This chapter is a little shorter than the first one, due to exams and all. Don't forget to comment and click that vote button :D

Herivus awoke, his head throbbing in a million places. His vision was murky and he was lying on a very comfortable bed. His chest felt warmer than usual. He couldn't remember anything that happened. He heard voices conversing somewhere and tried to sit up. White-hot pain enveloped him and caused him to fall back to the bed, his chest heaving.

The people talking stopped abruptly and he felt their eyes on him "Spirits of Jora be praised! The boy is alive!" He heard someone say.

"I told you he'd survive. Though he's very likely to develop a bad fever very soon."

"Should I send for Lord Gretrus now?"

"Yes, you must. He'll kill us if we don't. And if he died, he'd have killed us anyway" One said. He drew a chuckle from the other and departed. The man went closer to Herivus, putting his hand on his head very carefully, like he was a snow structure and he could melt any minute.

"You feeling anything weird, boy?"

"Where am I?" Heri asked. He could tell he was in a tent, and was with Jorans, thank goodness. He tried to remember what happened. The sun was high in the sky and in the centre, the hole in the tent gleaming. It's noon then, he thought. 

He could see a man's face beaded with sweat but with his gown, he could tell he was a medico. Heri smelled bile somewhere.

"You're safe, boy. Ravens know it was a bloody close call. Your father says you landed squarely on the peak of one mountain. Pierced through your flesh like a kebab stick through barbecue." The medico said, smiling widely. Heri tried to get up again but fell back down to the bed.

"Would probably explain why I smell like a friggin' sewer" Heri managed to say. The medico kept smiling widely. "You're very correct, young sir. Though I advice you, the molding I executed on you was very extensive. I strongly advice you against doing anything that exerts you, like, ah, your expeditions and your swordplay."

Herivus looked at him in the corner of his eye then closed them. He could practically taste his fever coming on strong. Just great. No more little visits to Dragana, Master Wiley and his mother. The tent flap opened violently, his father walking in with Master Wiley, looking all business-like.

"How is he, Siraeus? He looks in terrible shape."

"He's as good as good can get, milord. He's shaken up real bad, has a case of amnesia. Can't remember what happened after the hover there."

"I told you it was a bad idea, milord. I warned you against it, how dangerous the entire thing was. If only you listened." Master Wiley said in his drab accent. Lord Gretrus looked back at him and back at the medico. "Master Wiley, if he's going to take over Grets from me, he's going to learn tradition"

"Milord, I recommend that he doesn't accompany you for at least two months. I also believe that his liver and lungs are in critical condition, so, Master Wiley, you can't have any of those beloved lessons with Heri." The medico pinched in. Master Wiley looked at him, then to Heri and back to the medico.

"Do whatever you think best, Chief Medico. Master Wiley, what do you think is the best course of action against the barbarians?"

"I think that this was a case of anger. If you remember what the original Plurias did to them, there's no wonder why they did this."

"You are really a master in stating the obvious, Wiley" the chief medico said, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture "Sir, I think what we should do is just to let it slide. All Gretrans knew what they were getting into when we accepted the request of the King almost three hundred years ago." Lord Gretrus glared at the Chief Medico, fire in his eyes.

"Have you been in a bar lately, medico? How can I let this injustice slide?" Lord Gretrus retorted. The chief medico simply returned his stare, unfazed. "You go to spy on someone. You get caught and hurt, and you call it injustice." The medico gave Lord Gretrus that look one bestows on a not particularly bright child. Master Wiley looked at Heri and back to Lord Gretrus.

"I hate to say that I agree with Siraeus on this one, milord." Master Wiley looked at medico Siraeus, licked his lips and continued "We spies have the duty not to get caught or we get hurt, it's simple as that. I believe the Senate would dismiss this with the same conclusion."

Lord Gretrus looked back and forth between the men and sighed. "I suppose we can't blame the Dragans for being barbarians though. Herivus did the best I've seen him do in trying to avoid that boulder and it wasn't enough."

Herivus' eyes flickered open again, his face dripping with sweat. Lord Gretrus looked straight at him, concern filling his features. He sat up, his stomach burning from the effort.

