 

“You’ve, um…”

“Changed?” Valleus finished. Coriund grimaced, looking away. Valleus swallowed dryly, the storm of emotions he’d been attempting to quell beginning to rise to the surface. “I’m still me, you know.” 

“I don’t doubt that,” Coriund replied, still not meeting Valleus’ eyes. “It’s just–” 

“Scary? Or maybe disgusting?” Valleus’ voice shook slightly as he spoke, and Coriund angrily made eye contact once more. 

“That’s not what I mean,” he snapped. Both men sat rigid, irritated with the other. 

“Then what?” Valleus challenged. “You haven’t done a very good job of hiding the fact that you’re frightened of me. I’ve been the same person last night, this morning when we talked before you found out, and after– but you’ve been treating me differently since you saw, and I don’t like it.” Coriund narrowed his eyes as Valleus continued. “I didn’t ask for this to happen to me, you know.” 

“I get that!” Coriund shouted. “I don’t mean to be afraid!” he choked, tears beginning to form. Coriund had always been quite emotional, but for him to cry twice in one day was unusual. “I’m trying not to be, I swear.” 

Valleus sighed. Could he really blame him? It’s not like Valleus himself completely understood the changes that had occurred within him, and even he was afraid of what the powers could do while he was unconscious, given the actions his body had taken right after he’d saved the prince. “I understand, Coriund. It’s just… a little difficult, is all.” 

The knight opposite him wiped his eyes, frowning. “I know. I want to be able to accept you no matter what. I swear I will…” The man trailed off. Neither would be satisfied with the way things were currently, but it would take some time for things to improve. 

“I have to stay in here for now,” Valleus said quietly, changing the topic. “The Duke is speaking with Chief regarding what’s to be done with me.” 

Puzzled, Coriund wiped the last of his tears away and asked, “What do you mean ‘what’s to be done with you’?” 

Valleus shrugged. “Because of the nature of the ritual those creeps were performing, they want to be sure I won’t be a danger to anyone.” Then, he laughed dryly. “Besides, now that I’m some sort of freak, maybe someone wants to experiment on me or something.” His joke betrayed his fear.

Coriund’s eyes widened. “No way– there’s no way Chief would let that happen! I won’t either!” He gripped his friend’s shoulders resolutely. 

Then, there was a strong knock at the door. “Valleus, may I enter?” The chief knight’s voice was booming, even with a door between them. 

“Please,” Valleus replied as he rose. Coriund stepped back from Valleus and pulled the chair back to the table, facing the door as he stood at attention. 

The door swung open as the chief knight let himself in. “Ah, Coriund! You’re here too. Good.” The chief knight nodded to himself. “I won’t waste words. For now, you’re to continue your role as my second in command.” Valleus released a breath he didn’t even notice he’d been holding, and sat back on the bed in relief. “We figure if something happens and you went rabid, it would make most sense for you to be surrounded by the strongest knights in the kingdom, instead of isolated somewhere. Besides, this will allow you to be watched by those who want what’s best for you.” 

Valleus smiled, his chest feeling much lighter. “What of the trip to Fiilzia?” he asked tentatively. 

“It seems the details of the trip are being modified anyways,” the chief knight replied gruffly. “We should have a more solid answer from the king about your status by then.” The large man cleared his throat. “Anyway, that isn’t all. I want you to gear up and prepare to go back out. We’re gonna hunt those bastards down. Coriund, go tell the others and then get ready as well. I want everyone except the fifth squad ready to go within the hour.” 

“Sir!” Coriund saluted and departed immediately. 

The chief knight was turning to leave when Valleus’ voice quietly rose. “Thank you, sir.” 

The chief knight merely grunted in response, leaving the room as quickly as he’d entered. Valleus felt his veins heat at the thought of the assailants roaming free after what they’d done. It was time to bring them to justice; and perhaps he’d get some answers on his new condition as well.