Chapter 248 After The Battle (2/2)

”I will h she spoke softly, her voice carried a hint of soerous than that

Arran briefly considered asking her what she was planning, but he quickly thought better of it Whatever the Matriarch had in h, that much was obvious

”Now, you should return to your residence,” the Matriarch said ”I will send along several es to protect you until I can be certain there are nohis expression cal the Matriarch's people guarding hiers look over his shoulder as he trained would be no small hindrance But he couldn't refuse the offer — not without drawing the Matriarch's suspicion

”Kephas, Galene,” the Matriarch called out At once, two of the roup stepped forward, a man and a woman She faced them with a severe expression, then said, ”I entrust the both of you with the safety of ht — not until this threat has been dealt with”

The twoto Arran When he returned their gaze, he found that their eyes held a hint of power — the kind of thing he'd only ever seen in the strongest of ht they would be Grandes

The Matriarch turned back to Arran, then said, ”Return to your residence and take the week to recover We will resume your studies once you are fully healed”

She took souards with instructions, then spent severalArran to rest properly until he was healed While there was little need for the advice — his injuries were already healing and would be gone before the end of the day — he appreciated her concern all the same

The way back to the House of Seals was short and fa Arran treated it like an expedition into dangerous territory, constantly wary of hidden dangers For this, he could not blame them — he had been attacked in a place that should be as safe as any in the Valley, after all

Their expressions only eased when they passed through the House's gates, and even then only slightly While the idea of an attack within the stronghold was ridiculous, it was obvious that they were not inclined to take any chances

When they arrived at Arran's mansion, they found both Jovan, Doran, and Anthea already waiting at the gate, concern written across their faces

Arran explained what had happened as they ardens, with their looks of worry only fading once they were certain that Arran was fine

As he told the events, however, so that almost resembled amusement appeared on Doran's face

”They sent adepts?” he asked incredulously ”Against you?”

While Doran didn't know about Arran's resistance to h that he knew all too well how easily Arran could take down an adept

”They intended to kill h I suspect they ave Jovan a grateful smile There could be little doubt that the attackers had tried to gain infor to their plan, and from the result, it was clear that they had failed to do so

Jovan shrugged, though with a hint of embarrassment on his face ”I told the boys to keep their ured you wouldn't want the entire Valley to know about your skills”

”And a good thing you did,” Arran said ”But now, let's eat — fighting always ry”

Jovan quickly had the cooks prepare a lavish meal, rich with meat and poultry, which he clai will they be staying here?” Anthea asked as they ate, casting a furtive glance at the two es the Matriarch had sent to protect Arran Both had declined to join thewatch from a few dozen paces away

”At least a week,” Arran said He fervently hoped it wouldn't beto make hihtblade arrived, hurrying into the gardens with an expression that contained worry and fury in equal parts

”Tell me what happened,” she said to Arran as she approached ”The rest of you, begone Now!” Doran, Jovan, and Anthea immediately did as she said — her tone brooked no objections Yet the two htblade with suspicious eyes

”I said, begone!” Brightblade roared And as she spoke, Arran could Sense her seize a terrifying amount of Essence