Father Nil’s words were muted by the snow. Flakes fell gingerly onto a wooden post. The grave held no body. Samuel refused to acknowledge the people around him; the innkeeper, the merchants, his father. He felt Arthur’s seething anger throughout the quiet ceremony.
A defeated, held-back huff sprouted from Arthur. He leaned against the trunk of a maple tree, his body teetering front and back like he was inebriated. The corners of his lips tightened, and his eyes were made of glass. It was anger, but it took a form Samuel had not yet seen.
Klaus stood midway between Arthur and the new grave. Bark popped and crinkled off the tree as Arthur slid down its trunk, looking out at the lake. As the ceremony slowly drew to a close and people left one by one, Klaus held his son’s shoulder as though he were chaining the boy to the consequences of his actions. He felt the disappointment in his father’s fingertips.
“I’m sorry.” Klaus turned to Arthur. Samuel stared out at the lake, “None of this should’ve happened.”
“Days.” Arthur said, “It was days between attacks. It’s getting worse.”
“We don’t know that.” Klaus shook his head, placing a hand on the hilt of his blade, “It was an accident.”
“Klaus, that boy is dead.” Arthur waved towards the grave, “How many children have to die before you realize the spitters are out of hand?”
“I’m aware of the danger, but finding answers takes time.”
“Don’t tell me to drink tea and wait. Even the fucking Nizinski did more for their villages than you have!” Arthur shook his head, “We’re vulnerable; the todesspucker know that. I warned you of this. Now the Dragonguard’s on it’s way.”
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“You told them?” Klaus’ brows furrowed.
“I wrote to them as soon as I brought that man to the church.” Arthur scowled, “Right after I comforted his wife. After his death!”
“You didn’t think to tell me?”
“You’ll do nothing.” Arthur shrugged, “How long until they cross the boundaries into the village? How long until they start crawling through our windows? If I wait on you, more people will die. I won’t watch another child die.”
“That will not happen, Arthur.”
“Bullshit! It’s happened more times than I can count! Your inaction resulted in my daughter getting mauled!”
“What do you expect of me?” Klaus threw his hands out, “There’s too many of them for the guard!”
“I expect you to tell Lord Becker! Warn them of these attacks!” Arthur said, “How am I going to tell her about this?” Arthur pointed at the grave. Klaus stared at the grave. He was silent, but there was no sign of introspection in his cold eyes.
“Answer me, god dammit!” Arthur yelled.
“Gentlemen, please.” The priest approached, “This is not the time for hostility. What’s done is done.”
“Forgive me, father.” Arthur blinked. His nose burned. He was met by silence as Nils turned away, walking up the small path towards the church. Arthur waited for Nils to leave before speaking again.
“Klaus, we’re at the center of something bigger than ourselves.” Arthur said, “The lights in the sky? The fire? It was visible for miles.”
“What do we do now?”
“We wait.” Arthur said, “Either the Dragonguard will arrive, or another group will take its place.”
“Nizinski?”
“We’ll see.”