Chapter 239 A Palace of Ones Own (2/2)

The basement also held a small library, a study, an alche with two dungeon cells — both empty, to Arran's relief

Yet while so rooerated the basement's value For all intents and purposes, itmore rooms to a lanced at hilint in his eye ”You seehtly ”But there's one esture at their surroundings, he continued, ”All of this was built below the Valley's wards nobody can spy on you here — whatever happens here is hidden even froe who accompanied the frohtfully, already considering the many ways he would be able to use the place He would have to ask Brightblade if the Elder was correct, of course, but if he was, then the dungeon would be exceedingly useful

There was one thing the Elder hadn't yet mentioned, however At the end of the hallway lay another staircase that led even deeper into the ground

”What's down there?” Arran asked

The Elder's expression instantly turned uncomfortable ”That,” he said slowly, ”leads to the Depths One of h for what reason I cannot say Naturally, it's warded every bit as well as the Valley itself, though I would still suggest staying clear of it”

The words meant little to Arran, but he sensed the subject was one the Elder would not gladly discuss any further Another question for Brightblade, then — one aer,” the Elder said ”I still have to show you the gardens, and I expect you will particularly like the hot spring Co”

Without any further words, the old ardens turned out to be everything Arran could have hoped for There were several large training fields that were perfect for practicing swords the well-kept plants and trees

As the Elder had predicted, Arran was especially pleased with the hot spring He could Sense that its stea with Natural Essence, and as Elder Niklas explained, they supposedly held additional restorative properties as well

”But I think I've shown you all need to know,” the Elder finally said ”My servants should be just about done clearing out the mansion, so I won't take up any ain soon enough”

He said soh his voice held er to take possession of his neer in the city

Arran, for his part, was every bit as eager to see the old man leave The day's events had left him weary, and he could barely wait to be left alone

It still took the Elder and his h they left behind a large amount of furniture and several libraries worth of books — but finally, the last of thee sent by the Matriarch rerounds, the ave Arran a studious look

”I suspect you would like sos,” he said ”It will take uards, but until then, get so starts, I expect you will have little opportunity for that”

He turned to leave, then briefly glanced back at Arran ”You like woave the man a non-plussed stare ”I suppose so, but why…”

He had no chance to finish the sentence, however, as the e's final question caused him some confusion, he quickly set the matter aside If this was his last chance to rest before his training began, he would ht, he headed to the hot spring

He sighed contentedly when he slid into the hot water, feeling its Natural Essence nourish his body Whatever the , at least he would be able to spend his free time in comfort

Between the eventful day and the war, the relaxation proved too , and just a few moments later he was fast asleep