Chapter 80 The Institute
Chapter 80 The Institute
Luna’s POV
A flash of lightning outside the window captures my attention briefly.
A sharp, stinging pain makes me hiss, far different from the burning, dull pain that runs down the entire length of my arm.
“Apologies, Master,” The doctor quickly says, lowering his head in a semblance of a bow. He presses the cotton wool soaked in antiseptic against the wound on my shoulder, eliciting more sharp pains. I press my lips together.
We are back in the Stronghold. Ymir observes from the side, folding his arms. Despite the fierceness exhibited in his posture, his eyes hold a deep sympathy that evokes pity.
I roll my eyes internally. About thirty minutes ago, the Steward of the Stronghold was nigh inconsolable as he bowed to me several times, asking for mercy for his delays in finding me.
Thank the Goddess that neither Calla nor Gale had been there then, having been sent to their rooms.
I sigh; he has no intention of leaving me to rest, so I must ask him to do something.
“Tell me, Ymir,” I murmur, my voice carries through the large clinic. “What news do you have for me?”
Ymir bows and instantly jolts into action, like a statue brought to life.
“There has been a word from our Eastern Institute,” Ymir begins. “The Hounds are spreading, dividing forces into over a hundred groups. This may make their forces smaller but they still hold a lot in numbers. At least a thousand in each group.”
A recipe for disaster. I frown slightly. They must have some more people near the Ironfang pack then. I must find a way to send word to Kael then, at least for the sake of his Pack’s safety. And also to neighboring packs as well. If they intend to divide and conquer, this would not bode well for the majority of packs, which are smaller in number in relation to the greater packs.
“What else?” I ask, a signal to change the subject.
Ymir nods and continues, regaling me with various other less consequential news. I take them all in, my mind whirling and feeling a tad overwhelmed. Yet I do not have the strength to voice such. I have a responsibility now, one that cannot be dismissed by mere wishing.
Is this how Kael and Rowan feel whenever undertaking their activities?
“There has also been word,” Ymir adds after telling me of the impending storm to signal the end of summer and the preparations our people are making. “That the Sacred Order has finally decided to join the fight. It is the first time the Sacred order has deemed it fit to meddle in the affairs of politics and war. At least in the past thousand years.”
That is a long time to be unaffected. But, I wonder silently what has made the Sacred order to reconsider their stance.
The prophecy, a voice in my head states.
I sigh openly, refraining from tensing as the wound on my shoulder is firmly bandaged.
The doctor hands me a potion, blue in colour with an iridescent sheen. I drink all of it in a go, my nose wrinkling at the medicinal scent and taste.
Yet I do not complain.
It is better to augment my healing abilities rather than disdain the aid of my subordinates.
“We’ll need to investigate the Sacred order further. I need to find out the extent of their role in this fight against the Hounds, and also…” I think of Calla and press my lips together. “To ensure we are on friendly terms with them.”
“Our Stronghold and the Royal Family have always maintained a polite relationship with the Sacred Order, although they have never longed to come to our aid. They are not our enemies,” He explains, but nods in obedience to my order. “I shall have some shadow guards from the troops investigate. They require your direct organization however.”
“Troops?” I inquire and Ymir bows again to explain.
“We have amassed a large number of trips, all having taken an oath. Most of the troops hold blood ties of servitude to you, Master. You needn't fear their strength. However, they do require a new General. The old General perished in the last Great War and since then, I have stood in proxy to organize and lead their training.” He bows again.
I smile, thankful to Ymir for his help.
“Very well,” I wave my hand, rising to my feet. The dull ache has long faded, although my shoulder is stiff and still twinges when I shift. “I shall meet with them tomorrow. Arrange for it. Also, I require all documents pertaining to the network and Institutes to be brought to me.”
“ Yes master.”
Desire to sleep springs up but I evade it, heading instead to my study, the place that holds plenty of secrets. Last time there was a significant lack of exploration from my end, but this time I intend on knowing everything about this place, and understanding my role. That way, I know more about what the future holds.
As Ymir and a maid arrive bearing stacks of papers, I add, “I want information pertaining to the prophecy as well.”
Ymir stiffens, but bows in acknowledgement. I wonder if the prophecy’s knowledge is a sore subject for him.
Especially with the deaths of my parents two decades ago.
Thinking on this, I resolve to work and sit on the mahogany carved chair behind the desk. It proves exceedingly comfortable and I grab the first parchment that catches my eye, and begin to read.
I have to work ten times harder than I have ever worked before.
The work is tedious, long and unending. I pore over paper, taking notes with a quill and ink which Ymir has helpfully ground for me.
Each information lodges itself into my brain yet I find I have barely scratched the surface of it all.
Only when a maid arrives bearing a warm cup of cocoa and some snacks do I relax.
I yawn, sipping on the warm cocoa while watching the rain fall outside.
I wonder if Kael would be searching for me now. Or if Rowan would prevent him.
I have no doubt the two would be at odds, but the thought of being found now is heart wrenching.
There are some things I must do by myself.
…