"Be careful, young sir. The fire Art's healing capabilities are not well known for their efficiency in these matters." Siraeus said immediately, rushing to his side. Herivus looked around him, not feeling well at all. "Siraeus, I'll make it a note to execute you when I'm well." Heri said, wheezing.

"As long as you're alive to kill me, young sir." Siraeus said, a hint of humor in his voice. Master Wiley looked at Herivus immediately. "Herivus, get to bed this instant. We all know how your father would get if you die now."

Herivus chuckled then wheezed. He made a weird coughing sound then looked at Siraeus. "I think I'm going to faint now, make yourselves comforta-" Heri wheezed and fell on the bed in a heap. The three men looked at each other, then Lord Gretrus and Master Wiley looked at Siraeus at the same time, both folding their hands.

"Hey, don't look at me, if his lorica hadn't given way when it did, we would be talking about burial arrangements here." Siraeus said with a wave of his hand. Lord Gretrus raised a brow at him.

"So you basically cooked him and you call that healing?" Lord Gretrus said, taken aback. Master Wiley nodded in silent approval. Siraeus glanced at the two of them quizzically. "So what's the latest news of the Dragans?" He said, trying to change the topic.

"Well, the news from that goat, Renar has spotted huge movement in between the creeks. He says that there are roughly over ninety thousand of the barbarians moving around now, a sudden spike in activity. He believes it had something to do with them finding Herivus spying on their territory and all that. He expects war in the coming months." Master Wiley informed him. Lord Gretrus looked at Herivus and back to Siraeus.

"How sure are you of these sources? Did they come from the Nefs themselves?" Siraeus asked, skepticism in his tone. Lord Gretrus looked surprised and turned to Master Wiley. He wilted under the intense gaze of a Lord of Jora, who were said to possess great power.

"Well, it's not exactly the Nefs...it's an underground spy network which has its base in Ren. They might even be faster than the Nefs for this information. You know how the Nefs are, all dragging their feet on an issue until it blows. Then they leave it for the Lords to handle. So, the question, do we rely on the Nefs or do we rely on faster information?"

"I think that Lord Gretrus here would prefer a more reliable source of information rather than what could be adulterated news. Remember, Wiley, efficient before quick." Siraeus said. Master Wiley shot him a look and looked back at Lord Gretrus whose brows were deeply furrowed.

"Milord, the consequences of our inaction could be fatal for both Ren and for our city. Whether unreliable or not, we could and should, move one or two of our Legions to aid Ren. If indeed the Dragans don't attack, which is unlikely due to them being very protective of their territory, we could withdraw our troops. It would take a while on foot to march from here all the way to Ren."

Lord Gretrus' brow furrowed further, deep in thought. Siraeus stared at the Lord of Grets and shook his head. He began laughing. Lord Gretrus raised a brow at him.

"Sir, with due respect, I urge you to remember the possibility of rebellion. At this moment, a civil war can come at any moment and could eat us up while we focus on a non-existent threat." Siraeus finally said, before walking over to attend some more to Herivus.

Siraeus was a tall man and also heavily built with a sword always kept close by. He was a master in healing, which required him to have a mastery in the Fire and Water arts, fire being used most of the time. Lord Gretrus looked at the man and back at Master Wiley.

"Your sources do not support your claim, Wiley. No matter how much I want to hurt the bastard who almost killed my son, I can't move troops indiscriminately. The Senate would have fun for a very long time. Until you can verify your sources, either the Nefs or Renar's agents, I can't act." Lord Gretrus said.

"B-but, sir, if we don't move now, w-we might never get to Ren in time enough for the s-successful defense of the c-city." Wiley stuttered.

"Leave it, Wiley. Renar can take care of his city. And I'll take care of mine" Lord Gretrus said through clenched teeth, spun on his heel and walked out of the tent. Master Wiley looked taken aback and then settled his eyes on Siraeus.

"How is he?" Wiley asked. Herivus looked pale, his eyes sunken and he was still bleeding through the nose. "What does he look like? He was as close to the edge as close gets. If he'd fallen a few meters to the left, the mountain would have caught him directly in the heart. I really don't expect him to be bouncing on his feet anytime soon" Siraeus said.

