Chapter 33 The Old Friend who comes bearing gifts (1/2)

While Rassa wasted away in the cage, fighting a losing internal battle with Red Eyes, and a hopeless external one with Jameson, Phillip and Anna did their best to appear normal.

In many eyes, they had failed epicly at doing so. Who would not suspect them after their son had been like this for three years? After Phillip had displayed knowledge that he had known about Rassa's condition before the rest of the town found out. They were, to say the least, outcast from their social circles.

Those who had once called themselves friends now paid the pair no mind. In their work they were held to unreachable standards, and shamed for their lack of results. In the grand scheme of things, the only thing that they were better off for than their son was that they were at least still allowed to eat.

It was in this poor condition that Knight General Turney found his old student in. He arrived in the evening, a single rider dressed in travelling clothes and carrying a broadsword. He'd asked a question to one of the men passing on the street, and the man had cautiously pointed him in the direction of Phillip and Anna's house. Turney arrived at the house, lit dimly from the inside by candlelight, and knocked on the door.

”Oh for the love of god, leave us be!”

Phillip snapped as he swiftly opened the door. Phillip's angry expression dropped instantly into that of shock. Turney looked older. Nearly seventeen years older, but it was still his old master. Phillip recognised him in an instant.

”You came”.

”I'm assuming that at least I am welcome then?” asked Turney, taken aback by Phillip's rage.

”Come inside,” Phillip sighed, ”I'll explain over dinner”.

Turney was not going to refuse a meal. He tied his horse to one of the posts outside then followed Phillip inside. Their house was small, the main room hosted the kitchen and dining room in one, and the bedrooms through the doors to the rear of the house. Anna was busy at the stove. Turney had not ever had the pleasure of meeting Anna, he knew only that she was of common birth. Regardless of such circumstance though, she was very beautiful, more so than he had been led to believe. It was no wonder Phillip had fallen for her.

What amazed Turney more however, was the difference between the life Phillip was born into, and the one he led now. It was such a drastic change, and Turney couldn't help but question if it was some kind of joke. After all, what noble-born prince would want to choose such poor conditions over his lavish birthrite?

Then, it was Phillip. He'd never been one to follow the majority.

”Anna,” Phillip spoke softly. Anna turned from the stove to look at the large man whom Phillip had brought inside. He was older than Phillip by at least two decades, his muscles and skin worn with age. Despite this however, the man looked strong, perhaps even on par with her husband in terms of skill, ”Anna, this is Knight General Quince Turney of Fountain Ridge. He's an old friend”.

Anna looked over the Knight General for a moment, and Turney had to admit there were few times where he'd felt such a discerning gaze before. Anna then turned her gaze to her husband.

”You contacted your family?” asked Anna.

Phillip sighed, ”Not exactly”.

”He's from Fountain Ridge, your family will know either way”.

This woman was perceptive, and clever. It was rare Turney had ever seen Phillip struggling for an answer. Phillip sat down at the table.

”The Anthrite, I had no choice,” Phillip said.

Anna turned away, back to the stove, ”Come in, Knight General, take a seat”.

”Quince is fine,” Turney replied, ”I'm not on duty”.

He did as told, and there was silence in the room for a moment as Turney looked around, then he finally spoke.

”You mentioned you had a son?”

Phillip's expression turned grave, and Anna paused in her cooking, turning again to her husband.

”You told them about Rassa?!”