Chapter Fifty One: The Architect

The king sat in his manor, reading about dragons. A guard approached him with a message. The king got up from his chair and went to the front door. He opened it and was greeted by a very wounded, battered and unshaven Lord Redran.

The king embraced his friend in a hug even though Redran winced due to his injuries.

“So you thought you could fly, hey?” The king joked with the writer.

“I’ve fallen off too many cliffs this year.” Redran said with a chuckle.

“Have you seen my ballistas?”

“You’ve built a lot of them. I could hardly recognise the landscape, so many fallen trees.”

“I am going to make the dragon bleed.” The king said.

“I surely hope so.” Redran said, “And the ice mages? I found their temple abandoned. It took me weeks to travel back here.”

“The ice mages deserted their temple. They informed me of a parasitic worm that transformed the villagers nearby into horrifying beasts. They opened a portal and all travelled here.” Redran relaxed as soon as he heard this.

“I thought everyone else had perished. I couldn’t see any footprints leading home.” Redran said. His mood got better. “Give me a few weeks to recover, and then you will have my full service again, your highness. I plan to return to my manor in Buttermilk. I am leaving the castle in a few days.”

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“I am surprised you did not immediately head home and do that.” The king said bluntly. “I am glad you are alive though.” The king smiled. “Someone has to write a book about this.”

Redran laughed and turned to leave.

“I shall see you soon.” Redran said slowly. He left through the door.

In the street, he transformed into a wolf and started to sprint to his old temporary quarters inside the ruins of the castle.

Nathaniel was surprised as the wolf galloped past him. “Redran?” Nathaniel whispered to himself. Nate continued walking back to his house. He sat down at the dinner table and Barraud set out two plates of roast chicken breast and potatoes.

“I can’t taste it anyways, but It’s my favourite recipe.” Barraud explained. “Let me know what you think.”

Nathaniel took a bite and was blown away. The chicken was seasoned very nicely.

“I was speaking to some people from the castle today. After they got past the whole ‘skeleton’ thing, I was able to show them some of my new drawings.” Barraud showed Nathaniel some pictures he had sketched.

Barraud had redesigned the castle of flowers. Each of the houses were redesigned as well. The homes were intricate and beautiful. Barraud was truly a master of his craft.

“These are incredible, Barraud.” Nathaniel said with glee.

“So, that’s how I got a job.” Barraud said smartly.

“You got a job?” Nathaniel cheered. “Did you hear that, Brutus?”

“Bite me, you’re not my dad.” Brutus snapped back. He was watching the Scrying Orb, sitting on the couch.

“I’m proud of you Barraud,” Nathaniel said. “And a month ago you were a pile of bones hanging out with spiders.”

Barraud smiled and happily finished fake eating his chicken.