"We'd need him to convince Gretrus about the necessary course of action. Even though my sources are not verified, this could be information that would prevent the fall of Grets."

"Gretrus was right, you know. Let Renar bother about his own property. I think it's time we stopped playing big brother to Ren and let them grow on their own. We have problems of ours to deal with for goodness' sake."

Ravens peck his eyes, but Siraeus was correct. No matter how an egotistical ass he could be, Siraeus was almost always correct. But the ravens could come eat his throat before he would admit that Siraeus beat him in an argument. He had reservations about the man and there was just something off about him. He sat on the bed.

"Why don't you just get some rest, Siraeus? You've worked your ass off since last night when they came home." Siraeus looked straight at Wiley as if he had gone mad, his gaze piercing. "Of course, I don't mind. Then when I wake up, Gretrus hears that his son is dead and that old Siraeus left his son to his fate to get some sleep. Then I get burned on a steak on that's how my life will end." Siraeus said, sarcasm coloring his tone. The thought actually fascinated Wiley and he pondered on it for a moment. Then he smiled.

"Good luck to us all. We're gonna need it a lot in the coming weeks" Wiley said and walked out of the room. He could feel Siraeus' eyes on his back and that unsettled him. He hastened his steps once outside the tent. The day was progressing as usual, the commoners bustling about with heavy sacks of what had to be grains from the farms in the countryside. 

Here and there a noble passed by in the green and white robes that represented the city of Grets. The fully loaded wagons passed very frequently, creating a little break in the sea of human traffic right in the centre of Grets. The wagons had made an impression on the roads, leaving so many tire marks. Merchants arrived from the outskirts of the city with the commoners haggling prices for the goods. Lord Gretrus' city house loomed in the distance. 

As usual the place was filled with visitors and protesters, mostly the squires, as the peasants were always too busy to engage themselves in such things. Wiley sighed, annoyed at how he'd have to join the bustle of humans. It wasn't going to lull until the moon came out though and unless he wanted to sit and chat with Siraeus-which was completely out of the question, he'd have to move. He went in, silently afraid of what could happen in the next few weeks.

***

"I strongly disagree with you, Marcus. I will not sit back and watch while you go on another scouting mission to that wasteland after what happened to Heri. Instead, I'll call a meeting with the female citizens and we'll take it to the Senate if you don't have the guts to call the King to order!" Wiley stopped at the door. Only one person could speak to Lord Gretrus that way, even to the extent of calling him by his name. Herivus' siblings jostled around in the house, playing tag with the maids.

"And I say that if we cannot say something about their current figures and the direction that they are marching in, we can as well be bacon for the waiting Dragans." Lord Gretrus said. Wiley knocked twice and let himself into the room. Their bedroom was exquisitely furnished, the bed itself made from mahogany wood from the luxurious city of Carus, the floor made from marble. 

Plants were in full force in the room, making it look like a mini-jungle. The bed was king-sized and was made for a couple, though as far as he could tell, Lady Gretrus' side of the bed was very empty these past few months. Her side of the bed was without a crease, indicating that she wasn't around for at least four months.

"Oh, Master Wiley, what a pleasure to see you again. It's been a long time. How's Heri?" Lady Gretrus asked. She was a tall woman and was exotically beautiful. She wore a hunting suit, her black hair was allowed to fall past her shoulders, settling in the middle of her spine.

"Siraeus is still seeing to him. He's come down with a bad fever. His breathing is becoming labored and so is his pulse. Siraeus, I fear, is completely overworked and might not have a grasp of what he's doing any longer. He's likely to collapse of exhaustion before nightfall." He bowed.

"And what would be your thoughts on Herivus at the moment?" Lady Gretrus asked. "Um...I believe he should be out of circulation for a few weeks. Siraeus puts him out till two or three months."

Lady Gretrus glanced at her husband, irritation clear in her features. "Now that Herivus needs us both and we're actually together, an increasingly rare thing these days, we should stay and give him the attention he needs." Lord Gretrus gave her an irritated look. "And without the correct estimate, Herivus' life would be in danger anyway, wouldn't it? You should know better, Nina."

