Chapter 4: Quiet Observations
After leaving the council chamber, Dolin had walked back to his room, using his basic mental map to trace the directions back to his room.
He then got some more needed time to scour the notebook. With this, he was able to keep up to date on the current events in the kingdom, and he could also have more information on the others in the castle.
Hours passed like this. Eventually, the dim torchlight outside faded, replaced by the deep darkness of night.
"That's enough for today."
***
Morning came, with the loud sounds of servants perusing the hallways.
Dolin opened his eyes, jolting awake. He always had a habit of waking up abruptly to even the slightest of sounds, due to his life in the slums.
For a moment he laid still, letting his mind settle.
The nightmare.
The castle.
Aelius.
He exhaled and sat up.
"Well," he muttered, "Still here."
A new day had begun.
Dolin dressed with haste and stepped out into the corridor.
His first destination was the strategists' study.
Inside, he found Renwick already seated at a desk, reading through reports. Kerul stood near a map, studying the territory with an impatient expression.
Renwick looked up first.
"Ah, Aelius. This is a first. You usually aren't here this early."
Dolin inclined his head.
"I'm turning a new leaf."
Kerul scoffed slightly.
"You missed quite a few reports yesterday," the younger strategist said. "After the meeting you just up and left. The western scouts sent updates."
Renwick slid a document to him across the table.
"Nothing too alarming. The creatures near the ridge are gathering, but haven't made a direct advance."
Dolin glanced over the report, saving it in his memory.
"How many patrols are currently stationed there?"
"Six," Renwick replied. "Although Kerul would prefer we send twelve."
"If they attack in force, six patrols won't matter."
The two strategists continued their argument while Dolin simply listened.
He only made minor remarks, not wanting to reveal his inexperience, as even though he had gotten some footing in his new role from the notebook, he still didn't want any chance of being found out.
Eventually, discussion slowed.
Kerul left first, muttering something about the defenses.
Renwick remained behind, organizing his paper stack.
Dolin, now alone with Renwick, decided to probe for some more information.
Dolin leaned forward slightly against the table.
"Renwick," he said in a casual tone.
The older man looked up.
"Yes?"
Dolin hesitated before speaking.
"Have you noticed anything unusual… about Vedior as of late?"
Renwick frowned.
"Unusual?"
Dolin shrugged.
"Perhaps it is nothing, but I noticed he seemed rather insistent during yesterday's council."
Renwick leaned back in his wooden chair.
"Vedior has been cautious. Some might even say overly cautious."
"I agree."
"I will admit, his Majesty seemed more troubled lately. The war has taken a toll on everyone."
"Makes sense," Dolin said.
"Still, Vedior has served the kingdom faithfully for years. I would not worry too much."
Dolin nodded in response.
"Perhaps you're right. Maybe I'm just becoming a little on edge myself."
The conversation ended there, and Dolin was dismayed.
He had no proof of anything, just small suspicions.
***
Later that day, Dolin wandered another wing of the castle, expanding his mental map of the area.
As he turned, he slowed his steps.
At the balcony, stood two familiar faces. The King and Vedior.
They were speaking quietly, as he could not pick up a word being said.
Dolin did not approach, and instead paused near a tall pillar, out of sight.
The King looked tired. Not ill, just weary.
Vedior spoke in a calm way, his posture straight and composed.
The King listened in silence before rubbing his temple slightly, eventually nodding his head.
The two spoke for a few more minutes before parting ways.
He really does look exhausted.
Then his eyes shifted to Vedior.
His mention in the notebook and his suspicious behavior are really getting on my nerves.
After a moment, he left. There was one more person he wanted to meet.
***
The training yard was filled with soldiers, or knights as they sported armor and swords. They were practicing drills and sparring with one another.
Dolin stepped inside, watching quietly. These were the men who would go out to fight the creatures gathering beyond the walls.
At the center of the hall, a tall man in heavy armor caught his attention.
Chief of the Royal guard.
Even from a distance, the man was imposing.
The chief caught his gaze and walked over.
"Lord Aelius," the man said with a respectful tone.
Dolin responded.
"Chief Veiner."
"To what do I owe the visit?"
Dolin glanced briefly at the training knights.
"I wanted to get a better understanding of the current Castle defenses."
The chief nodded.
"A good concern."
The two stepped aside from the hall to speak more comfortably.
"The ridge in the West has been our main concern. Patrols are rotating regularly, but the creature's numbers are growing, which is a major concern."
"How often does his majesty review the defenses personally?"
"Less frequently. He relies more on the reports of the council as of late."
Dolin nodded thoughtfully.
Finally, the chief studied him more closely.
"You seem more curious as of late, Lord Aelius."
Dolin smiled in return.
"Just making sure I do my job properly, that's all."
The chief smiled back with an approving nod.
"A curious strategist is better than one who assumes he knows everything."