Rise of the Warrior of Everfen

Chapter 67: Something Is Wrong

Walking the halls of the castle felt strange, knowing this was where she'd be sleeping tonight and possibly for many nights to come. She hated it. Every ache in her body was a bitter reminder that she didn't want to be here, but more than that was the way Wren had made her feel just now. She remained silent, not willing to speak about it in front of the servant, as they tread the hallways until they reached a room he declared was theirs. He politely asked if they needed anything but she sent him away and Cold Hammer closed the door somewhat brusquely.

As it closed, he met her gaze, lips in a hard line. For the first time in their life together, she noticed wrinkles that hadn't been there before, only apparent as his expression twisted and his hands hung at his sides. Orcs aged slower than humans, but he was, by all accounts, moving a little closer to his middle life. They would grow old together. There was little need for her to worry about surpassing him in age physically.

Cold Hammer's eyes still lingered on her as she silently reflected on it, but they had more important matters to attend to than physical appearances and aging. He had something to say, she could see it in his eyes as Andol continued clinging to her leg, looking around the room. His eyes were bright with curiosity, he didn't know what was normal and what wasn't, but Wren's behavior, his appearance, was far beyond normal.

It took only a moment longer for Cold Hammer to finally speak, "Did you see the way he looked at you?"

"Like he was on the verge of attacking?"

"Like he was an animal." His words weren't so much accusatory as they were matter of fact.

"Something is wrong."

"We should leave."

She didn't know why it crossed her mind, but she had to wonder if Wren would let her. She tried not to dwell on that thought and she certainly didn't voice it to him. It'd definitely piss him off and they were trying to stay civil. She was clearly winning after her rabid display in the throne room. "I want to find out what he wants." And what was wrong.

"He's not well. His clothes look like they've been worn for weeks, he hasn't shaved or washed, he doesn't even look like he's been eating a proper meal."

She frowned at Cold Hammer's observations. She'd been so focused on her own rage and then on Wren's eyes and movement, on the beast that lingered there, that she hadn't paid much attention to his physical appearance. She'd noticed he was in disarray, but she hadn't really looked at him.

"This is where we're sleeping?" Andol interjected and she followed his gaze towards the room's innards. Immediately inside was a large, open area with a couple of chairs for lounging and perhaps guests as well. They were ornate, with intricately carved wooden arms and legs, with thick, rich fabric.

A large set of drapes cut the room in half and on the other side was the bed chamber, the drapes currently tied back so that they could see straight through. There were golden statues lining the walls leading to the bed, a surprising amount of walking space, and then the biggest bed she'd ever laid eyes on. Their home was a quarter of the size of this room. She didn't know what to make of all this space and this was just one room within the palace.

"This is where we're sleeping." She confirmed, kind of curious as to what the bed would feel like. A knock on the door caused her to turn away instead of walking to the bed. Cold Hammer was still standing in place and he looked irritated as he gave a gruff sigh and pulled the door back open. Her heart skipped, leaping for joy, "Khash!"

He stepped in graciously, a smile on his face and she threw her arms around his neck and he gasped and she felt his hands slightly above her hips, "Erinne! I didn't realize you were so far along!" He pulled back, gaping at her distended belly. The moment of joy started to fizzle as he frowned, his face reddening. "You shouldn't have traveled this far."