"You don't understand. If you could send out one of your chief scouts to hover in Dragana and come back, what would be the crime? And I also remember warning you very strongly against allowing Herivus to accompany you on your trips. Now, as a result of not thinking ahead, Herivus has suffered an injury that could kill even you. Would you like to regret a new mistake?"

"Nina, I'm not making a mistake. I need to be there myself to make a correct estimate of the figures."

"Or you could get that lazy oaf Renar to actually do something for himself and send his own bloody scouts!"

"Oh, could you stop yelling? We Gretrans swore an oath on the name of Joranus Caesar himself to never abandon our duty."

"Your bloody ancestors did that, not you! Wiley, could you tell us your opinion on this, ah, matter of common interest."

"I think, my lords, that both of you could compromise your views. Lady Nina, if you would tell your chief huntsman to go along with Lord Marcus' chief scout and you both stay home, you can both attend to Herivus." Wiley said and waited for the inevitable outburst.

"Impossible! My chief huntsman keeps the Timares away from our lands and thus the Timares would wreak havoc on all citizens before we can recover." Lady Nina said

"Impossible! My chief scout has to be with me because his estimates could be wrong!" Lord Marcus said. Nina gave Marcus a smile and looked at Master Wiley. "Can you see why my husband's argument is irrelevant? Firstly, your chief scout was hired to give correct estimates. Could his lack of ability be the reason why you're so reluctant? Secondly, you have an entire team who accompany you on your trips. Why can't you just give it up for poor Heri for once?"

Marcus sighed and looked at Wiley for support. Wiley simply diverted his eyes like he had never seen Marcus before. "Nina, send the runner to the chief scouts now. Tell them..." He sighed and closed his eyes, like he was swallowing bad food. "Tell them to go without me."

Nina let a sly laugh out of her mouth and looked at Marcus. "I guess that we can go talk to Heri now that everything is sorted. For now." She gave him a cold look and walked out of the room, hips swaying contemptuously. Wiley looked at Lord Gretrus quizzically.

"Your Grace, is something wrong?" Wiley asked. Lord Gretrus avoided his gaze and looked out of the glass window. Wiley could tell that the man was clearly pained, not from the argument but from other issues. Wiley thought it best not to ask directly.

"It's...it's nothing. Have you verified your sources from Ren yet?" Lord Gretrus asked, his face still looking out the window at the world below.

"My students are on the issue. We've gathered that the Nefs are now in Ren and should be back to give the news in a couple of days for the sake of not being recognized."

Lord Gretrus sighed and walked over to the bathroom, made a slight effort of art will and water rushed forth from the tap on the sink. He cupped his hands and poured the water on his face. He looked quite fragile for a Lord of Jora. 

Wiley did his best to stay silent and tried to deduce what was going on. Lady Gretrus had been away for months supposedly hunting Timares. Before Herivus was born she barely spent a week on the road and came back to her husband. After Herivus was born, she spent a great deal of time at home and seemed happy. Ever since Herivus' last sibling was born, she'd been scarce.

"I think we should allow Renar a chance to prove his salt to be part of the Lords of Jora. I will not send my legions to go defend his bloody city."

"Sir, I'd advice you again. This is the wrong course of action. What's next after Ren?" Wiley asked.

"It's clear that you suck in Geography, Wiley. In case you forgot, Karunus is after Ren after which it's Grets and I believe that Karunus has proved to be a very powerful Lord. So shut up and forget about this bloody issue!" Wiley was shocked. He had never, in his twenty years in Lord Gretrus' employ, seen him have a loose handle of his emotions.

"I spoke out of place, Your Grace. Forgive my apparent rudeness." Master Wiley said and turned to walk out of the room. He could feel Lord Gretrus' eyes on him and it weighed his shoulders down. He stopped in front of the door and swallowed.

"Is there anything you require me to do before I go, Your Grace?"

After a painful stretching silence, he replied "No, you may go, Wiley"

Wiley, without further ado,walked out of the room, silently afraid of what would happen in the future.

Author's Note:

Well, this chap was a bit of a speed bump for me, I'm usually a bucket load of ideas. I guess when the writer's block hits me, it hits HARD. Thankfully this isn't one of those moments because the book just goes on hold for months. Not this one though. Lol