“What is it doctor? Why can I feel my life fade away?” It was difficult for me to ask but I had to know. He blinked slowly and shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t know. The fever, the fatigue, the lumps and the bumps, the sudden falling asleep, I’ve never seen anything like it. All I can say is to rest.” I nodded my head solemnly. I wasn’t old, only 42, my hair hadn’t even finished greying yet. My children, what would they do without their father? I admit I haven’t been the best father in the world, shipping Arthur off for studies at such a young age. I hope it wasn’t in vain, I hope he keeps the realm safe when I am gone. My eyes closed, I was suddenly aware of the huge weight my eyelids held. I slowly and peacefully drifted off to sleep.
Master Tehlmar arrives at the Apiarist Guild Office.
“Walther? I am here to see young Arthur.” Tehlmar said, wearing a stone face. He looked pale, as if he had been stabbed in the gut. Arthur came in, cautiously approaching the strange man he had not seen in a lifetime. “You asked to see me?” asked he, his voice resonating politeness and etiquette. Tehlmar bent down on one knee and put his hand on Arthurs shoulder, his face inches away from the young boy. “Arthur, we need to take you back to Thespikia, your father he… He didn’t recover from his illness. You have a lot of responsibility now, it pains me to say this but your child hood has ended-.” Walther stepped up and butted in. “That’s quite enough Master Tehlmar, you don’t need to put it quite like that. Come now Arthur, we must get ready for the travel.” Arthur looked shocked, a flash of emotion flooded his face. But as quickly as it had come about it had gone, leaving a stoic look. Tehlmar admired his bravery through such a moment, it’s never hard to hear about the death of ones kin let alone when you are just a boy. Arthur quietly excused himself and went with Walther to collect his belongings.