The next few days were tense. I continued my studies and training while my lord Gregor walked around the fortress in his robes. He was deep in thought and almost always had a goblet or a tankard in his hand. Sometimes he would disappear for hours. I began to worry for the health of his mind. Then he did something that almost threw me into shock.

I walked into the hall one afternoon to find the statue of our Lady missing. I asked a hired hand and he told me that my lord Gregor had them move it, but he wouldn’t tell me where. I sought for him to ask him myself.

I found him on the battlements, in his robes, staring out at the town, “My lord.” I said, bowing slightly, “Where is the statue of our Lady?”

He turned to me with an almost absent minded look on his face, “The statue? Oh, yes, I had it moved somewhere safe. We can’t trust most of the locals anymore. The few still loyal to us came to help move our Lady’s statues. The others wouldn’t even look at them. But don’t worry, my squire, they are somewhere safe. Somewhere safe.” He trailed off while turning his now thoughtful gaze back to the town.

“My lord. Are you well?” I asked cautiously.

He took a swig of his drink, “I’m fine, squire. Return to your duties.”

I bowed and left. Still confused, I walked passed the courtyard and found Tombo dropping off more wine.

I went to him and greeted him, “Good afternoon, Bo. How are you?”

Tombo smiled like nothing had ever changed, “Well I’m right as rain, young Fredrick! Just dropping off some more wine.”

“All imported?” I asked disappointedly.

He gave me a confused look, “Well of course it is, young Fredrick. Ain’t got nothing else. ‘Sides, it ain't bad wine. Tastes pretty good if you ask me.” He lifted a wine skin and gave it a swig before offering it to me.

I waved him off, “No thank you, Bo. Maybe next time.”

He shrugged and went about his business. I was starting to lose interest in wine and this new wine flooding the market made me want it even less. As Tombo was leaving, a familiar wagon came rolling in being pulled by two beautiful white stallions.

The wagon came to a stop and the beautiful Evanlyn stepped down in her teal outfit.

“Hello there, young Alfenshpiel. How are you this evening?”

I tipped my head, “Good evening, my lady. I am well, thank you. What brings you to Fort Prosper?”

She opened her mouth to reply but her eyes drifted and she kept silent. I turned my head to follow her gaze and saw my lord Gregor slowly striding across the courtyard towards us, goblet in hand and robes flowing behind him. He almost looked annoyed to see her. I looked back to her and saw pity in her eyes.

He spoke first, “Lady Evanlyn. To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure? For what reason have you come to visit us?” his tone betrayed his irritation.

She put her hands on her hips like a disappointed parent, “Sir Gregor, I can't simply pay a visit to an old friend?”

He met her with a steady stare. They stood there for what felt like forever before he broke the trance to take a drink.

Evanlyn rolled her eyes, “You really should stop drinking so much. It will ruin your mind and in these trying times you need your wits.” She sighed, “Look, I did come to visit you, but I also bring a warning.”

My lord Gregor smirked, “Huh. I knew it. Very well, you have my ear for now.” He said darkly as he took another drink.

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Evanlyn glared at him, “I see. The town is becoming more and more loyal to this new king. King Draxis. I know you knights have been more or less outside of the political theater and while most kings have accepted this, Draxis has not. He's been systematically disbanding order after order. Buying them out, convincing them to join him, or outright destroying them. He does not respect your neutral status, Gregor. You must come to some sort of agreement or go into hiding. I have an extra key for-”

“For what?” my lord Gregor cut her off, “The Wisteria? I told you before, Evanlyn, I do not trust that place.”

She threw her hands to the sides, “And why not? Because there are magical beings there? Because their choice of currency is different?”

“Different?” My lord began raising his voice, “It’s not currency they take and you know it. I can not pay what they require.”

“Then leave!” Evanlyn began raising her own voice, “Leave this fort, you and those loyal to you, and go into hiding! I know places in this world where no one would find you and you’d be safe!” her voice was filled with anger and pleading.

He shook his head, “Do you think me a coward? You’ve known me my whole life, have you ever known me to turn tail and run? If his minions come to my wall, they will fail. No one has ever breached the walls of Fort Prosper!”

“You have only ever been besieged once! By a band of marauders who were ill equipped to begin with!” she replied.

He waved his hand dismissively, “Bah, they failed and this king will too. I grow tired of this. I’m retiring to my chambers for the night. Leave or stay if you wish. It’s not like I could stop you anyways. Squire!”

I jumped at the sudden address. I was so transfixed by the argument that I forgot I was even there.

He continued before I could reply, “See to lady Evanlyn’s wishes. If she wants to be our guest here, tonight, then tend to her. But first,” he cupped his mouth as if trying to whisper, “have a small cask sent to my chambers tonight.”

I sighed but nodded my agreement. He turned and strode away towards the keep. I watched as his steps became less certain and realized he was far more drunk than I thought. I considered disobeying him and not sending a cask to him room, but decided I would rather not incite his wrath right now.

I turned to Evanlyn, who was glaring daggers at my lord’s back, “Lady Evanlyn. I am truly sorry for my-”

She held up a hand to cut me off and with a reassuring smile said, “It’s not your fault, young Fredrick. You are not responsible for that man’s actions. I simply don’t understand why he’s acting this way. I have seen him in all stages of inebriation and he’s never treated me like that before.” She turned to me, “Please, young Fredrick. You must try and talk some sense into your master. The lives of everyone in this fort depends on it.”

I felt sheepish, “I-I will try, lady Evanlyn. Will you be staying tonight?”

She smiled warmly, “I’m afraid not. I’m sure your hospitality would be one to take note of, but I have business elsewhere. Listen, your stubborn master won’t listen to me and doubtless he won’t listen to you. He may, however, listen to his brothers. Seek out the other knights and try to convince them to talk with Gregor.”

She turned and looked out of the gate as though she was looking at something then turned back to me, “I must go now. We will see each other again, I’m sure of it.”

She smiled again before climbing back onto her wagon and leaving.

I stood there alone in the twilight covered courtyard. Braziers by the gates and main door cast dancing lights all around. I then resolved to go find the other knights and hope they can talk some sense into my lord.

I walked into the main hall to find it empty. The servants had all gone home for the evening and my lord was nowhere to be found. I searched around, including his personal chambers, but I still couldn’t find him.

I finally decided to just pack my things for now and I would tell him in the morning. So I wrote out a note and went to bed.

The next day I awoke early and found him sitting in his study. I approached him and gave him the letter I had prepared.

He took it with a puzzled look and then nodded, “So you’re going to travel around the land to gather more information on the Black Cloaks? You’re going to leave me during these dark times? When you may be the only one I can trust?”

His tone became hostile but I held my ground, "It will only be for a couple of weeks at most, my lord. There are still people here more loyal to you than to this king. Please, my lord, let me go to some of the other towns and cities around and see how he has influenced them.”

His eyes narrowed, “This has something to do with her, doesn’t it? Has she put you up to this? Sent you to preform some clandestine quest for her? Very well, then. Go! Do what she asks, it’s not like you have a choice with her anyways!”

He slumped back into his chair and drank deep from a tankard. Crimson liquid drizzled down his chin as he drained the vessel. He slammed it down and began refilling it, refusing to look at me.

It was with a heavy heart I turned and left. In all my failings as his student and squire, I had never seen him so disappointed with me. It felt like something between us had been broken and it may never be repaired.

As I rode my pony out of the fort, I looked back, hoping I would be able to return. Hoping that when I did, my lord would see reason.